Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

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Get ready for the ultimate fall indulgence with this Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake. It’s the perfect hybrid of a warm apple crisp and a buttery coffee cake, layered with tart apples, crunchy pecan streusel, and a tender, cinnamon-kissed crumb. Each bite offers the best of both cozy breakfast and decadent dessert worlds.

Whether you serve it as a brunch centerpiece or a sweet finish to your holiday dinner, this coffee cake is packed with seasonal flavor and nostalgia. The crisp topping adds a satisfying crunch that balances beautifully with the soft, spiced cake underneath. Trust me, it’s one of those bakes that disappears before the coffee cools.

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What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Cake?

Go for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their structure holds up during baking and offers a bright contrast to the sweet brown sugar and buttery base. Avoid overly soft apples, as they can become mushy and water down the texture of your cake.

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Ingredients for the Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and chopped tart apples (like Granny Smith)

For the Pecan Crisp Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed

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How To Make the Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or standard cake pan.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when squeezed.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine and Layer

Add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Fold in chopped apples. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.

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Serving and Storing Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent. It makes a great breakfast treat or mid-afternoon snack.

To store, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it (without the topping) for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the topping is chilled and crumbly when added to the batter. Don’t overmix it or press it down—just sprinkle it on.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it the night before and warm individual slices in the microwave the next morning.

Can I swap the pecans for another nut?

Definitely. Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives, or leave the nuts out entirely if needed.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. Use full-fat for the best texture.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

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Want More Coffee Cake Ideas?

If you love this Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake, you’ll want to explore more comforting bakes like these:

• Nutella French Toast Casserole: for chocolatey breakfast bliss.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe: perfect for cozy mornings.
• Baked Apple Empanadas: hand-held pockets of fall flavor.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: buttery, cinnamon-rich goodness.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake: when you need a dessert with drama.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra on the pecan topping? Did you sneak in a caramel swirl?

I love hearing how others put their twist on my bakes. Feel free to ask questions—we’re all here to make baking more joyful.

More cozy bakes await on my Pinterest @NinaDishes

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