“`html
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your morning or afternoon treat, the Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is just the treasure you need. This cozy coffee cake combines the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange with the rich, nutty crunch of pecans and a luscious vanilla glaze that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make delight that somehow manages to feel both indulgent and fresh, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe plays a vital role, balancing flavors, enhancing texture, and adding layers of warmth and sweetness. The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this recipe so approachable yet impressive.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the perfect moist and fluffy base for the cake with its reliable, rich flavor.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra moistness and a subtle creamy undertone to the batter.
- Sour cream: Lends tenderness and a slight tang to cut through the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a light, airy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- Orange (zested and juiced): Brings a vibrant citrus brightness that wakes up every bite.
- Chopped pecans: Offer a lovely crunch and a buttery nutty flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Provides sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements both pecans and orange beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth and sweet vanilla glaze drizzle.
How to Make Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your coffee cake slides out effortlessly after baking. Setting this up first makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and one teaspoon of fresh orange zest. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended. This step ensures your cake will be moist and flavorful, with that subtle vanilla and citrus aroma infusing every bite.
Step 3: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth it out. This solid base is where the magic of texture and taste begins to come together.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this tempting topping evenly over the batter. Then, take a butter knife and carefully swirl the topping through the batter by cutting side to side and then top to bottom. This creates those beautiful ribbons of nutty sweetness that will bake into irresistible pockets of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your coffee cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for the cake to set before glazing.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze and Drizzle
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency—not too thin, so it doesn’t run off, but just right to coat the top beautifully. Drizzle this heavenly vanilla glaze over the slightly cooled cake, creating a sweet, citrus-kissed finish that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few whole pecans or a bit of finely grated orange zest on top of the glaze. This not only adds a charming visual but enhances the flavor profile with bursts of fresh nutty and citrus notes.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous squares and serve on a rustic wooden board for cozy gatherings. Alternatively, present slices on pretty dessert plates with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a simple but elegant dessert offering that invites conversation and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and soft, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Gently warm leftover slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back the soft, freshly-baked feel and melds the flavors of the vanilla glaze and orange zest perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes! While yellow cake mix provides a classic base, you can use white or even a spice cake mix for a unique twist. Just be mindful that the flavors may shift accordingly.
Is it necessary to use instant vanilla pudding mix?
The pudding mix helps keep the cake incredibly moist and tender, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of vanilla yogurt or add an extra spoonful of sour cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, use a dairy-free cake mix, and choose a suitable butter spray. The flavor will still be deliciously inviting.
How do I get the vanilla glaze to the right consistency?
Add orange juice drop by drop to powdered sugar while stirring until the glaze is thick enough to drizzle but not runny. If it gets too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it back up.
Can I add other nuts or fruits?
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. You could even add dried cranberries or fresh blueberries to the batter for extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It’s quick to prepare but full of layered flavors that taste like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. I encourage you to give it a try — your kitchen (and anyone lucky enough to share a slice) will thank you. Happy baking and even happier indulging!
“`
Print
Cake Mix Orange Pecan Coffee Cake with Vanilla 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 moist and flavorful dessert combining a yellow cake mix base with instant vanilla pudding for extra tenderness. It features a cinnamon-pecan swirl and a zesty orange drizzle, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 package yellow cake mix (13.25 ounces, such as 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; 1 teaspoon zest for batter)
Cinnamon-Pecan Swirl
- â…” cup chopped pecans
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Orange Drizzle
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- About 1½ tablespoons orange juice (from the orange)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix. Add the sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of the orange zest. Beat the mixture on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan and set aside.
- Make the Cinnamon-Pecan Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the pan. Using a butter knife, create swirls by cutting through the batter from side to side, then from top to bottom, to distribute the pecan mixture in a marbled pattern.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
- Prepare and Apply the Orange Drizzle: While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar with enough orange juice (approximately 1½ tablespoons) in a small bowl to achieve a thick, drizzling consistency—not too runny. Drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the slightly cooled coffee cake before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with toasted coconut flakes.
- The orange zest and juice brighten the flavor, but you can swap for lemon zest and juice if you prefer.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
