Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (2024)

Nov 12, 2019 | Breakfast, FOOD, , Recipes | 31 comments

This Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake has been a favorite for years and it’s still going strong even though I first shared this back in 2013. It’s great to be able to make this ahead of time and have something piping hot out of the oven in the morning. Plus, I’m chuckling that my ‘flop turned favorite.”

________

“Wait, I need to snap a quick picture before you polish this off.”

My guests swirled around the kitchen. I had a delicious buffet of treats and breakfast casseroles that I had made, but not one picture to show for it. Yes, sometimes being a food blogger has it’s crazy twists, but it’s a wonderful thing to have friends that embrace my bedlam.

I snagged the Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake right out from under their noses (what kind of mean host am I) and was able to snap a few quick pictures to show you this delicious Overnight Coffee Cake.


When I’m hosting a group for brunch, having a repertoire of recipes that I can make ahead of time is critical, since I am NOT the morning person I should be. Typically, the breakfast casseroles are easy to make ahead, but cakes and desserts are iffy. Not so with this great overnight coffee cake. I make up the batter the day before and then let it wait patiently in my fridge til morning.

It’s a perfect way to have a hot, fresh, out of the oven, coffee cake without the early morning hassle. Plus, this one has that pretty swirl feature that always makes people think you are all professional in your baking, when really, you’re not, and an easy “secret” ingredient. 🙂

Please note my little tip.

This cake can easily be made in a 9×13 inch pan. In fact, that is what I list on the recipe, BUT I love doing things in pretty pans. It just adds to the effect, but when you invert your cakes onto a plate from those pretty pans, you need to think ahead and make sure your topping is layered first in your pan before baking.

Obviously, I didn’t. Think ahead, that is. (Which is truly frustrating because I make this all the time. I wish I could tell you it was the early morning coffee cake brain, but I just admitted to making this the day before, so there really is no excuse.)

The great thing is that not one guest cared, nor even knew I made a mistake because when you are sipping coffee and enjoying this moist cake, no one is worried about how it should have been inverted.

Except you. So obviously, I am the problem. 🙂

Tons of ladies are heading my way this weekend for my (in)courage meet up, and this is on the agenda.

Why can’t pictures re-create themselves?

Do you need some more quick and easy brunch inspiration?

Try my my Easy Cream Cheese Danish, as soon as possible.

Sausage Crescent Roll Recipe, Elegant Pear Torte, Veggie Egg Casserole, Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, Egg Dishes galore, Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, or my Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Copycat Cinnabon). All these recipe whip up very quickly, except the last, but if you are up for something super special, this is the culmination of all amazing cinnamon rolls.

First posted 2013,

[print-me target=”div.print-this-content” title=”Print This Recipe”]

Recipe: Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake

Summary: This delicious Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake is the perfect overnight recipe. With swirls of cinnamon and pecans, mix up the batter the night before and you’re set for a hassle free morning.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut *
  • 1/2 cup pecans *
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 – 4 ounce packages vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup oil of choice (corn, vegetable, canola)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs

*The strudel mixture can always be modified. If you prefer walnuts, use them. If you are allergic to coconut omit, and toss in quick oats. My kids are not fans of coconut, but love this cake.

Instructions

  1. Mix brown sugar, coconut, pecans and cinnamon in bowl, set aside.
  2. Combine flour and remaining ingredients in mixing bowl.
  3. Beat low for 30 seconds, then medium for 2 minutes.
  4. Layer batter and cinnamon pecan mixture 1/2 at at time in greased and floured 9×13 baking pan. (If using a 9×13, have last layer be the strudel topping. If inverting from a bundt cake pan, have strudel topping layered first.
  5. Refrigerate overnight if desired and bake in morning.
  6. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-60 minutes or until tests done. (Tooth pick comes out clean in middle.)

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Number of servings (yield): 12

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Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (6)

  1. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (8)

    Leah S.on April 25, 2013 at 11:13 am

    What would you substitute for the vanilla instant pudding? I won’t use it – too many chemicals.

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (9)

      Jenon April 25, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      Homemade vanilla pudding is super easy, but then the consistency would have to be re-worked, so this may be one you’d have to experiment with or just pass on.

      Reply

  2. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (12)

    Joyon April 25, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I”m going to make this for my 14 y.o. son who loves cinnamon anything, but will have to omit the pecans and coconut since he’s not fan of those.

    Reply

  3. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (13)

    Georgia Galon April 25, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    That looks great! Just what I needed. I will be having three family members staying with me in a couple weeks.

    I love easy breakfast recipes, that can be prepared the night before. I do a lot of planning and prep work before guests arrive. I don’t like wasting our time together cooking for hours on end. Thanks for the great recipe! Hope your Thursday is wonderful~

    Reply

  4. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (14)

    Carolon April 26, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    I’m with Leah. Love the cinnamon and pecan, but will not use instant pudding.

