Introduction
There’s nothing better than a warm, buttery slice of coffee cake with a cup of coffee or tea. Sour Cream Coffee Cake is one of the most beloved versions of this classic treat, known for its soft, moist texture and delicious cinnamon streusel topping. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that never disappoints.
The secret to this cake’s incredible tenderness is the sour cream, which adds moisture and a subtle tang, making every bite rich and flavorful. Plus, the crumbly cinnamon-sugar streusel layer creates the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake, including:
Table of Contents
Ready to bake? Let’s get started on making the best Sour Cream Coffee Cake you’ve ever had!
The Secret to a Moist and Tender Coffee Cake
A great Sour Cream Coffee Cake should be soft, moist, and rich with a tender crumb. The key to achieving this lies in the right ingredients and techniques. Let’s break down what makes this cake so special.
1. How Sour Cream Enhances Texture
Sour cream is the star ingredient in this coffee cake, and here’s why:
✔ Moisture Boost: Sour cream has a high-fat content that keeps the cake soft and prevents dryness.
✔ Tender Crumb: The acidity in sour cream breaks down gluten, making the cake light and delicate.
✔ Rich Flavor: It adds a slight tangy taste that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.
2. The Role of Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
✔ Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor while keeping the cake soft.
✔ Sugar: Granulated sugar creates a light texture, while brown sugar adds extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
✔ Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise properly.
Pro Tip: For extra moisture and richness, use room-temperature butter and eggs to blend more evenly into the batter.
3. The Importance of Cinnamon Streusel
No coffee cake is complete without its signature cinnamon streusel topping! This crumbly layer adds:
✔ A crispy texture that contrasts with the soft cake.
✔ Warm spice flavors from cinnamon and brown sugar.
✔ Extra sweetness without making the cake overly sugary.
Pro Tip: Layer the streusel in the middle and on top for extra cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite.
By using sour cream, quality butter, and the perfect balance of sugar and eggs, you’ll achieve a deliciously moist and tender coffee cake every time!
Essential Ingredients for Sour Cream Coffee Cake
The secret to an irresistibly moist and flavorful coffee cake lies in using the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and taste.
1. Choosing the Right Flour
Flour provides structure, but using too much can make the cake dense.
✔ All-Purpose Flour – The best choice for a light yet sturdy cake.
✔ Cake Flour – For an even more delicate crumb, substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup + 2 tbsp cake flour.
✔ Gluten-Free Flour Blend – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.
Pro Tip: Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into a cup and leveling it off—packing too much flour can make the cake dry.
2. Best Sugar for Sweetness and Moisture
✔ Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure.
✔ Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, perfect for the streusel topping.
✔ Powdered Sugar (for dusting) – A light sprinkle on top enhances presentation.
Pro Tip: Using a mix of white and brown sugar creates a cake that is both soft and rich in flavor.
3. Sour Cream vs. Yogurt
✔ Sour Cream – The best ingredient for a moist and tender coffee cake. It adds richness, prevents dryness, and gives the cake a slight tang.
✔ Greek Yogurt – A great substitute if you don’t have sour cream. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.
✔ Buttermilk (if needed) – If you’re out of sour cream or yogurt, you can substitute ¾ cup buttermilk + ¼ cup melted butter.
Pro Tip: Avoid low-fat substitutes—full-fat sour cream or yogurt creates the best results.
4. Spices and Flavor Boosters
✔ Cinnamon – The key ingredient in the streusel for warmth and depth.
✔ Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
✔ Nutmeg (Optional) – Adds a subtle spice note for extra richness.
✔ Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Pro Tip: Adding ½ teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies the cinnamon and enhances the cake’s flavor without making it taste like coffee.
By selecting high-quality ingredients and balancing them correctly, you’ll achieve a perfectly moist, sweet, and flavorful coffee cake every time!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Coffee Cake
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make a perfectly moist, fluffy, and delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
1. Preparing the Batter
✔ Preheat your oven – Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
✔ Prepare your pan – Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
✔ Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Pro Tip: If using a Bundt pan, grease it well with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing Techniques for a Light Texture
✔ Cream the butter and sugar – Beat ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
✔ Add eggs and vanilla – Mix in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
✔ Incorporate sour cream – Stir in 1 cup sour cream, ensuring the batter stays thick and smooth.
