The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream Recipe
If you’re on a quest for a show-stopping, soul-satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy afternoon, let me gush about The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream. This classic bakes up with a buttery, tender crumb and a ripple of cinnamon-sugar running through the middle, thanks to a rich sour cream base that guarantees moistness in every slice. There’s simply nothing better than the aroma of cinnamon and the hint of vanilla wafting from your oven, and this coffee cake delivers on all fronts for new and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream is in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds something special, from the tang of sour cream to the crunchy sweetness of that signature cinnamon swirl.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cake its satisfying, tender bite.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully for a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream for perfect lift and a soft crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and creates that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the delicate vanilla notes.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a luxurious crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers a warm, inviting aroma that ties all the elements together.
- Sour cream: The secret weapon for unbeatable moistness and subtle tang in every bite.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that iconic, cozy warmth that defines coffee cake.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Lend a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you like some texture!
How to Make The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a Bundt pan for dramatic effect) so your gorgeous cake will release easily, keeping all those delicious swirls intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This extra step helps ensure everything’s perfectly distributed for an even crumb, so don’t be tempted to skip it!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about three minutes. This base sets the tone for a tender cake, so take your time here—the air you whip in will reward you later.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing each in fully before adding the next. A splash of vanilla goes in next, bringing a touch of warmth that’s the hallmark of The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Now, gently fold in those dry ingredients and the sour cream, alternating between the two. Always start and end with the dry mixture. This approach keeps the batter supple and ensures the sour cream is evenly distributed for an ultra-moist finish—just don’t overmix.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Stir together the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and those nuts if you’re using them. This irresistible mixture is what will give your coffee cake that swirling, sugary magic in every slice.
Step 7: Assemble the First Batter Layer
Scoop half the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to coax it into every corner or curve if you’re using a Bundt. Don’t worry if it seems thin—add a little patience, it’ll all come together.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Scatter half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over this first layer. Try to cover the entire surface so you get a swirl of cinnamon in every forkful.
Step 9: Layer the Rest of the Batter
Spoon the remaining cake batter over the filling, smoothing it out as best you can. Trust me, it’s worth coaxing it gently so you don’t accidentally mix the layers together.
Step 10: Top with Remaining Filling
Finish with a final sprinkling of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a gorgeous, textured top that will bake up golden and fragrant.
Step 11: Bake the Cake
Transfer your masterpiece to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick to come out clean (or with a few moist crumbs) from the center—it’s so hard not to open the oven for a peek!
Step 12: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in its pan for about 15 minutes; this rest helps it set just enough to slice without crumbling. Then serve it while warm or at room temperature—both are divine!
How to Serve The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream
Garnishes
This cake shines on its own, but go ahead and dust the top with a little powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy effect. If you want to make it extra special, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Side Dishes
Try pairing slices of The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream with a bowl of fresh berries, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or alongside your favorite hot beverage. A mug of coffee or chai is made for this—trust me, your mornings just got so much better.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake this cake in a Bundt pan for a stunning centerpiece, or even divide the batter into mini loaf pans for adorable, giftable portions. For brunch spreads, slice it into small squares and arrange on a tiered tray with fruit—so pretty and inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to three days—though in my house, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream freezes like a dream. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cake (well-sealed) and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for several minutes—this revives the aroma and texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional and just add extra crunch. If you’re avoiding nuts for allergies or personal preference, feel free to leave them out. The cake will still be deliciously soft and swirled with cinnamon.
What kind of sour cream should I use?
Regular full-fat sour cream gives you the richest, moistest result, but light sour cream works in a pinch. Avoid fat-free versions, as they won’t give the same luxurious texture that makes this the best coffee cake recipe with sour cream.
How can I tell when the coffee cake is done?
Look for a golden brown top and test by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s still gooey, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
For best results, bake immediately after mixing so the leaveners can do their work. However, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling up to a day ahead, and have all your ingredients measured out in advance for a quicker assembly.
What’s the best way to serve The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream for a party?
Consider baking in a Bundt pan for a dramatic centerpiece, or slice the cake into bite-size pieces for an easy grab-and-go treat. Serving with fruit, yogurt, or a coffee bar makes any occasion feel like a celebration!
Final Thoughts
If you adore classic comfort baked goods, you owe it to yourself to try The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream. It’s simple enough for weekday mornings but impressive enough for guests. Bake it once, and you’ll come back to this recipe whenever you crave something cozy, crumbly, and absolutely irresistible.
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The Best Coffee Cake Recipe with Sour Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate coffee cake experience with this moist and tender sour cream coffee cake. A buttery cake batter swirled with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the cinnamon-sugar filling:
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and sour cream: Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the mixture.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if using.
- Assemble the cake: Layer batter and filling in the prepared pan.
- Add the filling: Spread the rest of the batter and sprinkle the filling on top.
- Top with the rest of the filling: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add a simple glaze on top for extra sweetness.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: coffee cake, sour cream coffee cake, cinnamon sugar, dessert
