Best Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipes to Try
Discover mouthwatering Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipes that are moist, rich, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Easy to bake and share, this beloved treat combines the creamy tanginess of sour cream with a tender crumb and a cinnamon-swirled streusel topping, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re craving a cozy morning pick-me-up or a sweet ending to your day, Sour Cream Coffee Cake brings comfort and flavor together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Moisture Balance: The sour cream adds just the right amount of moisture to keep the cake tender and soft without being dense.
- Flavor Depth: The slight tang of sour cream enhances the sweetness and complexity, elevating the overall taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that even baking beginners can nail.
- Versatile Serving: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
- Great for Sharing: It slices up nicely, making it easy to serve at gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a standout Sour Cream Coffee Cake, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, common ingredients that each play a vital role in texture, flavor, and appearance. These basics come together to form that perfect crumb and distinct tang.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake while allowing a tender crumb.
- Sour Cream: Gives moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and contribute to the streusel’s texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the streusel topping and cake batter.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s lift and moisture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and maintain lightness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that classic coffee cake spice, featured in the crumbly streusel.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
Variations for Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Customizing your Sour Cream Coffee Cake lets you tailor each baking experience to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want a nutty crunch or a fruit twist, making this recipe your own is simple and fun.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra texture and flavor.
- Berry Boost: Fold fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity surprise.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Maple Sweetened: Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate twist.
How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather and measure all ingredients precisely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Set aside for later layering.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over it. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out, and finish with the rest of the streusel sprinkled generously.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream ensures a smooth, even batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Cold Butter for Streusel: Keep the butter cold when making the topping for a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start testing your cake around the 35-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool properly for clean slices and the best flavor.
How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch, while a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting can transform it into an indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or a light snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice generously and serve warm with a side of your favorite coffee or tea. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a lovely brunch buffet display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Sour Cream Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to a week.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Sour Cream Coffee Cake freezes well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tang while slightly reducing fat.
What’s the best pan size for this recipe?
An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan works best to achieve the perfect thickness and baking time for Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
How long does Sour Cream Coffee Cake last?
When stored properly, it can last 2-3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, and several months in the freezer.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! Its moist texture and balance of sweet and tangy flavors make it a favorite breakfast or brunch choice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute sour cream and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and plant-based margarine, though texture and flavor may slightly vary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, Sour Cream Coffee Cake should be at the top of your baking list. With its incredible moistness, delightful tang, and that irresistible cinnamon streusel topping, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the warm, tender slices with your favorite cup of coffee—you won’t regret it!
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Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Gluten; Not Gluten Free
Description
This Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a moist, rich, and tender cake featuring the creamy tanginess of sour cream combined with a cinnamon-swirled streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients and delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a crumbly, flavorful topping.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients precisely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Set aside for later layering.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over it. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out, and finish with the rest of the streusel sprinkled generously.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for a smooth, even batter.
- Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Keep the butter cold when making the streusel topping for a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Start testing the cake around 35 minutes to prevent overbaking, as oven temperatures may vary.
- Allow the cake to cool properly for clean slices and best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Coffee Cake, Breakfast Cake, Cinnamon Streusel, Moist Coffee Cake