Crisp, buttery, and bursting with nutty sweetness, this pecan praline coffee cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The moist, tender crumb of the cake perfectly complements the crunchy praline topping and rich, flavorful filling. What makes this recipe work so well is the combination of textures – the soft cake, the chewy praline, and the satisfying crunch of the crumble. It’s a trifecta of deliciousness that elevates the humble coffee cake to something truly special.

This pecan praline coffee cake is the perfect centerpiece for a weekend brunch with family and friends. It’s also fantastic for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a little bit of indulgence.

Why you’ll love this Cozy Pecan Praline Coffee Cake

The pecan praline filling is incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and, of course, pecans.
The praline crumble topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful addition to any brunch spread.
The recipe makes a generous 9 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
This pecan praline coffee cake is a delicious and comforting treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Cozy Pecan Praline Coffee Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

How to make Cozy Pecan Praline Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Pecan praline coffee cake makes every moment feel comforting. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. This ensures the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. This creates a light and airy base for the cake.

Step 4: Prepare the praline filling

In a small bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and cinnamon for the praline filling. Set aside.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle.

Step 6: Make the praline crumble topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for the crumble topping. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key to creating a crumbly texture.

Step 7: Assemble the cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the praline filling evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, spreading evenly.

Step 8: Add the crumble topping

Sprinkle the praline crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.

Step 9: Bake the cake

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan.

Step 10: Cool and serve

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents the cake from crumbling.

Chef’s Tip: If you’re looking for another delicious breakfast option, why not try this cream cheese based spaghetti recipe? It is a wonderful dish to make.

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
Use high-quality pecans for the best flavor.
Check the cake for doneness with a wooden skewer inserted into the center.

Serving Suggestions

This pecan praline coffee cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

A cup of hot coffee or tea
A dollop of whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this coffee cake? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, walnuts or almonds would be delicious alternatives to pecans.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature, well-wrapped.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this pecan praline coffee cake. Its moist, nutty, and utterly delicious flavor profile makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Go ahead and bake this recipe, and let us know in the comments how it turns out for you!

Ultimate Pecan Praline Coffee Cake Recipe