Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe for a Perfect Morning
Greetings, coffee lovers! As a barista, I am constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to incorporate the beloved bean into my recipes. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that is sure to elevate your morning cup of joe to new heights. I am talking about The Best Coffee Cake. Ever. recipe from the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
This coffee cake recipe is truly in a league of its own. With a crumbly topping made with pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and an actual cake that is moist, fluffy, and full of incredible coffee flavor, this is a recipe that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Now, I know what you may be thinking – “I’m not much of a baker,” or “I don’t have the time.” But trust me when I say that this recipe is worth the effort. And with my helpful tips and advice throughout this article, you’ll be well on your way to making the best coffee cake you’ve ever tasted.
So grab a cup of coffee (best if it’s actually made with the best coffee cake ever pioneer woman recipe), and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Listen up coffee cake lovers, have I got a recipe for you! This coffee cake is not just any ordinary cake, it’s the best coffee cake. Ever. And you know who came up with the recipe? The one and only Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond. Trust me, this cake will blow your taste buds out of the water.
Firstly, let’s talk about the incredible aroma that emanates from this cake while it’s baking in the oven. The aroma of butter and cinnamon intermingling will make your entire home smell like a cozy bakery. It’s simply delightful.
Once you take a bite of this brown sugar, flour, and buttery goodness with a crumbly cinnamon topping enhanced by pecans, you’ll be in heaven. The flavors and textures of this incredible coffee cake are perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, not too crumbly, not too dense; it is just perfect!
Whether paired with a cup of steaming coffee or a latte or even eaten alone, trust me when I say there is no better way to start your day than with a slice of this delicious cake.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try this recipe for yourself and experience first-hand why it’s receiving rave reviews from millions of satisfied customers all around the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this delightful opportunity to indulge in an incredible coffee cream cake that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Give it a shot and thank me later!
Ingredient List

Before diving in to bake the best coffee cake ever, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter – 1 cup, softened
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Egg whites – 3 large, room temperature
- Milk – 1 cup, room temperature
- Pecans – 1/2 cup, chopped
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup, packed
- Cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
With these ingredients at your disposal, there’s no denying that you’ll master the best coffee cake ever.
The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve talked about why you’ll love this coffee cake recipe let’s dive right into its how-to. I’m going to take you through every step of the cooking process, so you can make the best coffee cake ever just like Pioneer Woman.
Ingredients
First things first, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. To make this incredible coffee cake, you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups coffee (brewed strong and cooled)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
- â…” cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamy batter in your first bowl, alternating with the brewed coffee. Make sure to start and end with the flour mixture, stirring well after each addition.
- Combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Ensure you mix all five ingredients effectively.
- Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased baking pan. Then sprinkle your pecan mixture over the batter before pouring in the remaining batter on top.
- With a butter knife, gently swirl the batter around to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of your coffee cake comes out clean.
And now, let cool for several minutes so you can enjoy your delicious homemade coffee cake with a cup of java!
Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch up your coffee cake game or don’t have all the necessary ingredients at hand, don’t worry – this recipe is flexible and can easily accommodate some substitutions and variations. Here are some ideas to play around with:
– Instead of pecans, try using walnuts or almonds for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
– You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and brown sugar in the crumbly topping according to your personal taste preferences. Add more or less depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have.
– For a gluten-free version of the coffee cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute instead of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients should stay the same.
– If you want to make a vegan version of the coffee cake, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use egg substitutes like applesauce or flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). Again, keep all other ingredients the same.
– Want to add some fruity flavor to your coffee cake? Try folding in some fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries into the batter before baking.
– You can also experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg, allspice or ginger to the crumbly topping for an extra kick.
Be creative! Don’t be afraid to try new things and make it your own. Just remember that changing up some ingredients might also affect the final product’s texture and taste, so approach substitutions and variations with caution.
Serving and Pairing

Now that you’ve indulged in a delightful slice of the best coffee cake ever, let’s talk about serving and pairing this incredible baked good. This cake is perfect to share with family and friends for brunch, afternoon tea or just as a treat after dinner.
To serve, simply cut the cake into generous slices and have it at room temperature. Warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven if desired, and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar will fill your home, creating an inviting environment for everyone around.
When it comes to pairing, there are different ways to enjoy this cake depending on your taste preference. For those who enjoy a classic combination, serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool and creamy texture balances perfectly with the rich and warm flavors of the cake.
Another option is to pair it with fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of the cake. For a decadent twist, drizzle some caramel sauce on top or sprinkle chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
This coffee cake also pairs nicely with savory dishes such as quiches, omelets or frittatas for brunch. The salty notes from these dishes complement well with the sweetness of the cake, creating a unique and flavorful experience for your palate.
Overall, this coffee cake is versatile enough to pair with different types of food and beverages. Get creative and experiment until you find your favorite combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

As much as we all love the smell of fresh, warm coffee cake straight out of the oven, sometimes we just don’t have the time to bake one up in the morning. Luckily, this Best Coffee Cake Ever recipe from Pioneer Woman is a great make-ahead option that can easily be stored and reheated without losing any of its delicious flavor.
If you want to make things easier for yourself in the morning, try baking this coffee cake a day or two before you plan on serving it. Once it has cooled completely at room temperature, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if stored in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve it up, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature for about an hour or two. If you prefer your coffee cake warmed up, you can pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
It’s important to note that while reheating this coffee cake won’t impact its taste or texture too much, doing so repeatedly may lead to dryness over time. Make sure to only reheat what you plan on eating immediately and don’t leave any leftovers sitting out for too long. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy Pioneer Woman’s Best Coffee Cake Ever anytime you want – even on those busy weekday mornings when there’s hardly any time for breakfast!
Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you have all the ingredients mixed and ready to go, let’s dive into some tips that will make all the difference in ensuring that your coffee cake comes out perfectly every time.
Tip #1: Use Softened Butter
One of the keys to making a soft, tender cake is using softened butter. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beginning the recipe. Cold butter will lead to a more dense cake.
Tip #2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
When making the crumbly topping for your coffee cake, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon) before adding the melted butter. This will ensure that your topping has a consistent texture.
Tip #3: Don’t Over-Mix the Batter
Over-mixing the batter can lead to a tough or dry cake. Once you’ve added the wet ingredients to your dry mixture, mix until just combined.
Tip #4: Use Fresh Baking Powder
If your baking powder is old or expired, it won’t work properly and can leave you with a flat cake. Make sure to use fresh baking powder for the best results.
Tip #5: Add Pecans for Extra Crunch
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, top your crumbly topping with some chopped pecans before baking.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect coffee cake every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the most frequently asked questions about this recipe. After reading this section, you’ll feel more confident in making The Best Coffee Cake Ever by Pioneer Woman. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own!
What makes a coffee cake a coffee cake?
When it comes to coffee cake, the name can be misleading as it does not contain any coffee flavor. Rather, it refers to a single-layered cake that has a delicate texture and is finished with a crunchy streusel topping. This cake is usually enjoyed with a hot beverage, especially coffee.
How to make a Mary Berry coffee cake?
To make a delicious coffee and walnut cake, you’ll need to gather some key ingredients. Begin by softening 100g of unsalted butter and then greasing a baking dish with a bit of it. Next, mix in 100g of caster sugar until the consistency is smooth. Crack in two large free-range eggs and beat the mixture well. Add 100g of self-raising flour and one level tsp of baking powder, and mix until combined. Finally, stir in 50g of chopped walnuts and one tbsp of coffee essence to grant your cake an irresistible flavor.
What is Martha Stewart’s favorite cake?
One of our most popular recipes doesn’t require any baking at all. It boasts a traditional graham cracker crust and a delectable filling made with cream cheese, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
How do you keep coffee cake moist?
To maintain the moistness of any leftover cake, it’s essential to store it in an airtight container. Although, if the cake has been covered with fondant, it may lose its texture due to fondant’s tendency to absorb moisture. Nonetheless, for the cake, it’s always best to keep it fresh by preserving it in an airtight container.
Bottom Line
After reading this article and following the recipe instructions, I am confident that you will agree with me that this is the best coffee cake recipe ever. With its perfect blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and pecans, this incredible coffee cake will be a hit with your family and friends.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow and quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough for substitutions and variations to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re a fan of blueberries or chocolate, you can easily incorporate those flavors into the cake.
Additionally, this cake can be made ahead of time, stored and reheated without losing any of its delicious flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, from breakfast treats to afternoon snacks with a cup of coffee.
As a barista who loves baked goods as much as I love coffee, I highly recommend this recipe by Pioneer Woman. It’s a must-try for anyone who wants to indulge in the best coffee cake ever! So grab your apron and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit – it’s time to start baking!

The Best Coffee Cake. Ever. Pioneer Woman. Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups flour, sifted
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 3 whole egg whites, beaten until stiff
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat egg whites and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. Add flour mixture and milk alternately until combined. Don't overbeat.
- Fold in beaten egg whites with a rubber spatula. Spread in a well-greased 9x13 inch or larger baking pan. A cake pan with higher sides would be best.
- In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle all over the top.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until no longer jiggly. Serve warm. DELICIOUS!