Sour cream coffee cake transforms any ordinary morning into something truly special. This beloved bakery-style treat combines tender crumb cake with rich sour cream that creates an incredibly moist texture you’ll crave again and again. The secret lies in how sour cream’s tangy richness balances perfectly with sweet cinnamon streusel topping.
We’ve perfected this classic recipe to deliver that coveted coffee shop experience right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch guests or treating yourself to an indulgent breakfast, this homemade coffee cake never disappoints. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before it’s even finished baking.
What makes our version irresistible is the generous swirl of cinnamon sugar running through the middle and that golden crumbly topping that adds the perfect textural contrast. Each slice delivers layers of flavor that pair beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
We need three distinct components to create this bakery-style sour cream coffee cake. Each element contributes to the perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture that makes this cake irresistible.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Creating our perfect sour cream coffee cake requires exact tools that ensure smooth preparation and optimal results. We recommend gathering all equipment before starting to streamline the baking process.
Essential Mixing Equipment
- Large mixing bowl for combining wet and dry ingredients
- Hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming butter and achieving proper texture
- Medium mixing bowl for preparing the streusel topping
- Rubber spatula for folding ingredients without overmixing
Measuring and Preparation Tools
- Measuring cups for accurate flour and liquid measurements
- Measuring spoons for precise amounts of baking powder, vanilla, and spices
- Whisk for combining dry ingredients evenly
- Fine mesh sieve for sifting powdered sugar (optional but recommended)
Baking Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish as the standard size for this recipe
- Parchment paper or cooking spray for easy release
- Wire cooling rack for proper cooling
Additional Helpful Tools
- Small bowl for mixing the glaze components
- Pastry cutter or two knives for creating the crumb topping texture
- Offset spatula for smooth glaze application
| Equipment Category | Essential Items | Optional Items |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing | Large bowl, mixer, rubber spatula | Stand mixer vs hand mixer |
| Measuring | Cups, spoons, whisk | Fine mesh sieve |
| Baking | 9×13 dish, parchment paper | Wire cooling rack |
| Finishing | Small bowl for glaze | Offset spatula, pastry cutter |
Having the right equipment makes the difference between a good coffee cake and an exceptional one that rivals any bakery creation.
Instructions
We’ll guide you through each step to create this bakery-quality sour cream coffee cake from start to finish. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure perfect results every time.
Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure even baking temperature throughout the cooking process.
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat all corners and sides to prevent sticking.
Make the Streusel Topping
Combine the dry ingredients by mixing flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork, working it into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Add chopped nuts if desired, stirring them gently into the streusel mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix the sour cream and vanilla in a separate bowl, then add this mixture to the creamed butter, beating until smooth and well combined.
Whisk together the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl to ensure even distribution.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Sprinkle the streusel topping over the first layer of batter, distributing it evenly across the surface.
Dollop the remaining batter over the streusel layer, then gently spread it to cover most of the topping while allowing some streusel to peek through.
Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown top and edges that have begun pulling slightly away from the pan sides.
Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
Add vanilla extract and salt to enhance the glaze flavor, adjusting the consistency with additional milk if needed for easy drizzling.
Finish and Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking while still warm.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving for the best presentation and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage keeps our sour cream coffee cake fresh and delicious for days after baking. We recommend several storage methods depending on how quickly you plan to enjoy this delightful treat.
Room Temperature Storage
We can store our coffee cake at room temperature for 3 to 5 days when wrapped properly. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent staleness. This method works perfectly when we plan to serve the cake within a few days of baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Refrigeration extends our cake’s freshness for 5 to 7 days. Place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator to slow down spoilage while preserving the moist texture we love. We find this method ideal when we want to prepare the cake ahead of time for special occasions or brunches.
Freezer Storage
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3-5 days | Airtight container or plastic wrap |
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days | Wrapped tightly |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Double wrapped with freezer bag |
Freezing our sour cream coffee cake preserves it for up to 3 months. We can freeze the entire cake or cut it into individual slices for convenient single servings. Wrap the cake or slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing and Serving Tips
Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours. We recommend serving our coffee cake warm for the best flavor experience. Simply warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave before serving.
