Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Cinnamon Streusel) Recipe: A Rich, Moist, and Flavorful Treat

Why Sour Cream Coffee Cake is the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

There’s something deeply comforting about a sour cream coffee cake, especially when it’s topped with a generous cinnamon streusel. This cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, moisture, and warmth, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, serving it at a brunch gathering, or indulging in it as a dessert, sour cream coffee cake is a beloved classic. The sour cream adds richness and tenderness to the cake, while the cinnamon streusel provides a sweet, crunchy topping that elevates the flavor.

What makes this coffee cake even better is the combination of flavors in every bite—the moist, slightly tangy cake paired with the buttery, spiced streusel creates a delicious contrast. It’s the kind of cake that everyone will want to go back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven without a lot of fuss. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible sour cream coffee cake with cinnamon streusel!

Essential Ingredients for Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Cinnamon Streusel)

For the Cake:

The cake itself is soft and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream. The sour cream helps create a tender crumb and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

For the cake, you’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for structure)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (for leavening)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for additional rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for richness)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 2 large eggs (for binding and structure)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
• 1 cup sour cream (for moisture and tenderness)

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

The cinnamon streusel topping is the star of the show, adding a crunchy, spiced layer that complements the soft, tangy cake.

For the cinnamon streusel topping, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for sweetness and depth)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the base of the streusel)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the signature coffee cake flavor)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, but walnuts or pecans work well for added crunch)

For the Glaze (Optional):

A simple glaze can be drizzled over the top of the cake once it’s baked for a little extra sweetness.

For the glaze, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for smooth sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons milk (to thin the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)

How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Cinnamon Streusel)

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan (or you can use a bundt pan) with butter or cooking spray, and lightly flour the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside the streusel topping to use later.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light, airy cake.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients (flour mixture first, sour cream last). Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.

4. Assemble the Coffee Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter, ensuring an even layer. Add the remaining batter on top of the streusel, spreading it out gently. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon streusel over the top of the cake.

5. Bake the Coffee Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.

If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.

6. Cool the Cake

Once the coffee cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the cake set and make it easier to slice.

7. Add the Glaze (Optional)

If you’d like to add a glaze to the cake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra sweet touch.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake has cooled and the glaze has set (if using), slice and serve the sour cream coffee cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Cinnamon Streusel)

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture and consistency, make sure the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps everything blend together more smoothly and results in a more uniform batter.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Be careful not to overmix the cake batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, airy cake.

Ensure Even Streusel Distribution

To ensure an even distribution of streusel, sprinkle the cinnamon streusel in layers, starting with half of it at the bottom of the batter and topping it with the remaining streusel. This creates a beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout the cake.

Test for Doneness

Ovens vary, so it’s important to check the cake for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, bake it for a few more minutes, checking every 5 minutes.

Add a Twist with Fillings

If you want to add more flavor and texture to your coffee cake, consider filling the layers with ingredients like fresh berries, chopped apples, or even a bit of cream cheese for a richer filling.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Sour Cream Coffee Cake (Cinnamon Streusel)

Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel is a delightful and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The soft, moist cake combined with the sweet and spicy cinnamon streusel topping creates a flavorful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking it for a special brunch or simply indulging in a sweet snack, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to create a bakery-quality treat right at home.

Print

FAQs

1. Can I make the coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the coffee cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, store it at room temperature. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

2. Can I add other fruits or nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add fresh berries, sliced apples, or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter or streusel for added flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the streusel before baking.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can try substituting with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.

4. Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free.

5. How do I store leftover coffee cake?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

6. Can I make this cake without sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice as a substitute. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

7. How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?

The coffee cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

8. Can I use brown sugar for the cake batter?

You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the batter for a slightly richer flavor, but it may change the texture of the cake slightly. Brown sugar is often used in the streusel to add a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

9. Can I make this recipe in a bundt pan?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake in a bundt pan. Just make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, as the cake may be a bit more delicate to remove due to the added streusel. You may need to adjust the baking time based on the size and shape of the pan.

10. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The cake is delicious without it, but the glaze adds an extra level of sweetness and a nice finish. You can also top the cake with powdered sugar instead of a glaze for a simpler touch.