Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Here's a full-length recipe for a classic **Sour Cream Coffee Cake**, a moist, tender cake swirled with cinnamon-sugar and often topped with a delicious streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

---

# Sour Cream Coffee Cake

**A Buttery, Cinnamon-Swirled Classic with a Tender Crumb and Streusel Topping**

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a timeless favorite in home kitchens across generations. It’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon break. The sour cream in the batter gives the cake a rich flavor and irresistibly moist texture, while the cinnamon swirl and crumbly streusel add layers of warmth and crunch.

---

## Ingredients

### For the Cake:

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

- 3 large eggs

- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- ½ teaspoon baking soda

- ½ teaspoon salt

### For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

- ½ cup brown sugar, packed

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

### For the Streusel Topping:

- ½ cup all-purpose flour

- ½ cup brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)

---

## Instructions

### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch tube pan (Bundt pan also works).

---

### Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Set aside.

---

### Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

---

### Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.

3. Spoon the remaining batter on top and gently smooth it out.

---

### Step 5: Add the Streusel

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Stir in nuts if desired.

4. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the batter.

---

### Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. If using a Bundt pan, baking may take slightly longer (up to 55 minutes).

3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before removing or slicing.

---

## Serving Suggestions

- Serve warm or at room temperature.

- Excellent with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

- Can be topped with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra sweet touch.

---

## Storage

- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

- Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

---

## Tips & Variations

- **Add fruit**: Fold in 1 cup of chopped apples, blueberries, or diced pears for added flavor.

- **Double the cinnamon swirl** for a more intense cinnamon experience.

- **Use Greek yogurt** if sour cream is unavailable—full-fat yogurt works best.

- **Glaze option**: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk or cream and drizzle over the cooled cake.

---

## Final Thoughts

Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that blends classic ingredients into a moist and flavorful treat. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence or a midday snack, its familiar warmth and cinnamon-kissed flavor are hard to resist. Once you bake this cake, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.

---

Would you like a printable version of this recipe or a variation with fruit filling?