Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Alright, let’s start with why Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake is basically the MVP of breakfast treats. Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon swirling through the air, a tender crumb that’s just the right amount of moist, and a subtle tang from sour cream that makes every bite a little dance party for your taste buds.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cake. Coffee cakes like this one are the perfect cozy companion to your morning cup of joe or even a sweet afternoon snack. It’s rich without being heavy, soft but with a little crumbly crunch from a cinnamon sugar streusel topping that’s just chef’s kiss.

What’s super fun about this recipe is how the sour cream elevates the texture – making the cake melt in your mouth – and the cinnamon adds that warm spice that feels like a cozy hug.

Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

Ready to get baking? Here’s the full recipe breakdown so you can create this delicious cinnamon sour cream coffee cake in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s your lineup of all-star ingredients, and a little note on why each one is here:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure builder. It forms the backbone of your cake.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that balances the tangy sour cream and cinnamon.
• Baking powder (1 tsp) & baking soda (1/2 tsp): The dynamic duo for lift and fluffiness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that gives that classic coffee cake flavor.
• Sour cream (1 cup): The magic ingredient for moistness and tang.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness.
• Large eggs (2): Helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): For warmth and depth.
• Brown sugar (for topping, 1/2 cup): Adds a deep caramel note to the topping.
• Additional cinnamon (for topping, 1 tbsp): More cinnamon love on top.
• Chopped nuts (optional, 1/2 cup): Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.

How To Make Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Here’s the step-by-step so you don’t miss a beat:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Prep is key!
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 tsp cinnamon.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale (this is where you build volume).
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate sour cream: Mix in sour cream until smooth. The batter will be thick and luscious.
6. Combine dry and wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter. Don’t overmix; just combine until no flour streaks remain.
7. Make the topping: Mix brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and nuts (if using) in a small bowl.
8. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the topping. Add remaining batter and top with remaining streusel.
9. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool & serve: Let cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temp, ideally with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a sec – what exactly is happening here?

• Sour cream: The tangy fat in sour cream tenderizes gluten strands in the flour, which keeps your cake moist and soft rather than dense. It also reacts with baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles – helping the cake rise and get fluffy.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Using both creates a layered lift. Baking powder reacts twice (once when wet, once when heated) while baking soda reacts immediately with the acidic sour cream.
• Butter vs. oil: Butter gives the cake a richer flavor and a tender crumb because it contains milk solids, unlike oil which can make cakes moister but less flavorful.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon contains natural antioxidants and adds aromatic oils that enhance the sensory experience.

Expert Tips

Here’s where I share the insider knowledge to elevate your coffee cake game:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure eggs, butter, and sour cream are all at room temp for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, fold gently to avoid toughening the cake.
• Use fresh cinnamon: Ground cinnamon loses its punch over time – fresh is best!
• Try brown butter: For a nutty depth, brown the butter before creaming it with sugar.
• Cool completely if storing: Keeps the texture perfect and prevents sogginess.
• Reheat slices: A quick zap in the microwave revives that freshly baked warmth.

Recipe Variations

Now, let’s get creative. You can tweak this cake in tons of ways:

• Fruit addition: Add fresh blueberries or diced apples to the batter for fruity bursts.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze on top once cooled.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon for a spiced twist.
• Swap nuts: Use almonds or pistachios for different crunch profiles.
• Vegan swap: Use coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative, flax eggs, and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Mini muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins for portable treats.

Final Words

There’s something so magical about the humble coffee cake, especially when it’s infused with the richness of sour cream and the warmth of cinnamon. This cake isn’t just a dessert or breakfast – it’s a little slice of comfort and tradition baked into every bite.

If you want to impress guests or treat yourself on a slow weekend morning, this recipe is your golden ticket. Plus, it’s super approachable whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

For a classic cinnamon sour cream coffee cake, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and optionally, chopped nuts or a crumb topping. The cake is typically made with a combination of sour cream and butter to achieve a moist, rich texture.

Can I Use Non-fat Sour Cream In This Recipe?

You can use non-fat sour cream, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the cake. The cake might be a little less rich and moist compared to using full-fat sour cream. For best results, full-fat sour cream is recommended.

How Do I Make The Crumb Topping For Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

To make the crumb topping, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts for extra texture. Sprinkle the topping over the batter before baking.

Can I Add Nuts To The Cake Batter?

Yes, you can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cake batter if you like. Stir them in gently before baking to incorporate them evenly. You can also add nuts to the crumb topping for additional flavor and texture.

How Can I Make My Coffee Cake Less Sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet coffee cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the batter and the crumb topping. Start by cutting the sugar by about 25%, and adjust according to your taste preferences. You can also reduce or eliminate any optional glaze.

Why Is Sour Cream Used In Coffee Cake?

Sour cream is used in coffee cake for its ability to create a moist and tender texture. It also adds a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the cake. The fat content in sour cream helps make the cake rich and flavorful.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Greek Yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe. The texture will remain similar, and Greek yogurt will provide a slightly tangier flavor. Opt for plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.

How Can I Prevent My Coffee Cake From Being Too Dense?

To prevent your coffee cake from being too dense, make sure not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. Additionally, ensure that your baking soda is fresh to help the cake rise properly.

How Long Do I Need To Bake Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

The baking time for a cinnamon sour cream coffee cake typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size and depth of your pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I Make Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cinnamon sour cream coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated. You can also freeze it for longer storage.