✔ Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
Pro Tip: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense—mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
3. Layering the Cinnamon Streusel
✔ Make the streusel – In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
✔ Layer the cake – Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
Pro Tip: For a crunchy texture, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel.
4. Baking Tips for Even Cooking
✔ Bake for 35-40 minutes – Until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
✔ Let it cool – Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
✔ Optional glaze – Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
Pro Tip: If baking in a Bundt pan, let the cake cool completely before inverting to prevent breakage.
With these foolproof steps, you’ll have a moist, buttery Sour Cream Coffee Cake with a perfect cinnamon-streusel swirl!
Coffee Cake Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Sour Cream Coffee Cake is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a nutty crunch, a fruity twist, or even a chocolate-infused version, there’s a coffee cake variation for everyone!
1. Classic Cinnamon Streusel
✔ The traditional version with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping.
✔ Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea for a warm and comforting treat.
✔ Pairs well with a vanilla glaze drizzle for extra sweetness.
Pro Tip: Double the streusel ingredients if you love extra crumbly, sugary layers!
2. Nutty and Crunchy Toppings
✔ Pecans or Walnuts – Adds a toasty, crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
✔ Almond Slices – A light, delicate crunch with a hint of nutty flavor.
✔ Coconut Flakes – Gives the cake a slightly tropical touch.
Pro Tip: Toast nuts before adding them for enhanced flavor and extra crunch.
3. Chocolate Chip or Fruit Variations
If you love chocolate or fruit, try these fun mix-ins:
✔ Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to make it extra indulgent.
✔ Blueberry Coffee Cake – Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
✔ Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake – Add 1 cup of diced apples and increase the cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.
✔ Lemon Coffee Cake – Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Pro Tip: Toss fruits in a little flour before adding them to prevent sinking in the batter.
4. How to Make It Gluten-Free
✔ Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to keep the cake moist.
✔ Make sure baking powder and vanilla extract are gluten-free.
Pro Tip: Gluten-free coffee cake tends to dry out faster, so store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
With these delicious variations, you can customize your coffee cake to match your cravings and experiment with new flavors!
Common Coffee Cake Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a simple recipe, a few common mistakes can affect the texture, flavor, and overall success of your cake. Here’s how to avoid them for a perfectly moist and delicious cake every time!
1. Overmixing the Batter
✅ Why It’s a Problem: Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense and tough instead of light and fluffy.
✔ How to Fix It:
- Mix just until the ingredients are combined—stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.
- Use a spatula instead of a mixer for the final stage of mixing.
Pro Tip: If using an electric mixer, keep it on low speed when adding dry ingredients.
2. Using the Wrong Baking Pan
✅ Why It’s a Problem: The type of pan affects how the cake bakes.
✔ How to Fix It:
- Use a light-colored metal pan for even baking.
- If using a glass or ceramic pan, lower the oven temperature by 25°F (10°C) and bake a few minutes longer.
Pro Tip: If making a Bundt coffee cake, grease and flour the pan well to prevent sticking.
3. Over or Underbaking
✅ Why It’s a Problem:
- Overbaked coffee cake becomes dry and crumbly.
- Underbaked cake will be dense and doughy in the center.
✔ How to Fix It:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) and check for doneness at 35-40 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done.
Pro Tip: The cake will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking!
4. Not Layering the Streusel Correctly
✅ Why It’s a Problem: If all the streusel sits on top, the cake lacks cinnamon flavor inside.
✔ How to Fix It:
- Layer half the streusel in the middle and the rest on top for even distribution.
- Lightly press the top layer of streusel into the batter so it sticks after baking.
Pro Tip: Add a tiny pinch of salt to the streusel to enhance its sweetness.
5. Cutting the Cake Too Soon
✅ Why It’s a Problem: Cutting too soon can cause the cake to fall apart or be too soft inside.
✔ How to Fix It:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- If using a Bundt pan, cool completely before inverting to avoid breakage.
Pro Tip: For extra clean slices, use a serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
By avoiding these common mistakes, your Sour Cream Coffee Cake will turn out soft, moist, and bakery-perfect every time!
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy Coffee Cake
Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in different ways, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here are the best ways to pair and present your coffee cake for an even better experience!
1. Pairing with Coffee and Tea
Since coffee cake is designed to complement coffee, pairing it with the right drink enhances the flavors.
✔ Classic Black Coffee – A rich, slightly bitter coffee balances the cake’s sweetness.
