Pecan cinnamon pull-apart cake is a soft, buttery pastry layered with cinnamon-sugar filling and chopped pecans, baked together in a loaf or bundt form and designed to be torn apart by hand. Each slice delivers gooey cinnamon warmth with a nutty crunch — a perfect centerpiece for brunch, holidays, or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich layers of cinnamon-sugar and pecans throughout a soft, yeasted dough
Pull-apart style makes it interactive and fun to serve
Perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors
Looks impressive but uses straightforward ingredients
Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon coffee breaks

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Active dry yeast
Salt
Whole milk
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract

For the filling:

Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter
Chopped pecans

Optional glaze (for drizzling):

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes by hand or with a mixer.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon together.
Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Brush the dough with melted butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix, and scatter chopped pecans over the top.
Cut the dough into strips, then stack and slice into squares. Layer the squares upright into a greased loaf or bundt pan.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
Cool for 10–15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Optional: Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1.5–2 hours
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: Approximately 3 hours (mostly inactive)

Variations

Apple cinnamon: Add finely diced apples to the filling for a fruity twist.
Maple glaze: Use maple syrup in the glaze instead of milk for autumn flavor.
Bundt version: Stack pieces in a greased bundt pan for a circular pull-apart cake.
No nuts: Omit pecans for a smoother cinnamon swirl experience.
Savory version: Replace filling with cheese, herbs, and garlic for a savory pull-apart loaf.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Wrap in foil or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm slices in a 160 °C (325 °F) oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, refrigerated biscuit or bread dough can be used for convenience, though homemade gives the best texture.

What kind of pan should I use?

A loaf pan or bundt pan works well depending on the shape you prefer.

How do I know the cake is fully baked inside?

Check that the top is deep golden and an inserted skewer comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts or even almonds can be substituted based on preference.

Is this recipe overly sweet?

The sweetness is moderate, but you can reduce sugar in the filling or glaze if desired.

Can I prepare this the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes, prepare and assemble the cake, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk/cream for a thinner drizzle.

Can I make individual pull-apart rolls instead?

Yes, use a muffin tin and place smaller dough stacks into each cup.

Does it need to be served warm?

Warm is best for gooey texture, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

What drinks pair well with this cake?

Hot coffee, chai tea, or a spiced latte are perfect complements.

Conclusion

Pecan cinnamon pull-apart cake is a cozy, indulgent treat that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and coffee cake. Whether served at brunch or as a sweet snack, its tender dough, sweet filling, and nutty crunch make it irresistible. Ready for the next recipe? Let me know and I’ll continue.