There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake wafting through your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. Our coffee cake with sour cream recipe creates the perfect balance of tender crumb and irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping that’ll have your family gathering around the table before you can even finish brewing the coffee.
What makes this coffee cake truly special is the addition of sour cream, which creates an incredibly moist and rich texture that stays fresh for days. The tangy sour cream perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon streusel topping, creating layers of flavor that make each bite better than the last.
We’ve perfected this recipe over countless morning gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to something special, this coffee cake delivers bakery-quality results with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to ensure our coffee cake delivers the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. The sour cream serves as the star ingredient that creates an incredibly tender crumb while adding subtle tang.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Creating our perfect coffee cake with sour cream requires the right tools to ensure bakery-quality results. We recommend gathering these essential pieces of equipment before beginning our baking process.
Mixing bowls form the foundation of our preparation. We need at least two medium-sized bowls – one for combining dry ingredients and another for creaming our butter and sugar mixture.
Electric mixer or stand mixer becomes crucial for achieving the light and fluffy texture that makes this cake exceptional. We can use either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer, though the stand mixer offers more convenience when working with the thick sour cream batter.
Springform pan, bundt pan, or tube pan serves as our baking vessel. We prefer a 9-inch or 10-inch pan with a removable bottom for easy cake removal without breaking the delicate crumb. The tube pan with removable bottom proves ideal for creating the classic coffee cake shape.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy in our ingredient proportions. We need both dry and liquid measuring cups, plus a complete set of measuring spoons for our spices and extracts.
Spatula helps us fold ingredients together gently without overmixing the batter. A rubber or silicone spatula works best for scraping bowl sides and incorporating ingredients smoothly.
Toothpick provides our foolproof doneness test. We insert it into the center of our cake to check for moist crumbs rather than wet batter, indicating our coffee cake has baked perfectly.
These tools work together to create the moist texture and rich flavor that defines our exceptional coffee cake with sour cream recipe.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect coffee cake with sour cream. We’ll guide you through each stage to ensure bakery-quality results every time.
Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the center. Generously grease your 9×9 inch or 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. We recommend using butter for the best flavor and release properties.
Make the Streusel Topping
Combine 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with 5 tablespoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Fold in ¼ cup chopped walnuts if desired for extra texture and richness.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender crumb structure.
Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the prepared batter evenly into your greased baking pan using a spatula. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping uniformly over the batter layer. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel, then finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel mixture on top for maximum flavor distribution.
Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before adding the glaze.
Make the Glaze
Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons milk or heavy cream until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker coating.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle the prepared glaze over the slightly cooled coffee cake using a spoon or small whisk. Cut into generous squares or wedges once the glaze has set. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast or dessert experience.
Storage Instructions
Our delicious coffee cake with sour cream maintains its freshness beautifully when stored properly. We recommend keeping the cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for optimal results.
Room Temperature Storage
The cake stays fresh for 1-3 days when stored at room temperature. We suggest placing it in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain that tender crumb texture. Wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap works particularly well for portioned servings.
Refrigerated Storage
Refrigeration extends our coffee cake’s lifespan significantly. We can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days when placed in an airtight container. This method helps preserve the sour cream’s richness while maintaining the cake’s moist texture.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage periods, our coffee cake freezes exceptionally well. We wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil before placing in freezer-safe bags or containers. This double-wrapping method prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-3 days | Airtight container or plastic wrap |
| Refrigerated | 5-7 days | Airtight container |
| Frozen | 2-3 months | Plastic wrap + foil + freezer bag |
Thawing and Reheating
We thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warming slices in the microwave for 15-60 seconds restores that fresh-baked texture. Alternatively, we can reheat portions in the oven if we prefer a slightly crispier exterior.
Our coffee cake pairs wonderfully with morning coffee for breakfast, makes an excellent brunch centerpiece, or serves as a cozy snack alongside hot chocolate. The proper storage methods ensure we can enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead transforms our coffee cake with sour cream into the perfect stress-free dessert for any gathering. We can prepare this delicious treat the day before our event to save precious time on busy mornings.
