Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of a warm, freshly-baked sour cream coffee cake wafting through your kitchen. The golden brown top glistens with a sweet crumbly topping, and the moist interior promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or family gatherings, this cake is not just a treat; it’s an invitation to indulge in pure comfort.
I remember the first time I whipped up this delightful recipe. My friends were amazed as they took their first bite, their eyes lighting up like it was the season finale of their favorite show. With just one slice, we all knew we had stumbled upon something special – perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up while binge-watching our guilty pleasure series.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sour cream coffee cake is easy to make and packs a flavor punch with its rich texture
- It looks stunning on any dessert table, impressing both family and friends alike
- The versatility allows it to be enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, making it a true crowd-pleaser
Sharing this cake with loved ones has always resulted in smiles and requests for seconds; it’s practically a rite of passage in my kitchen.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and lightness to your cake; sift it for extra fluffiness.
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Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness, creating that signature tender crumb; full-fat works best for flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
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Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, choose fresh baking powder for optimal rise and fluffiness.
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Eggs: Helps bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for better mixing results.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out all the flavors; opt for pure vanilla extract when possible.
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Cinnamon: Provides warmth and spice; sprinkle extra on top if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Brown Sugar: For the crumb topping, this adds a lovely caramel flavor and crunch; don’t skip it!
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; fresh butter enhances flavor significantly.
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 cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. This will keep your cake from playing hide-and-seek when it’s time to serve.
Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of all those flavorful elements throughout the cake.
Create the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth – trust me, this part smells heavenly!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in your dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle so you don’t deflate that luscious batter you’ve worked so hard on.
Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the batter before baking – because who doesn’t love that crunchy topping?
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Enjoy the tantalizing smell filling your kitchen as you wait!
Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice up that glorious sour cream coffee cake and watch everyone flock to grab their piece!
This recipe is more than just baked goods; it’s about sharing joy with others while indulging in mouthwatering flavors that bring back wonderful memories!
You Must Know
- Baking sour cream coffee cake is all about balance; the tangy sour cream adds moisture
- Remember to let it cool before slicing for perfect pieces
- The warm aroma while baking will make everyone curious about what’s cooking in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then mix in eggs and sour cream before adding dry ingredients. This sequence ensures a smooth batter with no lumps and an evenly baked cake.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond for a delightful twist that surprises your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sour cream coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it and reheat slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your sour cream coffee cake, use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep it tender
- Lastly, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top creates a beautiful crust that’s irresistible!
Baking this sour cream coffee cake always brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and sweet scents wafting through the house. It’s amazing how a simple slice can create such joy!

FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
Can I freeze leftover sour cream coffee cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing quality.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Savor the warmth of homemade sour cream coffee cake, a perfect blend of moist texture and sweet crumbly topping. This delightful treat is ideal for brunches or cozy afternoons, inviting everyone to indulge in its rich flavors. With just one slice, you’ll be hooked on its melt-in-your-mouth goodness, making it a staple for family gatherings and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- For the topping, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter in another bowl until crumbly.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle topping generously over it, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (94g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg

