Sour Cream Coffee Cake

My favorite Sour Cream Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. This delightful cake is incredibly moist and buttery, featuring a rich cinnamon streusel layer both in the middle and on top. Drizzled with a sweet glaze, it’s ideal for brunch, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. The combination of sour cream adds depth to the flavor and ensures every bite is satisfying. You will love how versatile this cake is, making it suitable for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy weekend at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist Texture – The sour cream keeps the cake tender and moist, making it a joy to eat.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up even if you’re a beginner.
• Versatile Serving Options – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—this cake fits any meal or occasion.
• Delicious Cinnamon Flavor – The cinnamon streusel topping adds a warm spice that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Impressive Presentation – Drizzled with a sweet glaze, this cake looks beautiful on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Sour Cream Coffee Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×9 baking pan – Provides the perfect size for even baking and easy serving of your coffee cake.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without spilling; having multiple sizes helps separate dry and wet ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp kosher salt
– 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (COLD) (cut into small pieces)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 Tbsp whole milk

How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×9 baking pan and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of kosher salt

Cut in:
3/4 cup cold unsalted butter until crumbly.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In another bowl, mix together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
A pinch of kosher salt

In a separate large bowl, cream together:
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add:
Two large eggs one at a time,
And mix in:
Vanilla extract and sour cream.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Add the remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the streusel.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together:
1 cup powdered sugar
Add enough whole milk until desired consistency is reached.

Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, here are some suggestions for making the most of this delicious cake.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: Add slices of banana to enhance the buttery flavor of the cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try infusing whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

As a Dessert

• Drizzle with Glaze: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top.
• Serve Warm: Warm slices in the microwave briefly before serving to bring out the rich flavors.

Pairing with Beverages

• Coffee: This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee for a classic pairing, enhancing your coffee break.
• Herbal Tea: Enjoy it with chamomile or peppermint tea for a soothing experience.

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How to Perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake

To ensure your Sour Cream Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Butter: For the streusel topping, using cold butter helps create that crumbly texture that everyone loves.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow your cake to cool completely before adding any glaze to prevent it from melting away.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and freshness alongside the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for added crunch and protein that balances the sweetness.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a savory contrast that works great at brunch.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, making it perfect for breakfast gatherings.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds enhances nutrition while keeping it light.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer an easy grab-and-go option that complements coffee cake nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a successful bake.

• Using warm butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky texture. Always use cold, cut-up pieces of butter for the crumb topping.
• Skipping the sour cream: Sour cream adds moisture and richness. Do not substitute it with regular milk; stick to sour cream for the best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep your coffee cake light and fluffy.
• Neglecting to cool before glazing: Glazing while hot can result in a messy finish. Allow your coffee cake to cool completely before adding the glaze.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Sour Cream Coffee Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sour Cream Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid; warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sour Cream Coffee Cake.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds similar moisture.

How should I store leftover coffee cake?

Store your leftover Sour Cream Coffee Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze it for up to three months.

What can I add to my Sour Cream Coffee Cake?

You can customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit like blueberries or apples for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake is delightful and versatile, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it uniquely yours!