This Chocolate Pecan Crumb Cake has a layer of buttery cake topped with a generous layer of chocolate pecan crumbs that is almost as thick as the cake layer! Cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips make the crumb topping extra indulgent and there is a warm crunch from the cinnamon and pecans. Crumb cake is a cousin to coffee cake with similar flavor and texture profiles, except the layer of crumble or streusel filling sits loud and proud on top instead of half it it being swirled in a layer in the middle of the cake. The result is a mound of crumb topping that is pretty much as thick as the moist cake layer beneath it. We decided to branch out from the typical cinnamon crumb topping that is traditional to most crumb cakes and add in some cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and pecans, giving this crumb cake some chocolate cookie vibes that are utterly delicious!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Flour – Regular all-purpose flour is perfect for this cake.Pecans – Roughly chopped pecans means you will still have big chunks of nuts in this recipe. Sugar – You’ll need granulated sugar for the yellow cake part and brown sugar for the topping.Cocoa powder – We used regular unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe, but dutch processed cocoa powder will work for more of a dark chocolate flavor.Sour cream – This gives great flavor and moisture to the cake part. You can sub with Greek yogurt if you need to.Ground cinnamon – Just a tiny bit so as not to overpower the other flavors.Baking powderBaking sodaSaltButterChocolate chipsEggsVanilla extract – Try making your own homemade vanilla extract!
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Crumb Cake
For the FULL RECIPE be sure to visit Imperial Sugar’s site.
Tips for Success
Measure your flour correctly. I have a whole post on how to do this, but I recommend spooning your flour into the measuring cup and using a knife to level off the top so you end up with light and fluffy cake layers.Preheat your oven. I recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to make sure your oven is baking at the correct temperature in order to ensure an accurate bake time. If your oven runs on the cool side or hot side (many do!) it can really affect the outcome of a recipe!
What to Serve With Crumb Cake
This is a delicious breakfast, dessert, or snack all on it’s own, but we recommend enjoying a slice with tall glass of cold milk. It would also be delicious with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
How to Store & Freeze
This cake stays nice and moist for at least 3-4 days on the counter at room temperature if covered with plastic wrap or a lid. You can also freeze individual slices (or the whole cake even) for future enjoyment. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving. We like to reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20 se Be sure to stop by Imperial Sugar’s site for the FULL RECIPE. I have partnered with them now for a few years and love their products for my baking needs!
More Recipes Like This
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeThe BEST Homemade Cinnamon RollsChristmas Star BreadOvernight Sourdough Waffles
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Deborah’s Knotted Orange Rolls
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
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