Our coffee cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee or hot chocolate. We also enjoy serving it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of yogurt for an extra special treat. Always ensure the cake is completely cooled before freezing to prevent moisture accumulation that could affect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Our sour cream coffee cake shines brightest when paired with the right beverages and accompaniments. We recommend serving this delightful treat warm alongside your favorite morning coffee or a steaming cup of tea to complement its rich cinnamon flavors.
Breakfast and Brunch Pairings
For a complete brunch spread, we love presenting this coffee cake alongside savory dishes like hashbrown casserole or quiche Lorraine. The sweet and tangy notes of our cake provide the perfect balance to hearty breakfast fare. Fresh fruit salad adds a bright, refreshing contrast that cuts through the cake’s richness beautifully.
Dessert Service
When serving as dessert, we suggest offering small slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy elements enhance the cake’s moist texture while adding an extra layer of indulgence. A light dusting of powdered sugar on each plate creates an elegant presentation.
Afternoon Snack Options
Our coffee cake makes an ideal afternoon snack due to its moist and flavorful nature. We often serve it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a lighter option that still satisfies sweet cravings. The tangy yogurt pairs wonderfully with the cake’s sweet streusel topping.
Beverage Recommendations
Beyond coffee and tea, we find that this cake pairs exceptionally well with cold milk, hot chocolate, or even a glass of dessert wine for evening entertaining. The versatility of flavors makes it suitable for various occasions throughout the day.
Recipe Variations
We love how adaptable this classic sour cream coffee cake can be with simple ingredient swaps. These variations maintain the same moist texture while adding exciting new flavors that will keep your family coming back for more.
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Fresh blueberries transform our basic recipe into a fruity breakfast delight that bursts with flavor in every bite. We gently fold 1 to 1½ cups of fresh blueberries into the prepared batter before assembling the cake. Dried blueberries work equally well if fresh ones aren’t available. The natural sweetness of the berries complements the tangy sour cream perfectly while adding beautiful color throughout the cake. We recommend tossing the blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Cinnamon Swirl Version
Our cinnamon swirl variation creates layers of warm spice that spiral through the entire cake. We make the swirl by combining ⅓ cup brown sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon melted butter. After spreading half the batter in the prepared pan we sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface. The remaining batter goes on top before we gently swirl a knife through the layers to create beautiful marbled patterns. This version delivers an extra boost of cinnamon warmth that pairs beautifully with morning coffee.
Chocolate Chip Addition
Chocolate lovers will adore this rich variation that incorporates mini chocolate chips throughout the tender crumb. We fold 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the baking dish. The smaller chips distribute more evenly than regular sized ones and won’t weigh down the delicate cake structure. Semi sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance against the tangy sour cream while milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter option for those who prefer milder chocolate flavor. We sometimes add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the streusel topping for an intensified chocolate experience.
Tips for Perfect Results
We’ve discovered several key techniques that transform ordinary sour cream coffee cake into an exceptional bakery-quality treat. Our experience shows that attention to these crucial details makes all the difference between good and outstanding results.
Temperature control forms the foundation of our success. We always bring eggs and sour cream to room temperature before mixing, which ensures smooth incorporation and prevents lumps in our batter. Cold ingredients create uneven mixing and can result in a dense texture that lacks the light, tender crumb we desire.
Proper mixing technique requires careful attention to avoid overworking the batter. We use our electric mixer to cream butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, typically 3 to 4 minutes. Once we add the dry ingredients, we switch to gentle hand folding to prevent gluten development that would create a tough cake.
Measuring accuracy impacts every aspect of our final product. We measure flour using the spoon and level method rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack too much flour into our measuring cup. This precision ensures our cake maintains its signature moist texture without becoming dense or dry.
Assembly layering technique enhances both flavor and visual appeal. We spread half the batter in our prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, then gently spread the remaining batter on top. This creates distinct layers that provide bursts of cinnamon sweetness throughout each slice.
Baking indicators help us achieve perfect doneness every time. We test with a toothpick inserted into the center, looking for just a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter. The top should appear golden brown, and the edges will begin pulling slightly away from the pan sides when properly baked.
