Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Bundt Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, let me set the scene: Imagine waking up on a cozy weekend morning, the sun peeking through your windows, and the air filled with the irresistible scent of warm cake mingled with cinnamon and buttery streusel. Now add a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea, and you’ve got yourself a moment of pure bliss. That, my friend, is the magic of a Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Bundt.

This isn’t just any ordinary coffee cake – it’s the kind of cake that’s moist, tender, with a tangy twist from sour cream, and topped with a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. And the Bundt shape? It’s not just for show. It bakes evenly, holds all that streusel goodness beautifully, and creates those charming ridges that look stunning when you slice into it.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for the perfect weekend treat, or simply craving a homemade indulgence, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels fancy enough for company. So, let’s talk ingredients, the science behind this dreamy texture, step-by-step instructions, and how to make it your own.

Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Bundt Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick snapshot of what this cake brings to the table:

• Moist, tender crumb thanks to sour cream’s fat and acidity.
• Sweet, crunchy streusel topping with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter.
• Perfectly balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
• Warm, homey flavors that pair perfectly with your morning brew.
• Bundt pan magic for beautiful presentation and even baking.

It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to make over and over – whether for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you deserve a slice of heaven.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, let’s break down the stars of the show – the ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already, which makes it even easier to whip this up!

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving structure.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that lovely caramelization on the crust.
• Baking powder: The lift and lightness to keep it from being dense.
• Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to help the cake rise and stay tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Because what’s a coffee cake without cinnamon? It’s the warmth in every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Sour cream: The star ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly moist and gives it a slight tang.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to structure.
• Vanilla extract: For that comforting, aromatic sweetness.

For The Streusel

• Brown sugar: Gives the streusel that deep, molasses-y sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: For the crumbly texture.
• Ground cinnamon: More warm spice love.
• Cold unsalted butter: Cut into the dry ingredients for a perfect crumble.

How To Make Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Bundt

Now, here’s where the magic happens. I’m going to walk you through every step so you don’t miss a beat.

Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan

• Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. This is key for that perfect unmolding later.
• Optional: Dust lightly with flour or use a baking spray with flour to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Make The Streusel

• Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl.
• Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it forms coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge to keep cold.

Step 3: Make The Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy – this can take about 3-5 minutes.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
• Add the dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently – overmixing will toughen the cake.

Step 4: Assemble

• Spoon half the batter into the Bundt pan.
• Sprinkle half of the streusel evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the streusel.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake center – it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Okay, this part is super cool! Let’s geek out for a second on why sour cream makes such a difference.

• Moisture & Fat: Sour cream adds fat and moisture, which means the cake stays tender and soft longer. It’s like the cake’s secret weapon against dryness.
• Acidity: The mild acid in sour cream reacts with baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise beautifully and have a light texture.
• Tangy Flavor: That slight tang cuts through the sweetness, preventing the cake from tasting too cloying or one-dimensional.
• Protein: Sour cream adds a bit of protein, contributing to a richer crumb.

The streusel also deserves some love! The cold butter, when mixed with flour and sugar, creates those tiny pockets of fat that melt in the oven, leaving behind a crumbly, crisp topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.

Expert Tips

Here’s the stuff I wish I knew when I started baking this cake:

• Use room temperature eggs and butter: They blend better with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
• Keep the streusel cold: The colder the butter, the better the crumb texture.
• Use a good quality sour cream: Full-fat sour cream yields the best flavor and texture.
• Test for doneness carefully: Toothpick tests with a few moist crumbs are ideal – you don’t want it too dry or undercooked.
• Let the cake cool in the pan: This prevents breakage when unmolding.
• Dust with powdered sugar or glaze: Optional, but it makes the cake look extra inviting.

Recipe Variations

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this recipe your own or adapt it for different moods and occasions:

• Nutty Streusel: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Fruit Twist: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter for fruity bursts.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for an elegant finish.
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the cake batter or streusel for a spiced twist.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative, and use dairy-free butter.

Final Words

Making a Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Bundt is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. The process itself is so satisfying – mixing, layering, smelling the cinnamon wafting through the house – and the end result? Pure comfort. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday breakfast or a show-stopping dessert, this cake never disappoints.

Keep the recipe handy, because once you try it, you’re going to want to make it again and again. And sharing it? That’s when the magic really happens – watching smiles light up around the table as everyone enjoys that perfect slice of sweet, tender, cinnamon-y heaven.

FAQs

What Makes Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Different From Other Coffee Cakes?

Sour cream streusel coffee cake is unique due to the rich, moist texture provided by sour cream, which also adds a slight tang. The streusel topping gives it a crunchy, sweet contrast that balances the soft cake, making it a favorite for coffee pairings.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cake Pan Instead Of A Bundt Pan?

While a Bundt pan is ideal for this recipe due to its shape and ability to evenly distribute heat, you can use a regular round or square cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as the cake might cook faster or slower depending on the pan size.

How Do I Prevent The Streusel Topping From Sinking Into The Cake?

To prevent the streusel from sinking, layer it between the cake batter. Begin by pouring half of the batter into the pan, then sprinkle a layer of streusel, and top with the remaining batter. This helps keep the streusel on top while baking.

Can I Make The Streusel Topping Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh until you’re ready to use it.

What Kind Of Sour Cream Should I Use For The Cake?

For the best results, use full-fat sour cream. It provides the most moisture and flavor. Low-fat sour cream may work, but it could result in a less moist cake.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Something Else?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Both will maintain the texture and moisture of the cake, though buttermilk might add a slightly tangier flavor.

How Can I Make The Cake More Flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor of the cake by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the batter. Adding a bit of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

Is It Necessary To Let The Cake Cool Before Removing It From The Pan?

Yes, it’s important to let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove it from the Bundt pan. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.

Can I Freeze Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the coffee cake either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How Do I Store Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake?

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.