    Reply

  5. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (15)

    Deborahon April 27, 2013 at 10:10 am

    I love that you can make this the night before!! Love!

    Reply

  6. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (16)

    Amandaon May 1, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    Pretty! I am not a morning person either, so this is great!

    Reply

  7. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (17)

    Anne ~ Uni Homemakeron May 2, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    That looks sensational! Pinning as a reminder to make this. Lovely post and photos. 🙂

    Reply

  8. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (18)

    Lana @ Never Enough Thymeon September 23, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    I love anything I can make ahead! This is just perfect for guests or even for a weekend morning.

    Reply

  9. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (20)

    Nicoleon March 18, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    If you make this cake the night before, do you have to let the batter come to room temperature before baking it or do you stick straight into the over chilled?

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (21)

      Jenon April 18, 2014 at 12:33 pm

      @Nicole, I did not let it come completely to room temperature. I had it out for around ten minutes or so.

      Reply

  10. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (22)

    Kylaon April 18, 2014 at 8:25 am

    Same question as Nicole…?

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (23)

      Jenon April 18, 2014 at 12:34 pm

      @Kyla, I did not let it come completely to room temperature. I had it out for around ten minutes or so.

      Reply

      • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (24)

        Cheyenneon July 6, 2014 at 9:28 pm

        @Jen, does this have to be made overnight or can it all be made in the morning???

        Reply

        • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (25)

          Jenon July 6, 2014 at 10:41 pm

          you can make it in the morning as well. 🙂 Enjoy!

          Reply

  11. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (26)

    the doctoron March 31, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    Does it matter if you put it in the fridge overnight then bake it or bake it rigjt away?

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (27)

      Jenon April 1, 2015 at 10:02 pm

      No, you could bake it right away. 🙂

      Reply

  12. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (28)

    Carolon November 17, 2015 at 6:22 pm

    Looks delicious

    Reply

  13. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (29)

    D Marlinon March 26, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Jen, I got a pop up for a contest sponsored by Beauty and Bedlam and AT&T when I looked at this email. Please tell me if this is legitimate. I had to click ok to get if off my screen. Now I’m concerned my phone may have been hacked.
    Thanks,
    Dee
    PS I love reading your articles and enjoy your recipes!

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (30)

      Jenon March 26, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Your phone should be fine. I am not in charge of my ads, but the people that share them are good. I wouldn’t enter the contest though and I’m off to check because Ive asked for no pop ups to be put on my site. Thanks for the update 🙂

      Reply

      • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (31)

        D Marlinon March 26, 2016 at 1:57 pm

        @Jen, Thanks for looking into this. Please follow up with me to let me know if there is a reason for concern.

        Reply

  14. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (32)

    Alexon June 28, 2016 at 1:58 am

    Oh wow, I already loved pecan pie and coffee (separately) and this has just blown my mind!

    I’d suggest swapping the sugar with maple syrup and adding a few tablespoons of coconut oil – which will make it extra smooth.

    I’d say this would go well with a black thai bean pour over coffee! mmmmmm

    Reply

  15. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (33)

    thomas bellon September 6, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    This sounds delicious! I will try do it 🙂

    Reply

  16. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (34)

    Mark - Bean Groundon June 8, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    Hey Jen, LOVE Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake (especially the coffee part!) Tried this recipe last weekend and it went down a treat in my house! .. I’m coming back for some more tasty recipes!
    Thanks
    Mark

    Reply

    • Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (35)

      Jenon June 9, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      So glad it was a hit. 😉 and yes, I am a huge coffee enthusiast as well. 🙂

      Reply

  17. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (36)

    Garden Hoseon November 14, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    That looks great! Just what I needed. I will be having three family members staying with me in a couple weeks.

    I love easy breakfast recipes, that can be prepared the night before. I do a lot of planning and prep work before guests arrive. I don’t like wasting our time together cooking for hours on end. Thanks for the great recipe! Hope your Thursday is wonderful~

    Reply

  18. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (37)

    Lindaon December 3, 2019 at 5:44 pm

    Easy to make and tasted good, but even after over greasing bundt pan, cake was stuck to bottom! If I ever make it again I will put crumb topping on top or make in a 9 x 13 pan.

    Reply

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Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Overnight Coffee Cake recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep coffee cake moist? ›

Melted butter is key for moist coffee cake, but this dessert tends to get drier over time. If you want to prevent coffee cake from getting stale for as long as possible, storing it in an airtight Tupperware is your best bet.

What makes a cake dense and not fluffy? ›

There's a big chance your butter and sugar will over-cream, meaning the butter will trap more air than it should. As the batter bakes, that extra air will deflate and leave you with an overly dense cake. It's all science! For best results, cream butter and sugar together for about 1-2 minutes.