Cooling patience prevents our streusel topping from sliding off and allows the cake structure to set properly. We resist the temptation to cut immediately, instead allowing at least 15 minutes of cooling time in the pan before transferring to our wire rack.
Glaze timing maximizes both appearance and taste. We apply our powdered sugar glaze while the cake remains slightly warm, which helps it absorb into the surface while maintaining an attractive drizzled appearance on top.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead transforms morning baking from stressful to seamless with our sour cream coffee cake. We recommend three distinct approaches that accommodate different schedules and preferences.
Overnight Chilling Method
Assembling the complete cake the night before creates the most convenient morning experience. We prepare the entire cake through the assembly stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while making the cake easier to handle in the morning. Simply remove the plastic wrap and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the original baking time.
Component Preparation Strategy
Breaking down preparation into manageable components works perfectly for busy schedules. We can prepare the streusel topping up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dry ingredients for the cake batter mix together and store at room temperature for up to one week. Fresh preparation of wet ingredients takes only minutes on baking day, streamlining the entire process.
Baked and Ready Storage
Completed coffee cake stores beautifully for next day serving. We cover the completely cooled cake tightly and store it at room temperature overnight. The cake maintains its moisture and flavor profile exceptionally well using this method. Gentle reheating in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes before serving restores the fresh baked warmth that makes this cake irresistible.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature | Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight chilling | 1 night | Refrigerator | Plastic wrap |
| Streusel topping | 3 days | Refrigerator | Airtight container |
| Dry ingredients | 1 week | Room temperature | Sealed container |
| Baked cake | 1 night | Room temperature | Covered tightly |
Freezing for Extended Storage
Long term planning benefits from our freezing approach. We wrap the unbaked assembled cake in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. Thawing occurs overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Alternatively, we freeze baked cake slices individually wrapped for up to three months, creating perfect single serving portions for unexpected guests or quick morning treats.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to create this amazing sour cream coffee cake that’ll become your go-to recipe for special mornings. With its perfect balance of tangy sour cream and sweet cinnamon streusel this cake delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead options. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or need a quick weekday treat you can customize it with blueberries chocolate chips or extra cinnamon to suit your taste.
Remember that proper storage keeps your coffee cake fresh for days and the freezer-friendly nature means you can always have a homemade treat ready. We’re confident this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your baking collection bringing warmth and delicious aromas to your home time after time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sour cream coffee cake so moist and flavorful?
The sour cream is the secret ingredient that creates this cake’s signature moist texture and rich flavor. Its tangy quality balances perfectly with the sweet cinnamon streusel topping, while the acidity helps tenderize the cake structure, resulting in a bakery-quality treat with exceptional texture and taste.
What are the three main components needed for this coffee cake?
You’ll need three distinct parts: the cake base (made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, and other basics), the streusel topping (combining flour, sugars, cinnamon, and cold butter), and the sweet glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt) for the perfect finishing touch.
What essential equipment do I need to make this coffee cake?
Key tools include a large mixing bowl, hand or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, and a 9×13 inch baking dish. Additional helpful items are a rubber spatula, fine mesh sieve, and wire cooling rack for optimal results and smooth baking process.
How should I store leftover sour cream coffee cake?
Store at room temperature for 3-5 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. For longer freshness, refrigerate for 5-7 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, either whole or in individual slices, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make variations of this coffee cake recipe?
Yes! Popular variations include adding fresh blueberries to the batter, creating a cinnamon swirl with brown sugar mixture, or incorporating mini chocolate chips. These simple ingredient swaps maintain the cake’s moist texture while introducing exciting new flavors to keep it fresh and appealing.
Can I prepare this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Try the overnight chilling method by assembling the cake and refrigerating overnight, prepare components in advance, or bake and store for next-day serving. You can also freeze unbaked or baked portions for long-term storage while maintaining quality and flavor.
What are the best serving suggestions for sour cream coffee cake?
Serve warm with coffee or tea, pair with savory brunch dishes like quiche, or enjoy as dessert with whipped cream or ice cream. It also makes a great afternoon snack with Greek yogurt and fresh berries, and pairs well with various beverages throughout the day.
