Best Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe to Try

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert or breakfast treat that combines moist texture, rich flavor, and a crumbly, buttery topping, you have to try this Sour Cream Coffee Cake. This classic treat offers the perfect balance of tangy sour cream and sweet cinnamon swirls, making every bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet morning by yourself, this recipe is both straightforward and delightfully satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Moist Texture: The sour cream keeps the cake irresistibly soft and tender, creating a moist crumb every time.
• Balanced Sweetness: This cake isn’t overpoweringly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of cinnamon and vanilla to shine through.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly but reliably delicious.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, coffee breaks, or dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
• Lovely Cinnamon Swirl: The cinnamon topping delivers a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake’s richness perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen to create that perfect moist, flavorful, and textured Sour Cream Coffee Cake you’ll love. From tangy sour cream to aromatic cinnamon, every element plays a vital role.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and the perfect crumb to the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to help the cake rise beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in the crust formation.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the topping.
• Sour cream: The star ingredient that keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess.
• Butter: Unsalted and melted, butter enriches both the batter and crumb topping.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to richness.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity with warm, sweet aroma.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice for the cinnamon swirl and crumb topping.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Making this Sour Cream Coffee Cake your own is easier than you think. With just a few tweaks, you can customize it to fit your flavor cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand.

• Nut lovers’ twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for a lovely crunch.
• Fruit infusion: Fold in fresh blueberries or sliced apples into the batter for a fruity upgrade.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Spiced variation: Add nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon mixture to deepen the spice profile.
• Healthier swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to add protein and reduce fat content without sacrificing moisture.

How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until pale and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, helping with the tender crumb and crumbly topping.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then, mix in vanilla extract for that sweet and warm flavor boost.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping

Mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. This topping will bake into a delicious, buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the crumb topping evenly, add the remaining batter, and finish with the remaining crumb topping. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Coffee Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a smoother batter texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to prevent a dense, tough cake.
• Fresh cinnamon is key: Use freshly ground cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor.
• Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so start testing your cake at around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let it rest: Cooling slightly before cutting helps the cake set, making it easier to slice.

How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Top slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze of vanilla icing for extra sweetness and flair.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee, freshly brewed tea, or a creamy latte to complement its rich, buttery notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant brunch offering that feels special yet effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake freezes beautifully—wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a microwave or oven to revive that fresh-baked warmth and softness, making the cake feel just out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream in the recipe?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream, adding moisture and tang without altering the texture significantly.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free baking?

Absolutely! Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and be sure the baking powder is gluten-free to enjoy this cake gluten-free.

Can I make this coffee cake without eggs?

You can replace each egg with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for an eggless version.

What’s the best way to achieve a crumbly topping?

Use cold butter and mix it into the topping ingredients just until crumbly—overworking it will make the topping clump instead of crumble.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, this cake stays fresh for up to 2 days and can last longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake is truly a beloved recipe that brings comfort and joy with every forkful. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or a cozy dessert, it’s easy to make and hard to resist. Grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and share this scrumptious cake with anyone who deserves a little sweetness in their day.

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