Preparing the Complete Cake
After our coffee cake cools completely, we wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to preserve its moisture and tangy flavor. This method keeps the cake fresh and actually enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight. We store the wrapped cake at room temperature for next-day serving or refrigerate it for up to one week.
Advance Batter Preparation
Our sour cream coffee cake batter can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. We cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This technique works particularly well when we need to serve fresh-baked cake for morning guests or brunches.
Streusel Storage Strategy
We can prepare the cinnamon-sugar-nut streusel topping separately and store it in an airtight container. This approach maintains the crispiness of our topping until we’re ready to assemble and bake the cake. We simply sprinkle the prepared streusel over the batter layers right before placing the pan in the oven.
Make-Ahead Timeline
| Preparation Method | Storage Time | Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Complete cake wrapped | 1-2 days room temp | Enhanced flavor development |
| Refrigerated batter | Overnight | Fresh-baked texture |
| Separate streusel | 2-3 days | Maintains crispiness |
Glazing Considerations
We recommend adding our powdered sugar glaze just before serving rather than in advance. The glaze maintains its smooth appearance and doesn’t get absorbed into the cake when applied fresh. We can prepare the glaze ingredients ahead of time and whisk them together when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving this delightful coffee cake warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite morning coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The tender crumb and cinnamon streusel topping create an ideal pairing that enhances both the cake’s flavors and your beverage choice.
Our coffee cake shines brightest during breakfast hours when the aroma fills your kitchen and sets a welcoming tone for the day. Brunch gatherings become extra special when we place this cake as the centerpiece alongside fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits. The versatility makes it perfect for casual family mornings or more formal entertaining occasions.
We love adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice to create an extra indulgent experience. Fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries complement the cake’s sweetness while adding vibrant color to your presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar over individual slices creates an elegant finishing touch for special occasions.
Afternoon snack time transforms when we serve generous slices with hot chocolate or herbal tea. The moist texture from the sour cream pairs beautifully with warm beverages that help balance the cake’s richness. We find that children especially enjoy this combination during weekend afternoons or school holidays.
For optimal enjoyment we suggest warming refrigerated slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked texture. This gentle reheating process brings back the cake’s original softness while maintaining the streusel topping’s delightful crunch. The glaze becomes slightly glossy again creating an appealing presentation that looks freshly made.
We recommend cutting the cake into generous wedges using a sharp knife for clean slices that showcase the beautiful cinnamon swirl pattern. Each piece should highlight both the tender crumb and the textured streusel topping that makes this recipe so memorable. The visual appeal becomes part of the overall serving experience that delights both family and guests.
Recipe Variations
Our classic sour cream coffee cake serves as the perfect foundation for countless delicious variations. These popular twists transform the basic recipe into exciting new flavors while maintaining that signature moist texture we all love.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
We enhance our traditional recipe by folding 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries directly into the batter before baking. The juicy berries create pockets of sweetness throughout the cake while the sour cream keeps everything perfectly moist.
For the streusel topping, we combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter to create a crunchy contrast to the tender crumb. Fresh blueberries scattered on top add visual appeal and burst with flavor in every bite.
Our finishing touch includes a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This sweet drizzle complements the tartness of the berries beautifully. We recommend using a 9×9 inch pan for this variation to accommodate the extra volume from the fruit.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
This variation features a gorgeous cinnamon sugar ripple that winds through the center of our cake. We create the swirl by mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and layering it between portions of batter.
The technique involves spreading half the batter in the pan, sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, then topping with the remaining batter. We use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating that signature marbled effect.
Our crumb topping gets extra attention with additional cinnamon and sugar mixed into the flour and butter base. The result delivers intense cinnamon flavor in every layer, from the tender cake to the crunchy top. A vanilla drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch to this bakery-style treat.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
We elevate our sour cream coffee cake by incorporating cocoa powder into the cinnamon swirl topping along with traditional sugar and chopped pecans. This creates rich chocolate notes that pair beautifully with the tangy sour cream base.
