Irresistible Brown Sugar Pecan Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

This Brown Sugar Pecan Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is the kind of bake that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort. It’s tender and buttery, with a sweet cream cheese layer and crunchy pecan topping that turns a simple slice into something truly special.

Overview of Brown Sugar Pecan Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

This cake is perfect for:

• Weekend breakfasts or brunch
• Coffee breaks and afternoon treats
• Holiday mornings
• Sharing (or not—we don’t judge here)

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Soft, moist crumb with rich brown sugar flavor
• Creamy cheesecake-style layer in the center
• Toasted pecans for crunch
• Simple pantry ingredients

What it tastes like

Buttery vanilla cake sweetened with brown sugar, a lightly tangy cream cheese layer, and caramelized pecans that add warmth and texture in every bite.

Full Ingredient List

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For the Coffee Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (optional)

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap pecans for walnuts if needed
• Use sour cream instead of milk for extra richness
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the topping
• Drizzle with vanilla glaze after baking

How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and mix until creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.

Step 5: Make the Topping

Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread half the batter into the baking dish. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Gently spread remaining batter on top. Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over everything.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. The layers set beautifully as it rests.

What to Serve with Coffee Cake

• Hot coffee or cappuccino
• Vanilla latte or chai
• Fresh berries
• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room-temperature ingredients
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Toast pecans first for deeper flavor
• Let the cake cool before slicing for clean layers

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 1 day, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm gently in microwave or oven

General Information

Coffee cakes are meant to be comforting—not overly sweet, not fussy, and perfect with a warm mug in hand. The addition of cream cheese takes this one into special-occasion territory without any extra effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day.

Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cream cheese layer.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat gives the best texture, but low-fat works.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13-inch pan and bake slightly longer.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Pecan Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you love cozy bakes like this, you’ll also enjoy:

• https://poulef.com/coffee-cake-recipes
• https://poulef.com/cream-cheese-desserts
• https://poulef.com/pecan-baking-recipes
• https://poulef.com/breakfast-cakes
• https://poulef.com/brunch-desserts

Interactive Elements

Baked it? Leave a review below!
Share your slice on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein
320	18g	9g	36g	22g	6g

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