Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cake recipe

Look no further than Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake. This delectable sweet treat is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With its light and fluffy texture, sweet and savory pecans, and irresistible flavor, Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, let’s get started on this delicious recipe!

What is Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?

The Sara Lee Corporation was a prominent American consumer-goods company headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. One of its most popular items is Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake. It is a classic cake recipe that is loved by everyone.

 It is made with a light and fluffy buttery cake base that is topped with a sweet and savory pecan topping. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors make this cake irresistible. The cake is served with a side of coffee, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love this Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe?

There are many reasons why you’ll love this Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe. First, it is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. Second, the flavor combination of the sweet and savory pecans with the light and fluffy cake base is simply irresistible. Third, the cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy evening at home. Lastly, the cake is best served with a cup of coffee, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

You’ll also like the following Appetizer recipes!

• Quarterback Crunch Ice Cream Copycat Recipe
• How to make Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets
• Martha Stewart’s Banana Bread

The Ingredients

Making this delicious cake is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is what you’ll need:

Confectioners’ sugar: This is often used in baking for sweetness and to create a smooth texture in the cake glaze or frosting.

Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness, moisture, and flavor to the cake. In this recipe, it likely contributes to the cake’s tenderness and helps in binding the ingredients.

Toasted pecans: Pecans provide a delightful nuttiness and crunch to the cake. Toasting them enhances their flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.

Large eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the cake while also contributing to its moisture and richness.

Freshly brewed strong coffee: Coffee enhances the chocolate and nutty flavors in the cake without making it taste like coffee. It adds depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

Sea salt: Salt balances the sweetness in the cake, enhances flavors, and can also strengthen the gluten structure in the batter.

Dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor, and a slightly caramelized taste to the cake due to its molasses content.

Full-fat sour cream: Sour cream adds moisture, richness, and tenderness to the cake while also contributing to its flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure to the cake by binding the ingredients together and giving it a stable texture.

Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang to the cake. It also interacts with the baking powder to help the cake rise.

Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and, when creamed with butter, helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.

Water: It likely helps adjust the consistency of the batter. Controlling the water content can impact the texture and moistness of the cake.

Aluminum-free baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise by creating air bubbles in the batter when heated.

Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a warm, aromatic essence.

Ground Ceylon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other flavors in the cake, especially the pecans and brown sugar.

Olive oil: Olive oil might be used for moisture and richness in the cake, and its mild flavor can complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Step by Step Instructions

Now that you have all of the ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake.

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of the cake after baking.

Step 2 – Make Pecan Filling:

• Using a food processor, combine toasted pecans, dark brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pulse the mixture until the pecans are finely chopped but not too fine. This will be the flavorful pecan filling. Set it aside for later use.

Step 3 – Prepare Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a softer cake.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth and well-incorporated batter. Incorporate vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting helps aerate the dry ingredients and remove any lumps, ensuring an even texture in the cake.
• Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with additions of sour cream and freshly brewed coffee. This step should be done gradually and gently mixed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could result in a dense cake.

Step 5 – Layering:

• Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased and floured baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
• Sprinkle the previously set aside pecan filling evenly over this layer of batter.
• Pour the remaining batter on top of the pecan layer, spreading it evenly to cover the filling. This will create a layered effect in the cake.

Step 6 – Bake:

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it and perform a toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Step 7 – Prepare Glaze:

• While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with a small amount of water. Adjust the consistency by gradually adding water until it reaches a thick yet pourable consistency. Add a touch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor of the glaze.

Step 8 – Finish:

• Once the cake is baked and removed from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes in the pan.
• Drizzle the prepared glaze over the slightly cooled cake. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle additional chopped toasted pecans on top if desired.

Step 9 – Serve:

• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This ensures the flavors settle and the cake achieves the desired texture.

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake turns out perfectly:

– Make sure to use room temperature ingredients. Room temperature ingredients will help the cake to bake evenly.
– For a sweeter cake, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the cake batter.
– For a crunchier topping, add an extra ¼ cup of pecans to the top of the cake.
– To ensure the cake does not stick to the pan, make sure to grease the pan thoroughly.
– If the cake starts to get too brown on top, cover it with foil and continue baking.
– Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake contains approximately 270 calories, 11 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein.

How to Store Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe?

Once the cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations

Here are some variations that you can make to this Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe:

– Chocolate Chip Pecan Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delicious chocolatey twist.

– Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake: Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the cake batter for a delicious cinnamon flavor.

– Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup of pumpkin puree to the cake batter for a delicious pumpkin flavor.

– Cherry Pecan Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped cherries to the cake batter for a delicious cherry flavor.

– Almond Pecan Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped almonds to the cake batter for a delicious almond flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake last?

Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake can last at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

2. What other variations can I make to the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake recipe?

You can make Chocolate Chip Pecan Coffee Cake, Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake, Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake, Cherry Pecan Coffee Cake, and Almond Pecan Coffee Cake.

3. Can I use other nuts in the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use other nuts in the cake recipe. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts all work great in the cake.

4. How do I know when the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake is done baking?

The cake is done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

5. Can I make the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I make the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour.

7. Can I make the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the cake dairy-free by substituting the butter for a vegan butter and the cream for a non-dairy alternative.

Conclusion

Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake is a classic cake recipe that is sure to please your family and friends. It is made with a light and fluffy buttery cake base that is topped with a sweet and savory pecan topping. 

The combination of the sweet and savory flavors make this cake irresistible. Best served with a cup of coffee, this cake is perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for

Try this delicious Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe today!

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

• How to make Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole
• Costco Creamy Italian Salad Copycat Recipe
• Infinite Forest Cake