The chocolate elements can be customized to your preference. We sometimes add mini chocolate chips directly to the batter or include them in the streusel topping for extra indulgence. Toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
| Variation | Key Additions | Pan Size | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | 1.5 cups fresh/frozen berries | 9×9 inch | Vanilla glaze finish |
| Cinnamon Swirl | Cinnamon sugar ripple | 8-inch round | Knife swirl technique |
| Chocolate Chip | Cocoa powder, pecans | 8-inch round | Mini chips optional |
This chocolate variation maintains the same moist texture as our original while adding layers of rich flavor. The cocoa in the topping creates a beautiful color contrast against the golden cake, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges when crafting the perfect sour cream coffee cake. We’ve compiled essential answers to help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.
Cinnamon Sugar Sinking Issues
When your streusel topping migrates to the bottom of your cake during baking, we recommend reducing the flour content in your streusel mixture. This common problem occurs when the topping becomes too heavy for the batter to support. Also, adjusting your oven temperature by lowering it 25 degrees can prevent the unwanted bottom layer formation that frustrates many bakers.
Achieving the Perfect Cake Texture
Overmixing ranks as the primary culprit behind tough and dry coffee cake. We advise mixing your batter on low speed just until ingredients combine to avoid developing excess gluten. Your final batter should look slightly lumpy rather than completely smooth. Stop mixing the moment you no longer see streaks of flour in your bowl.
Managing Ingredient Temperatures
Room temperature ingredients create the foundation for smooth batter consistency. We suggest removing eggs, butter, and sour cream from refrigeration 30 minutes before beginning your recipe. Cold ingredients can cause your batter to curdle, resulting in an uneven texture that affects your cake’s final appearance and taste.
Maintaining Streusel Crispiness
Chilling your prepared streusel while mixing your cake batter helps maintain its shape and crunchiness after baking. We recommend placing your streusel mixture in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before assembly. This technique prevents the topping from melting into the cake during the initial baking phase.
Proper Flour Measurement Techniques
Dense coffee cake often results from incorrectly measured flour. We recommend spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This method prevents packing excess flour into your measurement, which can create a heavy and dry final product.
Baking Time and Temperature Adjustments
Overbaking transforms moist sour cream coffee cake into a dry disappointment. We suggest checking for doneness at 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. Your cake is ready when the toothpick emerges with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remember that residual heat continues cooking your cake even after removal from the oven.
Conclusion
We’re confident this sour cream coffee cake recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. The combination of tender crumb and cinnamon-sugar topping creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply craving something special with your morning coffee this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. The make-ahead options and storage tips ensure you’ll always have this delicious cake ready when you need it.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with our suggested variations to find your perfect flavor combination. We’d love to hear how your coffee cake turns out and which version becomes your family’s favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sour cream coffee cake stay fresh?
The coffee cake stays fresh at room temperature for 1-3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for 5-7 days to maintain its moist texture. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months using a double-wrapping method to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make the coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the complete cake a day in advance and wrap it tightly to enhance flavors overnight. The batter can be made the night before and refrigerated, while the streusel topping can be stored separately to maintain crispiness. Glaze just before serving for the best appearance.
What type of pan should I use for this coffee cake?
You can use a springform, bundt, or tube pan for baking this coffee cake. Each pan type will give slightly different results, but all work well with this recipe. Make sure to properly grease and prepare your chosen pan before adding the batter.
Why is my streusel topping sinking into the cake?
Streusel sinking usually occurs due to too little flour in the topping or incorrect oven temperature. Ensure your streusel has enough flour to maintain structure, and check that your oven temperature is accurate. The topping should be crumbly but not too wet.
Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?
While sour cream provides the signature moisture and tang, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. However, the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Sour cream gives the best results for this particular recipe.
What are some popular variations of this coffee cake?
Popular variations include Blueberry Coffee Cake with fresh berries and vanilla glaze, Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with enhanced cinnamon ripple, and Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with cocoa powder and pecans. Each variation maintains the moist sour cream base while adding unique flavors.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly away from the sides of the pan. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
What’s the best way to serve sour cream coffee cake?
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature with morning coffee or cold milk. It’s perfect for breakfast and brunch gatherings, and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits. For an indulgent touch, add whipped cream and fresh berries.
