Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe: Moist, Delicious & Easy!
Are you searching for the *perfect* coffee cake recipe? One that’s unbelievably moist, delightfully tangy, and guaranteed to impress? Look no further! This sour cream coffee cake is a classic for a reason. The sour cream adds a richness and tenderness that elevates it above ordinary coffee cakes. Plus, the streusel topping provides a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
This isn’t just *any* coffee cake; it’s *the* coffee cake you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. While the result is impressive, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Even beginner bakers can achieve coffee cake perfection with this recipe. We’ll walk you through each step, offering helpful tips and variations along the way.
## Why Sour Cream Makes All the Difference
The secret to this incredibly moist and tender coffee cake is, of course, the sour cream. But why does it work so well?
* **Moisture:** Sour cream has a high moisture content, which keeps the cake exceptionally moist and prevents it from drying out.
* **Tenderness:** The acidity in sour cream helps to break down gluten in the flour, resulting in a more tender crumb.
* **Flavor:** Sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Richness:** The fat content in sour cream contributes to a richer and more decadent texture.
Simply put, sour cream transforms a good coffee cake into an *amazing* coffee cake. Don’t skip it!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients will always improve the end result. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
**For the Coffee Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Whisk
* Pastry blender or fork (for the streusel)
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create a coffee cake that will impress everyone.
**Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping**
The streusel topping is what gives this coffee cake its signature crunch and sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to make.
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small clumps of butter throughout the mixture.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the streusel topping while you prepare the coffee cake batter. This will help the butter stay cold and prevent the streusel from melting during baking.
**Tip:** If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Simply cut across the butter repeatedly until it’s broken down into small pieces.
**Step 2: Make the Coffee Cake Batter**
The coffee cake batter is simple to make, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure a light and tender crumb.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the coffee cake from sticking to the pan.
2. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture ensures even rising and a well-balanced flavor.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which will result in a light and airy cake. Use an electric mixer for this step; it will take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. The alternating of dry and wet ingredients allows for a smoother and more evenly combined batter. Start with about one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the sour cream, then another third of the flour mixture, the remaining sour cream, and finally the remaining flour mixture. Gently fold each addition into the batter until just combined.
**Tip:** To prevent overmixing, use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together during the final stages. Avoid using the electric mixer at this point.
**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Coffee Cake**
Now it’s time to assemble the coffee cake and get it into the oven!
1. Pour the coffee cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure that the batter is distributed evenly across the bottom of the pan. This will result in an evenly baked cake.
2. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the batter. Make sure the streusel covers the entire surface of the cake for maximum flavor and texture.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 35 minutes. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
4. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
**Tip:** To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
## Variations and Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
Here are a few variations and tips to help you customize this recipe and achieve coffee cake perfection:
* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Fruit Filling:** Add a layer of fruit filling (such as berries, apples, or peaches) between the batter and the streusel topping. This will add a burst of flavor and moisture to the cake.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter or streusel topping for a chocolatey twist.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the coffee flavor.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled coffee cake for an extra touch of sweetness. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth, and then drizzle over the cake.
* **Sour Cream Substitutes:** While sour cream is ideal, you can substitute Greek yogurt or plain yogurt in a pinch. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the streusel topping and the coffee cake batter separately and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble the coffee cake just before baking.
* **Freezing:** This coffee cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
* **Adjusting Sweetness**: Feel free to adjust the sugar levels in both the cake and the streusel to your preference. Some people prefer a less sweet coffee cake, while others like it sweeter.
## Serving Suggestions
This sour cream coffee cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Warm:** Serve the coffee cake warm for the best flavor and texture. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Pair the coffee cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a classic combination.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a slice of warm coffee cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top the coffee cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy addition.
* **Brunch Spread:** Include this coffee cake as part of a larger brunch spread, along with other breakfast favorites like eggs, bacon, and fruit.
## Storing Your Coffee Cake
* **Room Temperature:** Store the coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, you can store the coffee cake in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. However, the cake may become slightly drier in the refrigerator, so it’s best to warm it up before serving.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cake is Dry:** Make sure you’re using enough sour cream and avoid overbaking the cake. Also, ensure that your oven temperature is accurate.
* **Cake is Soggy:** This could be due to using too much sour cream or not baking the cake long enough. Ensure that your ingredients are measured accurately and that the cake is baked until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
* **Streusel is Too Soft:** The butter in the streusel might have melted. Make sure the butter is cold when you make the streusel, and refrigerate the streusel before using it.
* **Cake is Not Rising:** Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can deflate the air that’s incorporated during the creaming process.
## Enjoy Your Delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake!
This sour cream coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its moist and tender crumb, delightful streusel topping, and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the ultimate coffee cake! Enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed this detailed recipe and tips for making the perfect sour cream coffee cake. Happy baking!