Name: Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred; 1 cup sour cream; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 4 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled until no longer warm to the touch

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 22 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of the ultimate cozy breakfast or an irresistible addition to your afternoon coffee break, this Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine a tender, moist crumb with a luscious swirl of cinnamon sugar and a buttery streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. This cherished recipe combines simple, classic ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, offering a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The images show a step-by-step baking process in a white square pan on a white marbled surface. In the first panel, a woman's hand sprinkles a brown sugar-like layer evenly over a yellow batter spread in the pan. The second panel shows a woman's hand using a purple spatula to spread a thicker creamy yellow batter over the brown sugar layer. In the third panel, the woman's hands mix a crumbly brown topping in a clear glass bowl. In the final panel, a woman's hand sprinkles the crumbly brown topping evenly over the layered batter in the white pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing structure, moisture, sweetness, or that magical cinnamon flavor that makes coffee cake so beloved. The balance of sugars, spices, and that creamy sour cream ensures the cake is soft and flavorful all around.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the topping evenly without overwhelming.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the sweet layers.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the cake.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture while maintaining control over the salt level.
Light brown sugar: Contributes a subtle caramel depth to both the batter and streusel.
Large eggs: Help bind ingredients together and give the cake a tender crumb.
Sour cream: The star ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic complexity that elevates the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s sturdy yet tender base.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake airy lift and soft texture.

How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ripple Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously buttering a 9×9-inch metal pan to prevent sticking and create a golden crust on the bottom and sides. Next, whisk together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl to create the ripple—a fragrant layer of cinnamon sugar that will weave through the cake, giving each bite a sweet surprise.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter alongside both granulated and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, making the cake lighter and more tender once baked.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat the eggs into your creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring full incorporation. Then add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing well while stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and the signature tanginess that makes this coffee cake unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour for a consistent rise and texture.

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet batter carefully to retain as much air as possible, creating a smooth, uniform batter that guarantees a soft crumb.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Ripple

Spread just under half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar ripple mixture over this layer, allowing that cinnamon goodness to shine through. Then dollop the remaining batter over the top, smoothing gently so the ripple layer stays visible and creates those delightful pockets of flavor.

Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping

Mix flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour the melted and cooled butter over the mixture, then toss with a fork until crumbly. This streusel topping is the crispy, buttery icing on the cake that adds texture and richness in every bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the batter and bake on the center rack for approximately 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs — the perfect indicator that this cake has baked through beautifully but stays tender inside.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing, giving the layers a chance to set and making it easier to cut neat, satisfying squares. This patience ensures the full flavors and textures shine with every serving.

How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

A square piece of crumb cake sits on a white plate with a textured rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: a light yellow soft cake base, a thick crumbly brown streusel middle layer, and a brown crumbly top layer drizzled with white icing in thin lines. A fork with a light beige handle rests on the plate, holding a bite-sized piece of the cake showing the soft yellow cake texture and crumb topping. Part of a glass of milk and two cinnamon sticks are visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake is wonderful as is, but if you want to dress it up a bit, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of honey can add a fresh twist and beautiful color contrast too.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or a chai latte to highlight the cinnamon and vanilla notes of the cake. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn breakfast into dessert and elevate the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares and serving with skewered fruit for brunch parties or offering slices on pretty dessert plates with a sprig of mint for a touch of elegance at gatherings. It also pairs wonderfully with brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit and cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crumb moist and tender. Beyond that, refrigeration is recommended to extend shelf life while preserving freshness.

Freezing

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake will keep for up to three months, making it perfect to enjoy on your schedule.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or overnight in the fridge and reheat briefly in the microwave or oven. This restores the soft, moist texture and enhances the flavors, making every bite just as delightful as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute in this recipe. It will provide similar moisture and tanginess but might slightly change the texture and flavor, offering a bit more tartness.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

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. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely, using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend works nicely. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately for best texture.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Yes, the combination helps achieve the perfect rise and crumb texture because sour cream is acidic, which activates the baking soda, while baking powder provides additional leavening.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead for a party?

Definitely! This cake can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature. Just slice and serve when guests arrive for a stress-free dessert or brunch treat.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe is a true delight to make and enjoy. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting and special at the same time, making it a perfect pick for gatherings or a lovely self-treat. Once you try it, this will easily become your go-to coffee cake, spreading joy one slice at a time.