Take my word for it, my German grandma passed this down. It's a keeper!

There's nothing quite like a slice of homemade German Coffee Cake, or 'Kaffekuchen,' on a brisk morning. This delightful treat traces back to the kitchens of old Germany, brought over by immigrants who settled across the Midwest. Infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel, it's a perfect companion to your morning coffee. The aroma of this cake baking is enough to gather everyone to the table, reminiscing about the good old days and making new memories.

German Coffee Cake serves up beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side can really elevate the experience. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a plate of scrambled eggs. This cake is versatile and fits just as well with a casual family breakfast as it does with an elegant brunch gathering.

Servings: 12

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of sour cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of chopped pecans
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream until just blended.

4. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan.

6. Spread the remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture on top.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

For those who enjoy a bit more spice, try adding a 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cloves to the pecan mixture. If pecans aren't your favorite, walnuts make a lovely substitute in this recipe. For a different twist, mix in some shredded apple or pear into the batter for added moisture and a touch of fruity sweetness.