How do you increase the flavor of coffee in a cake? ›

Here's how we made it happen:
  1. Infuse the Batter With Coffee Two Ways. Bakers know that that the easiest way to get coffee flavor into a baked good is to add instant espresso powder to the batter. ...
  2. Add a Mocha Swirl. ...
  3. Pack the Crumb Topping with Coffee, Too. ...
  4. Finish with a Boozy Latte Glaze.
Apr 28, 2015

What makes coffee cake taste like coffee cake? ›

No, coffee cake does not taste like coffee. There is no coffee or caffeine in this cake despite its name. This streusel cake tastes like a lightly sweetened cake and oftentimes has spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

How do you keep a cake moist overnight? ›

Using an air-tight container is the best and easiest way to keep your cake from getting exposed to air. However, if you don't have one of those, you can wrap your cake in cling film, or if it's iced, place a large inverted bowl over it to trap the air.

What's the secret to a moist cake? ›

Seven Bakery Secrets to Incredibly Moist Cakes Every Time
  1. Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
  2. Add Vegetable Oil.
  3. Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
  4. Use the Right Recipe.
  5. Don't Overbake.
  6. Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
  7. Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.
Apr 23, 2021

What is the secret to a fluffy cake? ›

The most crucial tip? Instead of buying an entire box of cake flour, simply incorporate two tablespoons of cornstarch into 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. This blocks the formation of gluten in the flour, which produces a lighter, fluffier cake.

Can I use both butter and oil in cake? ›

Not to mention oil is cheaper and easier to work with. Butter will always provide superior flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. In many recipes, combining the two gives the best of both worlds. That's what I landed on for my Red Velvet Cake recipe!

What substance makes cake Fluffy? ›

It is important to note that baking soda is responsible for making cakes and pastries to be light and fluffy. The chemical name and formula of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and \[NaHC{{O}_{3}}\]. Baking soda reacts with tartaric acid and generates sodium tartrate, water and carbon dioxide.

What coffee is best in cake? ›

A dark roast or robust espresso will give rich, hearty treats plenty of depth, while a lighter, fruitier variety won't overpower a delicate dessert. Follow the recipe's instructions for coffee temperature, too.

How do you intensify coffee flavor? ›

9 Things to Put in Your Coffee to Up the Ante
  1. Cinnamon. If you find yourself ordering autumnal drinks at your closest coffee chain, this powder should be your new at-home staple. ...
  2. Cardamom. This Turkish tradition adds an earthy, almost floral taste to your brew. ...
  3. Mint. ...
  4. Cocoa Powder. ...
  5. Salt. ...
  6. Vanilla Extract. ...
  7. Ginger. ...
  8. Espresso.
Aug 17, 2023

Can I use ground coffee in coffee cake? ›

Ground coffee gives this simple sponge recipe a fabulous flavour and colour.

Can I add instant coffee to cake mix? ›

The simplest way to accentuate the chocolate flavor in your baked goods is to add a teaspoon or so of espresso powder or instant coffee granules. Espresso powder tends to be more concentrated, so you definitely only need a teaspoon to do the trick.

What is in a Bakers Treat coffee cake? ›

Sugar, enriched flour (bleached wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate or reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, soybean oil, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter (cream, salt), contains 2% or less: modified cornstarch, glycerin, egg, cinnamon, tallow, palm oil, salt, natural ...

Can I substitute oil for butter in coffee cake? ›

Olive and vegetable oils can be swapped out for butter in many recipes and can help create moist, tender baked goods. Cookies and cakes baked with olive oil have a light, fruity flavor, while vegetable oil is neutral oil so it doesn't impart any flavor.

How do you make coffee cake less dry? ›

The 4 Best Ways to Fix a Dry Cake
  1. Brush the cake with a simple syrup glaze. If your cake comes out too dry, you can still save it with a simple syrup glaze. ...
  2. Soak your cake in milk or cream. ...
  3. Add frosting. ...
  4. Fill your cake with mousse or jam.
May 14, 2023

Why is my coffee cake so dry? ›

If you have too much flour in a recipe and not enough fat, like butter or oil, your cake is going to be dry and hard. For best results, I would encourage you to use a scale when baking, but if you don't have a scale, then just make sure you're using measuring cups correctly.

How do you keep leftover cake moist? ›

Second, wrap each individual cake slice in plastic wrap (I usually make sure it's been wrapped up twice), then freeze them! They usually last up to a couple weeks and stay really fresh and moist. Freezer is best – fridge tends to dry them out and they loose their original texture/taste pretty fast.

How do I keep my cake from sweating? ›

take the cake out of the fridge and into the coolest room you can. If you have air con, have that cranked up to minimise the temperature change. If you don't have air con, place the cake in front of a fan, and spin the cake around periodically so every side gets air on it as it reaches room temp.

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