Name: Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for apples); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for apples); ; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed; 3/4 cup chopped pecans

When your kitchen smells like cinnamon, baked apples, and roasted pecans, you know something good is happening. This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake brings together the best of a classic apple crumble and a soft, buttery coffee cake—making it ideal for cozy mornings, fall gatherings, or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something extra special.

Each bite delivers juicy chunks of apple, layers of warm spice, a moist cake crumb, and that irresistible pecan-streusel crunch on top. Whether served warm with a drizzle of caramel or paired with a hot mug of coffee, this cake transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery-style treat right from your own oven.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essentials to make the baking process smooth and enjoyable:

9×13 Baking Pan: This size ensures the coffee cake bakes evenly with the perfect crumb-to-topping ratio.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few of these for mixing the cake batter, apple filling, and crumble topping separately.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar properly—this ensures your cake is fluffy and well-aerated.

Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in ingredients without overmixing.
Apple Peeler/Corer: Speeds up the prep work and keeps the apple slices uniform.
Cooling Rack: Helps the cake cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Having these tools handy makes baking this coffee cake a joyful experience, especially when the aromas start filling your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Apples: The heart of the recipe, apples add moisture, tartness, and sweet depth. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for both the cake and the crumb topping.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combo of these sugars gives the cake a balanced sweetness and adds a hint of molasses to the topping.
Butter: Used in both the cake and the topping for a rich, tender crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth streusel.
Eggs: These help bind the batter and provide structure.

Sour Cream: Adds tang and ensures the cake stays moist and dense without being heavy.
Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that brings warmth to the batter.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leaveners work together to help the cake rise beautifully.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Bring that classic apple spice flavor we crave in fall bakes.
Chopped Pecans: Add crunch and buttery richness to the crisp topping.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.

How To Make the Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small bite-sized chunks. Toss them with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar and set aside to release their juices.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to create a crumbly mixture. Refrigerate while preparing the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half the batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan. Layer the cinnamon-sugar apples evenly across. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading gently. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the batter.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before slicing. For an indulgent finish, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Best Way to Serve and Store This Coffee Cake

This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake shines when served slightly warm, allowing the juices from the apples to mingle with the crisp topping. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it dessert-worthy, while a warm slice with coffee turns breakfast into a cozy delight.

For storing, once the cake has completely cooled, cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape while baking and offer a balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake it the night before and warm slices in the oven or microwave just before serving. The flavors deepen overnight!

How can I make it gluten-free?

Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free too.

Can I add other nuts or omit the pecans?

Yes! Walnuts work wonderfully here, or you can skip nuts altogether if there are allergy concerns.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with a similar tangy richness and moisture.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the granulated sugar in the batter slightly (try 1/4 cup less), but keep in mind it may affect both texture and flavor slightly.

Want More Coffee Cake Ideas?

If this Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake hit the sweet spot, you’ll love exploring these other cozy and creative bakes from Life With Olivia:

Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a nostalgic, sugar-crusted twist.

Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze when you want to sneak in some veggies.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for an easy, fruity dessert mashup.
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe that combine classic Italian flavor with handheld charm.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf when you crave citrusy freshness in every bite.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the caramel? Maybe swap the pecans for walnuts?

I love seeing your twists and takes on these cozy creations. If you have any questions, drop them below—let’s make this a baking conversation!

Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pecan Apple Crisp Coffee Cake blends warm spices, soft buttery cake, juicy baked apples, and a crisp pecan streusel topping. It’s the perfect make-ahead brunch star or cozy dessert served with coffee or warm caramel sauce.