By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 9, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Sara Lee’s famous Pecan Coffee Cake is an indulgent and delicious treat. With just the right amount of ingredients, this Sara Lee classic cake will be sure to impress your family and friends.
Making a Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake at home is surprisingly easy! The ingredients are simple and few, so it’s perfect for even novice bakers. Try this today and you’ll see why Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake is so beloved.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make the perfect Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake! Enjoy a cup of coffee for the ultimate sweet indulgence.
What is Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?
Sara Lee Corporation Food is one of the leading food companies in the world. Founded in 1935, they produce a range of products from bread to pastries, desserts, beverages, and many more.
The company has been known for its signature products such as Sara Lee Pound Cake, Apple Pie, and Pecan Coffee Cake.
Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake has been one of the company’s most popular products for decades. It is a moist and flavorful coffee cake that features a signature pecan topping.
The cake itself is made with sour cream, eggs, flour, sugar, and butter as base ingredients, plus some additional flavoring such as cinnamon and vanilla extract. The topping is made with chopped pecans, butter, sugar, and a few other ingredients for added flavor.
Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake is the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s an indulgent treat that can be served plain or topped with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert. With its moist and crumbly texture, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
These days, you don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy this classic cake. You can purchase Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake from many local grocery stores or follow our instructions and make it at home.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the sweet and crunchy taste of Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake in no time!
How did I first get introduced to the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?
I was first introduced to Sara Lee’s famous Pecan Coffee Cake when I visited my grandmother’s house as a child. My grandmother had a stash of these cakes in her freezer, and she would serve them whenever we were over for lunch or dinner. It was always one of the highlights of our visit!
The combination of sweet and nutty flavors from the coffee cake was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The moist and crumbly texture was so pleasing to my palate, and I couldn’t get enough of it!
As a child, I was fascinated by Sara Lee Corporation Food company products in general. So when I found out that you could make their Pecan Coffee Cake at home, I was determined to try it.
I spent a lot of time researching recipes for this coffee cake and finally found one that looked promising. After trying it out a few times, I had perfected my own version of the classic Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake!
Making this cake became a favorite pastime of mine over the years, and I would make extra batches to share with friends and family. Everyone who tried it absolutely loved it and praised my baking skills! To this day, the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake remains one of my favorite desserts.
I am so grateful for having been introduced to this cake as a child because now I can share its deliciousness with all my loved ones. Making this classic Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake at home is a tradition that I hope to pass down in my family for many generations to come!
How to make Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?
Making Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake at home is surprisingly easy! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious treat.
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Ingredients
- Pecan: This nutty ingredient adds sweetness and crunch to the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake.
- Sugar: granulated sugar is used for the cake batter, while confectioners’ sugar is used for the topping.
- Flour: all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
- Butter: use unsalted butter when making this coffee cake.
- Eggs: this recipe calls for 4 eggs – make sure that they are at room temperature before using them.
- Coffee: use strong coffee to give the cake an intense flavor and dark color.
- Sour Cream: this ingredient adds moisture and richness to the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake.
- Oil: use vegetable oil or any other neutral-flavored cooking oil.
- Water: this will help thin out the cake batter and keep it from becoming too dense.
- Brown Sugar: brown sugar helps give the cake a caramel-like flavor.
- Cinnamon: This sweet spice adds warmth and depth of flavor to the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake.
- Salt: helps bring out all of the wonderful flavors in this cake.
- Baking Powder: this leavening agent will help the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake rise while baking.
- Vanilla Extract: adds a delicious flavor to the cake and helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and pecans.
- Milk: use the whole or 2% milk to give the cake a creamy texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2
Make the pecan topping
In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, sugar, flour, confectioners sugar, butter, eggs, and coffee. Gently mix until the ingredients are well-combined. Set aside.
Step 3
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, oil, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until they are fully incorporated.
Step 4
Combine the dry ingredients
Add in the baking powder and flour and mix until they are fully combined.
Step 5
Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Once everything is mixed together, stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
Step 6
Assembly
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the pecan topping. Gently pour over the remaining batter and top with the remaining pecan mixture.
Step 7
Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before transferring to a plate or serving platter.
Tips
- For a crunchier topping, add more pecans or use chopped walnuts instead.
- Use cold butter when making the pecan topping for a more crumbly texture.
- To make sure that your cake is moist and fluffy, do not overmix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
- If you want a sweeter cake, add more brown sugar to the wet ingredients and/or the pecan topping.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a few drops of almond extract or orange zest to the cake batter.
- Let your Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake cool completely before serving for the best results.
Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Baking pan
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of Confectioners sugar – A half-cup of powdered sugar ready to transform into a smooth and sweet glaze.
- 50 g of Butter – A portion of creamy unsalted butter, promising a rich and buttery undertone to your creation.
- 125 g of Pecans – A generous portion of crunchy and toasted pecans offering a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to your dish.
- 2 Eggs – Two fresh eggs ready to lend their binding and moisture-retaining properties for a perfect amalgamation.
- 1/2 dl of strong coffee – Half a deciliter of robust aromatic coffee, infusing a deep, bold flavor into your dish.
- Salt adjust to taste – The key to balancing flavors, allowing you to tweak and perfect the seasoning to your liking.
- 1/2 tablespoon of Brown sugar – A half-tablespoon of brown sugar with its molasses notes, for a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/2 cup of Sour cream – A half-cup of luscious sour cream destined to add a tangy and velvety dimension to your concoction.
- 50 g of Flour – A measured quantity of all-purpose flour the essential binding agent that ensures the perfect texture and consistency.
- Milk reduce by half or adjust to achieve the desired consistency – A versatile ingredient that can be adjusted to meet your desired texture, whether it’s a creamy richness or a lighter touch.
- 75 g of Sugar – A moderate amount of granulated sugar providing a subtle sweetness to balance the other flavors.
- Water reduce by half or adjust to achieve the desired consistency – A flexible addition to control the consistency, ensuring the dish reaches the perfect thickness.
- 1/8 teaspoon of Baking powder – A small but crucial amount of baking powder to provide a gentle lift and fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla extract – A half-teaspoon of aromatic vanilla extract infusing your creation with a fragrant and comforting aroma.
- Cinnamon adjust to taste – The warm and aromatic spice, adjustable to your preference, to introduce a hint of delightful warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon of Oil – A small amount of oil enhancing the moistness and texture of your creation.
Instructions
- Preheat oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Make the pecan topping In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, sugar, flour, confectioners sugar, butter, eggs, and coffee. Gently mix until the ingredients are well-combined. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, oil, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until they are fully incorporated.
- Combine the dry ingredients Add in the baking powder and flour and mix until they are fully combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Once everything is mixed together, stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
- Assembly Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the pecan topping. Gently pour over the remaining batter and top with the remaining pecan mixture.
- Bake Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before transferring to a plate or serving platter.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add more pecans or use chopped walnuts instead.
- Use cold butter when making the pecan topping for a more crumbly texture.
- To make sure that your cake is moist and fluffy, do not overmix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
- If you want a sweeter cake, add more brown sugar to the wet ingredients and/or the pecan topping.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a few drops of almond extract or orange zest to the cake batter.
- Let your Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake cool completely before serving for the best results.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?
Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake pairs well with a variety of other dishes. To make it a complete meal, you can serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast or omelets for brunch.
For lunch or dinner, this cake goes great with salads and sandwiches. It also makes an excellent dessert when served with ice cream or whipped cream.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try pairing this cake with a glass of creamy milk or hot chocolate. This combination will make any sweet tooth happy! For an easy and light dessert, serve the Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake with yogurt or fresh fruit.
How to store leftover Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake?
Leftover Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep the cake fresh longer, it is best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
When storing the coffee cake in the refrigerator, make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil so that it doesn’t dry out. This will also help to keep the pecan topping from becoming soggy.
If you choose to freeze the cake, make sure it is wrapped tightly with several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
This will help the cake stay moist and flavorful. You can also serve it cold if you like! Enjoy your Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake with friends and family, or simply savor it all by yourself.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes! Pregnant women can eat Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake, however, the caffeine content should be taken into consideration by pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
The coffee in this is used as an ingredient and not as a beverage so it does not contain high levels of caffeine. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor or midwife when in doubt.
Other than that, this cake is a great treat for expecting mothers as it contains all the necessary nutrients to provide energy throughout the day.
FAQs
Is this cake vegan?
No, this cake contains eggs and dairy.
Can I substitute the coffee for something else?
Yes! You can use decaffeinated or regular black tea instead of coffee if you prefer. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I add nuts or other ingredients to the cake batter?
Yes! You can add walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice in place of the pecans. Other ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut flakes, and spices can also be added for additional flavor.
Is this cake gluten-free?
No, this cake contains wheat flour. However, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour if desired.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and topping a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for joining me as we made this delicious Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake! With its sweet pecan topping and fluffy coffee-infused cake, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Whether you’re having it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, don’t forget to finish your slice with an extra dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Please share this article with your friends and leave a comment below. We would love to hear what you think!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
