Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe – Moist & Flavorful with Streusel Topping

Coffee cake is a beloved dessert that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. The Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a rich, moist, and flavorful cake that incorporates the tanginess of sour cream, creating an irresistible texture and flavor. This cake is topped with a buttery, cinnamon streusel and can be drizzled with a sweet glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. In this guide, we will walk you through every step to create the most delicious sour cream coffee cake that will delight everyone who tries it.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having friends over, or simply craving something sweet, this sour cream coffee cake recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to make this decadent treat!

Ingredients for the Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Cinnamon Streusel:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for Making the Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan. This will ensure that your sour cream coffee cake doesn’t stick to the pan during baking, allowing it to come out easily.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for achieving the light texture of the cake.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next one.

Stir in the vanilla extract and then the sour cream. The sour cream is what gives this coffee cake its moistness and flavor, so don’t skip it!

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as this could lead to a denser cake.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the chopped pecans or walnuts (if you’re using them). If you like your streusel extra rich, add the melted butter and mix it well. This mixture will add a delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch to the cake’s top layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the top of the batter. Gently press the streusel into the batter to make sure it sticks during baking.

Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top of the cake. This will create a nice, crumbly topping that adds flavor and texture to every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you find that the cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the flavors to set and ensures that the cake doesn’t crumble when you slice it.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze if you choose to use it. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and pourable.

Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. The glaze adds a shiny finish and extra sweetness to each slice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ultimate sour cream coffee cake into squares or wedges and serve with your favorite beverage. The moist, flavorful cake, combined with the crunchy cinnamon streusel and sweet glaze, creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave your guests craving more.

Tips for Making the Best Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

• Use fresh sour cream: The quality of sour cream plays a huge role in the final taste and texture of the cake. Use fresh, full-fat sour cream for the best results.
• Let the cake cool properly: Cooling the cake completely before slicing allows it to set and makes it easier to cut without crumbling.
• Customize your streusel: Feel free to swap out the nuts for your favorite variety, or even omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free cake.
• Double the glaze for extra sweetness: If you love extra sweetness, consider doubling the glaze recipe for an even richer finish.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake

The Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake is more than just a typical coffee cake. It has the perfect combination of moistness, flavor, and texture that makes it stand out. The sour cream creates a delicate, tender crumb, while the cinnamon streusel adds a delightful contrast with its sugary crunch. Plus, the optional glaze gives it a sweet, smooth finish.

This recipe is versatile and easy to make, ensuring that you can whip up a delicious dessert or snack in no time. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a dessert, or with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

FAQs about Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

1. Can I use a different type of cake pan for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any size cake pan or bundt pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time depending on the pan size. A 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan is ideal for this recipe.

2. Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. However, sour cream provides the best texture and flavor for this cake.

3. How should I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature and then drizzle with glaze if desired.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake the day before and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight.

Conclusion:

The Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or serve something special to guests, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers an incredibly delicious result. The moist, flavorful cake paired with the sweet, crunchy streusel topping makes this a dessert that will always be a crowd-pleaser. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and bake up this fantastic treat today!

If you want to elevate your baking skills and create a memorable dessert, this sour cream coffee cake recipe is a must-try!

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