There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked coffee cake wafting through the house. This Overnight Apricot Pecan Coffee Cake is perfect for preparing the night before, ensuring a stress-free morning with a delightful treat ready to go. The combination of sweet apricots and crunchy pecans creates a flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. Follow this easy recipe to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade breakfast cake.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a light texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are thoroughly mixed, creating a smooth batter.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cake rise evenly.
Step 3: Preparing the Batter and Filling
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat well after each addition to create a smooth, thick batter. Spread half of the batter into a greased and floured 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the chopped apricots. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, and ginger, then sprinkle half of this mixture over the apricots.
Step 4: Layering and Refrigerating
Drop the remaining batter by tablespoonfuls over the filling. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter to cover the filling completely. Sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the cake even more delicious.
Step 5: Baking the Coffee Cake
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake, uncovered, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which takes about 35-40 minutes. Let the cake cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake
Choosing the Right Apricots
Opt for high-quality dried apricots that are plump and slightly moist. This ensures they add the perfect amount of sweetness and texture to your coffee cake.
Toasting the Pecans
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the streusel filling. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream helps the ingredients blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your cake.
Serving Suggestions
Best Time to Serve
This coffee cake is ideal for breakfast or brunch. Its rich, sweet flavors make it a great companion to your morning coffee or tea.
Pairing with Beverages
Serve this coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. The cake’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee or the smoothness of milk.
Storage and Reheating
Proper Storage Techniques
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Reheat for Best Results
To enjoy the coffee cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If reheating the whole cake, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Overnight Apricot Pecan Coffee Cake is a wonderful way to start your day. By preparing it the night before, you can enjoy a stress-free morning with a delicious homemade treat ready to bake. The combination of apricots, pecans, and a tender cake will make it a favorite in your household. Try it out and experience the joy of waking up to the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake.