✔ Espresso or Cappuccino – The creamy texture of a cappuccino pairs well with the crumbly streusel.
✔ Chai Tea Latte – The warm spices in chai tea match perfectly with cinnamon-streusel coffee cake.
✔ Herbal Teas – A mild tea, like chamomile or rooibos, provides a light and soothing pairing.
Pro Tip: Serve coffee cake warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra cozy touch.
2. Serving as a Dessert or Breakfast Treat
Coffee cake is delicious on its own, but you can dress it up for a fancier presentation.
✔ With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A simple, elegant touch that adds extra sweetness.
✔ Drizzled with Vanilla Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a light, sweet drizzle.
✔ Topped with Fresh Berries – Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
✔ Served with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – For a more indulgent dessert-style coffee cake.
Pro Tip: If serving for brunch, pair coffee cake with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
3. Creative Coffee Cake Desserts
✔ Coffee Cake Trifle – Layer crumbled coffee cake with vanilla pudding and whipped cream for a fun twist.
✔ Coffee Cake French Toast – Dip slices in egg and milk, then pan-fry for an extra-rich French toast.
✔ Coffee Cake Muffins – Bake in muffin tins for individual portions perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Pro Tip: For a festive touch, warm up coffee cake and serve with spiced apple cider during fall and winter!
With these serving ideas and pairings, you can enjoy Sour Cream Coffee Cake in new and exciting ways—perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making the perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
1. Can I Make Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, try these substitutes:
✔ Full-Fat Greek Yogurt – The best alternative for a similar texture and tangy flavor.
✔ Buttermilk – Use ¾ cup buttermilk + ¼ cup melted butter to match the richness.
✔ Milk + Vinegar/Lemon Juice – Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes, and use in place of sour cream.
Pro Tip: Avoid using low-fat substitutes, as they can make the cake dry.
2. What’s the Best Way to Keep It Moist?
✔ Use full-fat sour cream – The fat content keeps the cake soft and tender.
✔ Don’t overbake – Bake just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
✔ Store properly – Wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent drying.
✔ Reheat before serving – A quick 10-second microwave warm-up restores moisture.
Pro Tip: Storing the cake with a slice of bread helps keep it from drying out!
3. Can I Add a Glaze or Icing?
Absolutely! Adding a glaze enhances the sweetness and presentation.
✔ Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a classic drizzle.
✔ Cream Cheese Frosting: Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a richer topping.
✔ Maple or Caramel Drizzle: For a warm, fall-inspired twist.
Pro Tip: Add glaze after the cake cools to prevent it from melting into the cake.
4. How Do I Prevent a Dry Coffee Cake?
✔ Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level it instead of packing it into the cup.
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients don’t mix as well and can affect texture.
✔ Avoid overbaking – Check early to ensure it stays soft and moist.
Pro Tip: If the cake turns out dry, brush it with warm simple syrup (sugar + water) to add moisture.
5. Can I Make It in a Bundt Pan?
Yes! Coffee cake looks beautiful in a Bundt pan, but the baking time will be longer.
✔ Use a well-greased Bundt pan – Butter and flour the pan to prevent sticking.
✔ Increase baking time – Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
✔ Cool completely before flipping – This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
Pro Tip: If making in a loaf pan, bake for 50-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. What’s the Difference Between Coffee Cake and Regular Cake?
✔ Coffee cake is less sweet – It’s designed to be enjoyed with coffee, not as a super-sweet dessert.
✔ It has a streusel topping – Instead of frosting, coffee cake features a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping.
✔ Denser texture – Coffee cake is typically richer and more moist than a standard sponge cake.
Fun Fact: Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee—it’s just meant to be served alongside it!
Conclusion
Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a deliciously soft and moist treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a glaze, or loaded with mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make cake that’s guaranteed to impress.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Sour cream keeps the cake moist and rich.
✔ The cinnamon streusel adds warmth and sweetness.
✔ Use the right ingredients and avoid overmixing for the perfect texture.
✔ Customize with nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips for variety.
✔ Store properly and freeze for later enjoyment.
Now that you know all the secrets to making the best Sour Cream Coffee Cake, it’s time to preheat your oven and start baking! 🍰☕
Print
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe: A Moist and Delicious Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Here’s a delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe that’s moist, tender, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).
Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers slightly.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan) or 50–55 minutes (for a bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Glaze (Optional): Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If using the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- For extra moisture, add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream.
- This cake freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American