The Fluffiest Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe Ever Whipped Up

Indulge in a slice of pure comfort with this irresistible sour cream coffee cake that promises to melt in your mouth.

Warm spices and a tender crumb make this classic dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

The secret to its incredible softness lies in the rich sour cream, which adds a luxurious moisture to every bite.

Cinnamon-swirled layers create a delightful contrast against the buttery cake base, making each forkful a delectable experience.

Your taste buds will dance with joy as the sweet aroma fills your kitchen.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular treat.

Prepare to impress and savor every delicious moment of this homemade delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create crumbly texture, choose dark brown sugar for richer flavor.
• Flour: Provides structure to streusel, use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice, opt for fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, balances sweetness in streusel.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky, crumbly texture, use unsalted butter straight from refrigerator.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty depth, select fresh pecans or walnuts for best taste.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base, use room temperature unsalted butter for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender crumb, white sugar works best.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, use large fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, choose pure vanilla for best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cake's foundation, sift for smoother batter.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensures proper rising, check freshness for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness, enhances other flavors.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, use full-fat sour cream for richness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet topping, sift to prevent lumps.
• Milk or Cream: Thins and smooths glaze, adjust quantity for desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract

Tools to Bake a Moist and Sweet Coffee Cake

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batter smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients and creating streusel.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Needed to cut cold butter into streusel mixture.
• 9-inch Square Baking Pan or Bundt Pan: Key for baking the coffee cake.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and smooth the top.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients and creating streusel.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness.
• Wire Rack: Helps cake cool properly after baking.
• Small Bowl: Useful for making optional glaze.

How to Prepare a Soft Coffee Cake From Scratch

• Craft Delectable Streusel

Whip up a mouthwatering crumbly topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Chop cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse sand. Toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch if you’re feeling adventurous. Pop the streusel in the fridge while you prepare the cake base.

• Whip Up Creamy Cake Batter

Fire up the oven to 350F and grease a baking pan. Cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Crack in eggs one by one, stirring after each addition. Splash in vanilla for a delightful aroma. In another bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix just until everything comes together – no need to go overboard.

• Layer Your Masterpiece

Spread half the batter into the pan like a smooth canvas. Sprinkle a generous layer of streusel across the surface. Carefully add the remaining batter, creating a delicious hidden layer. Crown the cake with the rest of the streusel topping.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and mingle.

• Optional Glamorous Finish

Whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla. Drizzle this sweet nectar over the cooled cake for an extra touch of decadence.

Ideas to Enhance Your Coffee Cake Layers

• Let butter and eggs sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more even batter and better cake texture.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Keep streusel cold before sprinkling to help maintain distinct crumbly layers and prevent sinking into the cake batter.
• Swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternative and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Coffee Cake That Everyone Loves

• Cozy Breakfast Partner: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Showcase: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand with a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings with friends.
• Seasonal Garnish Twist: Top each slice with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries to add a burst of color and tangy freshness that complements the cake's rich, cinnamon-nutty flavor.
• Make-Ahead Brunch Star: Prepare the coffee cake the night before and reheat gently before serving, making it an effortless and impressive addition to weekend brunches or potluck events.

How to Store It So It Stays Tender

• Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to restore its soft, tender crumb.
• Slice the cake into individual portions or keep whole. Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven for best results.
• Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help keep the coffee cake moist and prevent it from drying out. Replace the bread slice every 24 hours if storing for multiple days.

Moist Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent sour cream coffee cake brings together rich, velvety textures that dance with warmth and comfort. Cinnamon-swirled layers and crumbly streusel topping create a delightful morning companion you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream (at room temperature)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 tbsps milk or cream
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Streusel Creation: Blend brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate cold butter until mixture transforms into coarse crumbs. Fold in nuts if desired. Chill the streusel while preparing cake foundation.
2. Cake Foundation Preparation: Heat oven to 350F (175C). Coat 9-inch baking vessel with grease and flour. Whip butter and sugar until ethereal and voluminous. Integrate eggs individually, ensuring thorough incorporation. Introduce vanilla extract. Separately, combine flour, leavening agents, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until harmoniously blended, avoiding overmixing.
3. Layering Technique: Distribute initial batter layer across prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly. Carefully overlay remaining batter. Crown with remaining streusel.
4. Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting toothpick – it should emerge pristine. Bundt variation might require 45-55 minutes. Rest cake on cooling rack within pan for approximately 15 minutes before unmolding.
5. Finishing Touch: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky. Cascade glaze over cooled cake for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Toss nuts and streusel lightly in a tablespoon of flour to help them stay suspended in the cake batter and prevent sinking during baking.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother blending and a more consistent cake texture that rises evenly.
• Gently fold dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture just until combined to maintain a tender, soft crumb and prevent a dense, tough cake.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, use plant-based butter and egg substitutes for a vegan version, or reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg