There is something utterly magical about sour cream coffee cake. Picture this: a golden-brown, moist cake that practically begs you to take a bite, topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make even the most dedicated dieter weak at the knees, creating an irresistible allure that promises warmth and comfort.
This delightful treat has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; I was nervous but excited, hoping it would be a hit. The moment I pulled it from the oven and saw the eager faces surrounding me, I knew I was onto something delicious. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy afternoon snack, sour cream coffee cake makes every occasion feel like a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sour cream coffee cake is as easy as pie—err, cake!
- Its rich flavor profile combines tangy and sweet notes that are simply delightful
- The visual appeal will have everyone clamoring for a slice at your next gathering
- Best of all, it’s versatile enough to enjoy anytime—breakfast, snack, or dessert!
I still chuckle when my cousin took one bite and declared it “heaven in cake form.”

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sour Cream: The star of the show! It adds moisture and richness that elevates this cake beyond ordinary.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour for the best texture; sifting helps create a light crumb.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tanginess of the sour cream perfectly.
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Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes; don’t skip this for the streusel topping!
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Cinnamon: The warm spice that ties everything together; fresh ground is ideal if you can swing it.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our trusty leavening agents ensure our cake rises beautifully.
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Eggs: They provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs work best in baking.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of this fragrant extract enhances all flavors; always use pure vanilla if possible.
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Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming with sugar.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round springform pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release later. Grab your mixing bowls and stand mixer because things are about to get delightful!
Mixing the Batter: In one bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—imagine clouds at sunrise. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition before incorporating vanilla extract.
Add Sour Cream: Gently fold in sour cream until fully blended into the batter, which will now look rich and creamy—like a luscious dream ready to come true.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing unless you want an unfortunate rubbery texture.
Create Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and diced cold butter using your fingers until crumbly—think of tiny pebbles on a beach. Set aside for later.
Bake Your Cake: Pour half of your batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of your streusel topping over this layer before adding the remaining batter on top followed by more streusel goodness. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center—it should smell amazing by now!
Let it cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm with coffee or tea for an experience you won’t forget!
You Must Know
- This sour cream coffee cake is a delightful blend of moist cake and sweet crumb topping
- The rich aroma as it bakes fills your kitchen with warmth, making it hard to resist a slice
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar before adding eggs and sour cream. This ensures even mixing for a fluffier texture. Bake until golden brown for that perfect finish.

Add Your Touch
Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite fruit to the batter. It’s an easy way to personalize your sour cream coffee cake for any occasion!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sour cream coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer it warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always measure your ingredients accurately
- Use fresh sour cream for rich flavor and moisture
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool completely before slicing for clean edges and presentation
I remember the first time I made this sour cream coffee cake; my friends devoured it so fast, I barely got a slice!

FAQ
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and adds a similar tangy flavor.
Can I freeze sour cream coffee cake?
Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months.
How do I make the crumb topping crunchy?
Use cold butter and mix until crumbly; this creates that beloved crunch on top of your cake!
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Sour cream coffee cake is a decadent treat that combines a moist, tender crumb with a delightful crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. This easy-to-make cake fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, perfect for any occasion—be it brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. With its rich flavor and inviting texture, this sour cream coffee cake will quickly become a favorite in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round springform pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
- For the streusel topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon with cold butter until crumbly.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan; sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Add the remaining batter followed by more streusel.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 48mg





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