Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake! There’s something about that tender crumb, the sweet, buttery aroma, and the luscious swirl of cinnamon and sugar that instantly takes you back to cozy mornings and lazy afternoons. But when you add sour cream into the mix, things get seriously elevated. Old-fashioned sour cream coffee cake is one of those timeless classics that’s been passed down through generations-baking memories and smiles in every bite.

• It’s the kind of cake that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea, acting as the perfect companion to start your day.
• The sour cream does wonders by keeping the cake moist, tender, and rich without being heavy.
• This cake strikes a beautiful balance: sweet but not overpowering, with a lightly tangy undertone that complements the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
• The old-fashioned element brings a nostalgic feel-like a homemade treat straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

Ready to dive into this slice of heaven? Let’s unpack everything you need to create this magical coffee cake!

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is your roadmap to recreating that classic, melt-in-your-mouth coffee cake. Think of it as a warm hug baked into a pan, complete with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping that adds the perfect contrast of textures.

• The cake itself is rich yet light, thanks to sour cream and a bit of baking soda working their chemistry magic.
• The cinnamon swirl in the middle makes every bite exciting, giving you pockets of warm spice.
• On top, a crumbly streusel adds a little crunch, sweet spice, and nostalgia.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk about what goes into this beauty. Don’t worry, the ingredients are all classic pantry staples, no fancy or hard-to-find items here!

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – The backbone of your cake, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetness and tenderness.
• Baking powder and baking soda – The rising agents that give your cake that airy lift.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon – For that iconic cinnamon swirl and streusel topping.

Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream – The secret weapon that keeps the cake moist and gives it a subtle tang.
• Unsalted butter – Melted or softened, it adds richness and moisture.
• Large eggs – Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.

For The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl & Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar – Adds a molasses-y sweetness and chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon – For that classic warming spice.
• Butter – Cut into flour for that crumbly streusel texture.
• Optional chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) – Adds crunch and nuttiness.

How To Make Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Let’s walk through the process, step-by-step, so you feel confident baking your very own masterpiece.

1. Preheat & Prep

   Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a bit of cinnamon.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

   In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step traps air, helping with a lighter crumb.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate Sour Cream

   Stir in the sour cream, which will add moisture and that signature tangy richness.

6. Combine Wet & Dry

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake.

7. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl

   Mix brown sugar with cinnamon. Spread half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top, then dollop and spread the remaining batter over it.

8. Make Streusel Topping

   Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter (cut into small pieces), and nuts (optional). Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to form crumbly clusters.

9. Add Streusel & Bake

   Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool & Serve

    Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with coffee, or room temperature-either way, it’s divine.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Understanding the why behind ingredients transforms baking from guesswork into art.

• Sour Cream

  This ingredient is a game changer. It’s acidic, which reacts with baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise. Plus, the fat content in sour cream makes the crumb incredibly moist and tender, and it adds a subtle tanginess that balances sweetness.

• Baking Powder And Baking Soda

  Baking powder contains both acid and base, helping the cake rise evenly. Baking soda requires an acid to activate (hello, sour cream!). Together, they ensure your cake is light and fluffy.

• Butter

  Butter’s fat coats flour proteins, preventing too much gluten formation (which would make the cake tough). It also adds flavor and helps with that tender crumb.

• Cinnamon

  Beyond taste, cinnamon has antioxidants and provides a warm aroma that psychologically cues comfort and coziness.

Expert Tips

To nail this cake every time, here’s the wisdom from baking pros:

• Don’t Overmix!

  Once you add flour, fold gently. Overworking develops gluten, leading to a dense, chewy cake instead of tender.

• Room temperature ingredients are your friends. Butter and eggs blend better when not cold, leading to better texture.
• Use fresh cinnamon and baking powder/soda for maximum flavor and lift.
• Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so it holds together but remains soft.
• Add nuts sparingly in the streusel for that perfect crunch without overwhelming the cake.
• Try swirling the cinnamon sugar with a knife to get a pretty marbled effect instead of just layering.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists:

• Fruit Add-ins

  Toss in fresh blueberries or chopped apples for bursts of fruity sweetness.

• Glaze It Up

  Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla or lemon zest on top for extra sweetness.

• Nut-Free

  Skip nuts in the streusel for allergy-friendly versions or replace with toasted coconut flakes.

• Spice It Up

  Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter or streusel for deeper complexity.

• Chocolate Lover’s Edition

  Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or streusel for melty chocolate pockets.

• Vegan Swap

  Use plant-based sour cream alternatives, flax eggs, and vegan butter to make it vegan-friendly.

Final Words

If you’ve never baked this old-fashioned sour cream coffee cake before, you’re in for a treat! It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The moist, tender crumb combined with the cinnamon swirl and crunchy streusel is a harmony of textures and tastes that make it perfect for any occasion-whether you’re impressing brunch guests or just treating yourself on a quiet morning.

Remember, baking is as much about the love and care you put into it as it is about the ingredients and technique. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of your homemade masterpiece.

FAQs

What Makes An Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

An old fashioned sour cream coffee cake is distinguished by its moist and tender crumb, which is achieved by incorporating sour cream into the batter. This adds a subtle tangy flavor and keeps the cake extra soft. Additionally, it typically includes a streusel topping, which gives it a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Can I Use Low-fat Sour Cream In The Recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream in place of full-fat sour cream. However, the cake may be slightly less rich and tender than when using full-fat sour cream. The texture and flavor might be affected, but it will still work as a substitute.

How Do I Store Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

Store your coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 1 week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I Freeze Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

What Kind Of Flour Should I Use For An Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

All-purpose flour is typically used in an old fashioned sour cream coffee cake recipe. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Avoid using cake flour or bread flour, as they will affect the texture.

Can I Add Fruit To The Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruit such as blueberries, apples, or raspberries to the batter. Be sure to fold the fruit gently into the batter so it doesn’t break up too much. You may want to toss the fruit in a little flour before adding it to the batter to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.

Why Is My Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake Dense?

A dense coffee cake can result from overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or not properly measuring the ingredients. Make sure to measure your flour correctly (using the spoon and level method) and mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.

What Can I Use As A Substitute For Sour Cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. Greek yogurt works well as a replacement for sour cream due to its similar texture and tangy flavor.

What Is A Streusel Topping Made Of?

A streusel topping typically consists of a mixture of flour, sugar (either granulated or brown), butter, and sometimes spices like cinnamon. The mixture is combined until crumbly and sprinkled on top of the cake before baking to create a sweet and crunchy topping.

How Long Does It Take To Bake An Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

The baking time for an old fashioned sour cream coffee cake typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size of the cake and your oven. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake-if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.