Deliciously Decadent Chocolate-Chip Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Greetings coffee and dessert lovers,
Are you looking for a scrumptious morning or afternoon treat? I’m thrilled to present to you this delectable chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake recipe. This irresistible cake is perfect for early mornings, brunches or simply as a dessert with your favorite homemade coffee.
This recipe is easy to follow, and the preparation time won’t tire you out. With minimal effort, you can whip up a delicacy that will have everyone drooling.
Imagine biting into warm, moist cake crowned with crumbly pecan topping mixed with chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. This cake is a game-changer, and I urge you to explore this recipe with me.
Get ready to fall head over heels in love with this coffee cake recipe. Let’s begin exploring the other sections of the article and indulge in an authentic culinary experience together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee cake lovers, are you ready for the ultimate treat? I present to you my chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake recipe, a heavenly indulgence that will transport you to dessert heaven. This homemade coffee cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the warm sweetness of dark chocolate, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
What sets this coffee cake recipe apart from others is the attention to detail we have put into combining the right ingredients and ensuring that each step is executed to perfection. We use all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to create a batter that adds a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for added complexity.
However, what gives it its unique flavor and texture is the addition of creamy buttermilk, melted butter, and dark chocolate chips. The buttermilk adds subtle tanginess and creaminess that helps keep this coffee cake moist yet light. Meanwhile, the chocolate chips melt softly throughout the batter making each bite even more indulgent than the last. Plus, we add toasted pecans into the mix which give it an extra crunch in every bite.
On top of that, this recipe features a tantalizing crumb topping that elevates this dessert from a casual snack to a full-on treat. The pecan crumb makes each slice positively yummy and reminds you of homemade cinnamon buns with toasted nuts.
This is not your ordinary breakfast pastry; this is a decadent treat that deserves pride of place at your next brunch or tea party. It’s also perfect for any time when you need a sweet fix without being overwhelmingly sweet with no unpleasant cloying aftertaste.
But don’t take my words for it – try this recipe yourself and see what all the rave reviews are about!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients needed to make this delectable Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake.
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
The ingredient list may look quite extensive, but most of these are commonly found items in your pantry. And as you can tell from the flavors and aroma of the ingredients, it’s well worth it.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the main part of this recipe article – how to make this decadent chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake.
Preheat the Oven
First and foremost, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your coffee cake will cook evenly and thoroughly. Be sure to grease and flour a 10-inch baking pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 eggs until light and fluffy. Next, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, followed by alternating between adding in the dry ingredient mixture and 3/4 cup of buttermilk in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Add the Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Now for the best part – fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans into the batter with a rubber spatula. Be sure to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Cut in 6 tablespoons of butter(cut into small pieces) with your fingers or pastry cutter until small clumps form.
Assemble Everything Together
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half the chocolate-pecan crumb topping over the batter. Top with the remaining cake batter, then sprinkle with the remaining topping.
Bake and Enjoy
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the coffee cake comes out clean. Once finished baking, let cool completely before serving to fully enjoy this delicious chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake.
Substitutions and Variations
Coffee cakes are an amazing breakfast indulgence, but the Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake recipe can be customized and experimented with to create a new concoction each time you bake. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to make your coffee cake unique and exciting:
– Flour alternatives: You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
– Nut substitutes: If you want to experiment with different nut selections, feel free to substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts. Each variety of nuts adds its unique flavor profile to the recipe.
– Change up the chocolate: For those who love richer chocolate flavor, swap out the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or milk chocolate morsels.
– Add fresh fruits: For rich depth of flavor, you can add fresh fruits such as chopped apples, bananas, cranberries or blueberries to the batter before baking.
– Spice it up: The coffee cake is already full of pumpkin pie spice, but don’t be afraid to add an extra festive touch by mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg to your liking.
– Experiment with toppings: Be creative and add some crunch by experimenting with different toppings such as crumbled honeycomb or graham crackers. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top would also be decadent.
Try out these substitutions so that you can take a break from the norm while savoring your rich and moist chocolate chip pecan crumb coffee cake.
Serving and Pairing
Once this chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake recipe is prepared, it’s time to enjoy it by sharing a slice with your family or friends. This cake is best served fresh out of the oven while it’s still warm with a cup of fresh brewed coffee or milk. With its rich texture and delightful taste, this coffee cake pairs perfectly with a homemade latte or caramel pecan mocha.
However, if you prefer something lighter and fruitier, you can also serve this cake with a cup of hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte. You can also add some garnishment to make it look more attractive, such as whipped cream cheese frosting or sprinkles of dark chocolate chips.
If you want to impress your guests during brunch or dessert time, you can serve this coffee cake with some fresh sliced figs on top. This combination will create a balance between the sweetness of the cake and the refreshing tanginess of the figs. And if you crave a more decadent pairing, try serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me; this will enhance the flavors and take it to another level.
In conclusion, there are countless serving and pairing options for this chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake recipe. So get creative and experiment with different flavors until you find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Is there anything better than having a warm slice of Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake first thing in the morning? Not really. Luckily, this cake can be made ahead of time and reheated for those perfect moments, too.
To make ahead, let your cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When you’re ready to serve, let it come to room temperature before reheating. To reheat, simply place it on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Or, if you prefer, microwave slices on high for 15-20 seconds.
The crumb topping may get slightly less crunchy after reheating but the flavors will be just as delicious. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your house smell like a cozy coffee shop.
Speaking of coffee, this Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake is the perfect pair with a homemade coffee or any kind of pumpkin-flavored brews. It’s also a great dessert option for family gatherings during holidays or brunch with friends on weekends.
Now that you know how to make it ahead and reheat it perfectly, enjoy this cake as often as you want without losing any bit of its moistness and yummy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake to be a showstopper, I have some tips for you. Here is what you need to know:
1. Not All Pecans Are Created Equal
To ensure the perfect nuttiness and crunch in your coffee cake, I recommend using freshly toasted pecans. Toast them at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Batter
When mixing in the eggs to the batter, add them one at a time and mix thoroughly after each addition. Don’t overmix the batter as it can turn tough.
3. Mixing the Toppings
For the crumb topping, use cold butter and mix it with your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this on top of the cake because it will give it that crunchy texture that everybody loves.
4. The Power of Vanilla Extract
Add some vanilla extract to your coffee cake recipe; it enhances the flavor of baked goods and also adds depth to chocolate.
5. Chocolate Chips – To Melt or Not?
Do not melt your chocolate chips before adding them to the batter because they will ruin the structure of your coffee cake. Instead, sprinkle them on top before baking.
6. Grease Your Baking Pan
Make sure to grease your pan thoroughly with butter, and dust it with flour so that your crumb coffee cake won’t stick!
7. Combine Dry Ingredients First
When preparing the dry ingredients combine them first in a medium-size bowl until everything is evenly mixed.
8. The Importance of Moisture
If you want a moist coffee cake, consider adding sour cream or buttermilk or banana puree. The moisture makes a huge difference in creating soft and tender crumb toppings.
Follow these tips, and you will have a delicious, moist Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake, baked to perfection every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chocolate-chip pecan crumb coffee cake recipe is a must-try for coffee and dessert lovers. With its mouth-watering combination of chocolate, pecans and cinnamon, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This cake is easy to make and has a perfect balance of sweetness, moisture and texture.
To enhance the flavor of this delicious cake, pair it with a homemade cup of coffee or your favorite hot beverage. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can easily prepare a cup of coffee that perfectly complements the flavors of the cake.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe by making substitutions or adding new ingredients to create a unique combination that suits your taste buds. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a slice of cake and coffee, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet and satisfying. So go ahead, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and start baking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Chocolate-Chip Pecan Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Butter and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.
- The topping: combine the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a big bowl.
- With 2 knives, cut in the butter.
- Add in the flour and pecans; using your fingers, blend the flour and butter together to make large crumblike pieces.
- Add in the chocolate chips and quickly work them into the topping.
- The cake: sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice onto a large sheet of wax paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sugars, continuing to beat until very light.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- With the mixer on low speed, alternately beat in the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beating until the batter is just mixed.
- Add in the vanilla and mix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Evenly sprinkle with the crumb topping, pressing it gently into the batter.
- Bake 40-45 minutes, or until the top of the cake is firm and the streusel is crisp and bubbling.
- A pick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve warm, cut into squares.