Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe for Heavenly Morning Joy

Whipping up a dreamy sour cream coffee cake brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Soft, pillowy layers promise decadent comfort with every single bite.

Buttery crumbs dance between rich swirls of cinnamon and tender cake texture.

Home bakers adore this simple yet luxurious treat that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing classic.

Modest preparation time delivers an impressive breakfast centerpiece that sparks delighted smiles.

You’ll want to savor each delectable forkful of this irresistible morning delight.

What Makes Sour Cream Coffee Cake a Morning Favorite

• Packed with cinnamon streusel and rich sour cream, this cake delivers irresistible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Adaptable for different occasions, this recipe works brilliantly as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, transforming easily from casual to sophisticated with a simple glaze.
• Designed for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe provides clear instructions and forgiving techniques, ensuring even novice bakers can create a professional-looking, delicious coffee cake every single time.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Coffee Cake

• Brown Sugar: Sweet, crumbly base for the topping that adds warmth and caramel notes.
• Flour: Creates structure and helps bind the streusel mixture.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice to the topping.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter: Cold and cubed for creating flaky, rich streusel texture.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional crunchy element that adds depth and texture.

• Butter: Softened for creamy, tender cake base with rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create light texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, warm flavor to the cake.
• Flour: Primary dry ingredient for cake structure.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents for soft, risen cake.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tanginess, and creates tender crumb.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle topping.
• Milk or Cream: Thins the sugar for perfect drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the glaze.

Bake Your Coffee Cake with This Guide

Step 1: Create Crunchy Streusel Topping

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Slice cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like chunky sand. Sprinkle in chopped nuts if you want extra crunch. Pop the streusel into the refrigerator while you prepare the cake.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Cake Batter

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a square or Bundt pan with butter and dust with flour. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each. Pour in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix gently to keep the batter smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Cake

Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of streusel on top. Carefully cover with remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes for a square pan, or 45-55 minutes for a Bundt pan. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Sweet Drizzle

Optional but delicious! Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade coffee cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Notes to Improve Your Coffee Cake

• Swap Nuts for Crunch: Replace chopped nuts with toasted coconut flakes or crispy bacon bits for a unique texture twist that adds unexpected flavor to the coffee cake.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake moist; stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Customize Spice Levels: Boost the cinnamon or add ground nutmeg to the streusel for a more intense warm, aromatic profile that elevates the classic coffee cake flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to ensure the cake maintains its soft, tender texture.
• Store and Refresh Smartly: Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, and briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.

Keep Coffee Cake Fresh and Moist

• Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or restore crispness by placing in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Let refrigerated or frozen cake come to room temperature before serving to enhance taste and prevent dryness.

Serve Coffee Cake with These Beverages

• Rich, medium-roast coffee enhances the cake's warm cinnamon and nutty streusel flavors perfectly.
• Spiced tea with hints of cardamom and ginger creates a luxurious companion that matches the cake's comforting texture.
• Choose a late-harvest Riesling with subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the cake's buttery richness and nutty undertones.
• Decadent, velvety hot chocolate with marshmallows provides a delightful contrast to the cake's crumbly streusel and adds extra warmth.

Fresh Ideas for Coffee Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring equal measurements. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with non-dairy yogurt. Use plant-based milk for the optional glaze.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pistachios. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch to the streusel.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content and add extra spices like cardamom or nutmeg for depth of flavor.

Coffee Cake Q&A for Curious Bakers

• What makes sour cream important in this coffee cake recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor to the cake, creating a rich and soft texture that makes the cake incredibly soft and delicious.

• Can I make this coffee cake without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily skip them or replace them with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit if you prefer a nut-free version of the cake.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, which makes the cake tough and dense instead of light and tender.

• Is there a way to check if the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sour cream coffee cake brings comfort and elegance to morning gatherings with its rich, tender crumb and cinnamon-swirled perfection. Delicate layers and crumbly streusel topping promise a delightful breakfast experience you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Nuts and Spices:

• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the delectable streusel by whisking brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Incorporate cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into rough, pebble-like crumbs. Fold in chopped nuts if desired, then refrigerate the mixture while preparing the cake base.
2. Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch square or Bundt pan with grease and flour. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until they become light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate vessel, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and conclude with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
4. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Generously sprinkle half the streusel mixture across the initial layer. Carefully spread remaining batter over the streusel, then crown with the final streusel portion.
5. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. For Bundt pans, extend baking time to 45-55 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan atop a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully extracting. Optional: Create a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Drizzle elegantly over the cooled cake before serving.

Notes

• Cold butter creates flakier, more textured streusel, so keep it chilled until the moment of cutting into the mixture.
• Alternate wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough cake texture and maintain a tender crumb.
• Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly, ensuring even cake consistency and preventing potential lumping.
• Use full-fat sour cream for maximum moisture and rich, tangy flavor that elevates the entire coffee cake.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining identical measurements.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overcooking; ovens vary, so start testing around 30 minutes with a toothpick.
• Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen.
• Enhance nutty complexity by toasting chopped pecans or walnuts before adding to streusel for deeper, more intense flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg