Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Introduction

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a beloved classic that combines the perfect blend of sweetness and tang, thanks to the creamy sour cream in the batter. The cake is soft and moist, with each bite melting in your mouth. What really makes this coffee cake stand out is the cinnamon-sugar streusel, which adds a delightful crunch and a burst of warming flavor. The balance of tender cake with that crunchy, spiced streusel is simply irresistible!

I love making this cake when I have friends or family over for a coffee break or afternoon tea. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the house always makes everyone feel at home. It’s one of those desserts that’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a special celebration, or just a treat to enjoy with a hot beverage. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Just whip up the cake batter, layer it with the cinnamon-sugar streusel, and bake until golden perfection. The result is a cake that’s both delicious and visually appealing, making it a true crowd-pleaser every time.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday brunches
• Comfort baking
• Treating loved ones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Sour Cream Coffee Cake will become your go-to recipe:

• Moist and Tender Texture: The addition of sour cream creates a perfectly moist cake with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Warm and Comforting Flavors: The cinnamon streusel adds a delightful warmth, making this cake a cozy treat for any time of year.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its simple ingredients, this cake looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzled with glaze, it’s always a hit.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: It stays fresh for days, making it a great option for prepping ahead of time for gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

For the Cake

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Streusel Filling and Topping

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the streusel.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and creates a caramel-like flavor in the topping.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Optional, but add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• Butter: Contributes richness to both the cake and streusel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

Prepare the Streusel

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts (if using), and flour.
2. Add Butter: Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Prepare the Cake Batter

3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
7. Alternate Flour and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Assemble the Cake

8. Layer the Batter and Streusel: Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth with a spatula. Finish with the remaining streusel on top.
9. Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

10. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is versatile and perfect for various occasions:

1. With a Hot Beverage: Pair it with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
2. As a Brunch Centerpiece: Serve it as the star of a holiday or weekend brunch.
3. Warm with Ice Cream: Enjoy a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
4. As a Snack Cake: Pack it as a snack for work, school, or a picnic.
5. With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh berries or fruit compote for a light, fruity contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Sour Cream Coffee Cake perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
• Customize the Streusel: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth, or use oats for a different texture.
• Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Store Properly: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try with this recipe:

1. Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
2. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Fold in diced apples and sprinkle extra cinnamon in the streusel.
3. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter and streusel.
4. Maple Pecan Coffee Cake: Replace the brown sugar with maple sugar and use pecans for a nutty, sweet flavor.
5. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake: Swap some sour cream for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spices.
6. Glazed Lemon Coffee Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter and drizzle with a lemon glaze.
7. Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake: Incorporate dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.
8. Almond Coffee Cake: Use almond extract instead of vanilla and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
9. Coconut Coffee Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and streusel for a tropical vibe.
10. Gluten-Free Coffee Cake: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave.
• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Here’s some special equipment to make your Sour Cream Coffee Cake effortlessly:

1. 9×13-inch Baking Pan or Bundt Pan: Choose based on your preferred cake shape.
2. Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar efficiently.
3. Mixing Bowls: Use various sizes for wet and dry ingredients.
4. Rubber Spatula: Helps in spreading the batter evenly and scraping bowls clean.
5. Whisk: For combining dry ingredients smoothly.
6. Cooling Rack: Ensures the cake cools evenly after baking.
7. Sifter: Ideal for dusting powdered sugar or ensuring a smooth glaze.
8. Knife or Offset Spatula: For cleanly slicing the cake or smoothing layers.
9. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements lead to consistent results.
10. Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check doneness without cutting the cake.

FAQ Section

1. Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
   Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
3. Can I omit the nuts in the streusel?
   Yes, simply leave out the nuts for a nut-free version without affecting the taste.
4. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?
   Yes, but adjust the baking time and check for doneness as it may take longer.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a beloved classic that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar in a soft, tender cake. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe promises to be a hit. Its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients ensures it’s a treat everyone will love.

The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility—you can easily customize it with add-ins like nuts, fruit, or even chocolate chips to make it your own. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking to create something delightful and comforting.

I can’t wait to see how your Sour Cream Coffee Cake turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Let me know how it turned out in the comments, and share any fun twists you made to personalize it! Happy baking!