If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines ease, flavor, and a touch of elegance, this Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine a moist, tender coffee cake bursting with warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans, all topped with a bright, tangy orange glaze that brings everything to life. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and fresh, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea. The best part is how simple it is to whip up using familiar ingredients, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing its role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and zing that make this coffee cake so irresistible.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake providing that soft, moist crumb we all love in coffee cakes.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra moisture and richness for a tender bite.
- Sour cream: Boosts the cake’s creaminess and adds a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure for the perfect rise.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft throughout baking.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth with comforting warmth.
- Orange zest and juice: Bring fresh, citrusy brightness to the batter and glaze.
- Chopped pecans: Add a nutty crunch that contrasts the soft cake beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: Mixes with cinnamon to create the irresistible swirled topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with that classic warm spice flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the sweet base of the orange glaze for a perfect finish.
How to Make Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F and greasing a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This step ensures your cake slides out easily once baked, giving you a smooth serving experience every time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding. Add the sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and thick. This blend of ingredients creates a wonderfully moist and flavorful base.
Step 3: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the creamy batter evenly into your prepared pan and set it aside for the next step. This ensures an even layer that bakes uniformly.
Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Pecan Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Then, take a butter knife and gently swirl the topping through the batter, first side to side and then top to bottom. These swirls infuse every bite with that delightful cinnamon pecan flavor and create a stunning pattern once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake your coffee cake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake should be golden, risen, and smelling absolutely heavenly. Let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes—this resting time helps the cake set perfectly before glazing.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Orange Glaze
Mix the powdered sugar with 1 ½ tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl to create a fresh, drizzling glaze. Adjust the juice quantity for your preferred consistency—not too runny, but just right for a lovely drizzle. Drizzle this vibrant glaze over the slightly cooled cake, enhancing the moist cake with a tangy, sweet finish that is utterly addictive.
How to Serve Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a touch of fresh orange zest on top of the glaze for a beautiful and flavorful final touch. This gives the cake an inviting look and adds an extra layer of crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake shines on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your serving. For brunch spreads, consider serving with coffee or a hot cup of chai latte for an aromatic experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into smaller squares and serving it on a decorative platter for a party. You could also layer pieces with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast parfait twist, turning this traditional cake into a multi-textured treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for a tender, fresh-tasting cake.
Reheating
Warm slices slightly in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven to revive that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture before serving. This makes the glaze just melt slightly, which is delicious!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for yellow cake mix, vanilla or butter flavor cake mixes work wonderfully too. Just choose one that complements the cinnamon and orange flavors well.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
The pudding mix adds extra moisture and richness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it, though the texture may be slightly less tender.
Can I substitute nuts if I’m allergic to pecans?
Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer. Just use the same quantity for a nice crunchy texture.
How thick should the orange glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to hold a bit on the cake but thin enough to drizzle smoothly. Adjust the orange juice quantity little by little until you hit this ideal consistency.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With a few tweaks, yes! Use dairy-free pudding mix, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or cream alternative, and choose a suitable oil. The flavor will remain deliciously close to the original.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe that’s both easy and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself on a quiet morning, this coffee cake promises smiles all around with every bite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your kitchen will smell incredible!
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Cake Mix Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make treat combining the convenience of cake mix with a rich sour cream batter, swirled with a cinnamon-pecan topping and finished with a zesty orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it delivers moist, flavorful layers with a sweet and tangy kick.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 package yellow cake mix (13.25 ounces Betty Crocker Super Moist)
- 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 orange (zested and juiced, divided)
Swirl Topping
- â…” cup chopped pecans
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Orange Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- About 1 ½ tablespoons orange juice (from the zested orange)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray, then set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of the orange zest. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the mixed batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out gently to ensure an even layer.
- Prepare and Add Swirl Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Take a butter knife and carefully cut through the batter, then swirl the mixture side to side and top to bottom to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
- Make and Drizzle the Orange Glaze: While the cake is cooling, mix the powdered sugar with about 1 ½ tablespoons of the freshly squeezed orange juice in a small bowl until the glaze reaches a thick but drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled coffee cake for a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- To enhance the orange flavor, ensure the zest is finely grated and evenly incorporated.
- The swirl creates both streaks of flavor and texture contrasts, so mix gently but thoroughly when swirling.
- Use a fresh orange for the best tart and sweet balance in the glaze.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase cinnamon and brown sugar slightly for a similar flavor profile.
