Easy Coffee Cake With Sour Cream Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’ve ever craved a warm, tender, melt-in-your-mouth coffee cake that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe, then you’re in for a real treat today. Coffee cake is one of those timeless comfort desserts that’s simple yet endlessly satisfying. But let me tell you – when you add sour cream into the mix, it takes this classic cake to a whole new level of moistness and tangy richness. Imagine biting into a crumbly, buttery cake with a cinnamon-swirled streusel topping, all tender and soft thanks to that magical ingredient: sour cream.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves to whip up cozy treats on lazy weekends, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and straightforward, yet it delivers bakery-quality results that’ll impress friends, family, or even just yourself. So grab your apron and get ready for a baking adventure filled with buttery crumbs, aromatic cinnamon, and the secret ingredient that makes this coffee cake unbelievably moist and flavorful.

Easy Coffee Cake With Sour Cream Recipe

Here’s the gist: This coffee cake recipe is all about simplicity, indulgence, and that classic cinnamon streusel topping that’s impossible to resist. We’re talking:

• A tender crumb cake base enriched with sour cream – the secret to its soft, velvety texture.
• A luscious cinnamon-sugar streusel that adds crunch and spice.
• The perfect balance of buttery richness and subtle tang.
• An easy-to-follow method that doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated steps.

Whether you want to impress at brunch or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this coffee cake will quickly become your go-to recipe. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients Needed

Alright, let’s break down what you’ll need to make this magical coffee cake happen. No surprises, just pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (for structure and crumb)
• Granulated sugar (sweetness)
• Baking powder (for leavening, to make it rise)
• Baking soda (works with sour cream’s acidity to add lift)
• Salt (to enhance flavor and balance sweetness)

Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream (the superstar ingredient! Adds moisture, tang, and richness)
• Unsalted butter (for richness and that buttery flavor, melted or softened depending on the step)
• Eggs (for binding and structure)
• Vanilla extract (for a warm, inviting aroma)

Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar (for deep, caramel-like sweetness)
• Ground cinnamon (the star spice for that cozy warmth)
• Cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes, creates crumbly texture)
• Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts for crunch)

How To Make Easy Coffee Cake With Sour Cream

Now, here’s where the magic unfolds step-by-step – but don’t worry, it’s super straightforward.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make The Streusel Topping

• Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes in a bowl.
• Use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter into the sugar and cinnamon until crumbly.
• Stir in chopped nuts if you like.

Step 3: Mix The Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar.

Step 4: Mix The Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, melted (or softened) butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so keep it light!

Step 6: Assemble The Cake

• Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan.
• Sprinkle half of the streusel evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter on top and then finish with the rest of the streusel.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a bit on why sour cream is a game-changer in coffee cake:

• Moisture: Sour cream contains fat and water that keep the cake moist without making it heavy.
• Acidity: Its slight tang reacts with baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise, producing a light, fluffy texture.
• Tenderness: The lactic acid in sour cream breaks down gluten strands, so you get a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Flavor: Adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness and enriches the cake’s flavor profile, making it more complex and interesting.

Similarly, the streusel topping isn’t just about sweetness – the cold butter in there melts slowly, creating those luscious, crunchy crumbs that contrast beautifully with the soft cake base.

Expert Tips

Alright, here are some insider nuggets from seasoned bakers that’ll take your coffee cake from great to legendary:

• Don’t overmix the batter! When combining wet and dry, fold gently just until no flour streaks remain to keep the crumb tender.
• Use room temperature eggs and sour cream. This helps ingredients blend smoothly, creating a better texture.
• Chill your butter for the streusel. Cold butter gives you those perfect crumbly clusters.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for an unexpected spice twist.
• If you like extra cinnamon punch, swirl some cinnamon sugar into the batter before adding the streusel for layers of flavor.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting. This sets the crumb and prevents it from falling apart.
• For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.

Recipe Variations

Let’s get creative! Coffee cake is incredibly versatile, so here are some fun ways to tweak it:

• Fruit Addition: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or diced peaches into the batter.
• Nut-Free: Skip nuts in the streusel and replace with toasted coconut flakes or seeds.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend that’s 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or swap the cinnamon streusel for a cocoa crumble.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free sour cream and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, chilled) instead of eggs.
• Maple Twist: Swap brown sugar for pure maple sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the top after baking.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a fall-themed delight.

Final Words

You’ve just unlocked the secret to an easy, irresistibly moist coffee cake that’s packed with flavor and bursting with buttery cinnamon goodness. Sour cream is your new best friend here, working its magic to give that soft crumb and subtle tang that turns a simple coffee cake into a showstopper. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with fun variations, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, brunches, or cozy afternoon treats with a cup of tea or coffee.

FAQs

What Is The Role Of Sour Cream In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, helping it stay soft and fluffy. It also provides a slight tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In This Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even a mixture of milk and vinegar. However, sour cream provides the best texture and flavor.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of almond extract. You can also include fresh fruit, like berries, or chopped nuts for added texture.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For This Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Baking An Easy Coffee Cake With Sour Cream?

A 9-inch round or square baking pan is ideal for this recipe. You can also use a bundt pan for a more traditional look, though you may need to adjust the baking time.

How Can I Make A Streusel Topping For The Coffee Cake?

To make a streusel topping, mix together sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the batter before baking.

Can I Freeze The Coffee Cake After Baking?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in an airtight container. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

How Long Should I Bake The Coffee Cake With Sour Cream?

Typically, the coffee cake should bake for 35-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I Make This Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

What Can I Serve With This Easy Coffee Cake For Breakfast Or Brunch?

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of freshly squeezed juice. For a more filling breakfast, serve it with scrambled eggs or bacon on the side.