Toffee Pecan Brown Butter Crumb Cake

There’s big flavor in this simple Toffee Pecan Brown Butter Crumb Cake! Nutty brown butter, sweet toffee, crunchy pecans, and a hint of cinnamon combine for a tasty anytime cake.

My weakness for brown butter anything is very well documented here at BoB. That rich, nutty flavor is tough to beat. It’s such a simple way to add a flavor boost to baked goods that I find myself integrating it into recipes more and more.

For this simple Toffee Pecan Brown Butter Crumb Cake, I took my love of brown butter and added in some more really great flavors. As is often the case with crumb cakes, there’s cinnamon in both the cake and the crumb topping. Plus, that buttery crumb has plenty of pecans and toffee as well. All of that comes together for one of our favorite cakes!

If you’ve never tried browning butter, don’t fret that it’s too difficult. It’s a really simple process. All you’ll need is a saucepan or a skillet and some butter. That’s it. The rest more or less takes care of itself. The butter will melt, bubble a bit, and, after a few minutes, form browned bits in the bottom of the pan. And then you’re done! Just don’t wander off so you won’t accidentally let it burn.

Your reward for taking the few minutes to brown the butter will be this absolutely lovely cake! I’m just so smitten with every flavorful bite of this cake. I love that it’s such a great anytime cake that doesn’t need a special occasion. Serve it for brunch, a sweet afternoon snack, or dessert. Just do yourself a favor and serve it often!

More Brown Butter Cake Recipes

Brown Butter Pound Cake
Brown Butter Almond Cake with Apricot Whipped Cream
Brown Butter Texas Sheet Cake

Continue to Content

Get the Recipe:

Toffee Pecan Brown Butter Crumb Cake

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

This simple Toffee Pecan Brown Butter Crumb Cake is full of amazing flavor. Great for a sweet snack or dessert!

Print

Ingredients

For the crumb topping:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup toffee bits
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes and slightly softened

For the cake:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

To make the crumb topping:

1. Combine the flour, brown sugar, toffee, pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Add the butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbs form. Set aside. If your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate the topping while you prepare the cake.

To make the cake:

1. Place the butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter melts and begins to foam.
2. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown specks begin to form at the bottom of the pan and the butter has a nutty aroma. Remove pan from heat and transfer butter to a small mixing bowl. If desired, strain the butter to remove the browned bits. Allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round or 8-inch square baking pan.
4. Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the cooled brown butter. Use an electric mixer on medium-low speed or a wooden spoon to mix until thoroughly combined. Add the flour in 3 portions, alternating with 2 portions of the milk. Mix just until combined.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top of the batter.
6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are browned and a pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan at least 10 minutes before serving.

Show off your baking masterpiece!

Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can't wait to see your creation!

Share this: