Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a beloved family favorite, known for its moist, tender crumb and a deliciously crunchy streusel topping. This coffee cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack. With its soft texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Whether you’re sharing it with family or serving it at a gathering, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Below is a simple, step-by-step recipe that’ll help you recreate this classic treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to the cake, making each bite irresistible.
- In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- For added flavor and texture, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired. Set the streusel mixture aside to be used later.
2. Preheat the Oven
Before starting the batter, it’s essential to preheat the oven so it’s ready for baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan as it bakes.
3. Make the Coffee Cake Batter
The batter is the heart of the coffee cake. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a moist and flavorful base.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a lovely flavor to the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
4. Assemble the Cake
Now that the batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake.
- Pour half of the coffee cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the top of the cake, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Bake the Cake
With the cake assembled, it’s time to let it bake to perfection.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes if using a 9-inch round cake pan, or 50-55 minutes if using a 9×13-inch baking dish. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top of the cake begins to brown too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool and Add the Glaze (Optional)
Once the cake has finished baking, let it cool slightly before serving.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, make a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a finishing touch of sweetness.
7. Serve
Once the cake has cooled and the glaze has been added (if you’re using it), slice and serve your delicious Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cake
Make-Ahead Instructions
This coffee cake can be made a day ahead, and it actually gets better the longer it sits! The flavors develop even more overnight, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips, raisins, or dried fruit to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts, like almonds or pistachios, for a unique twist.
Freezing the Coffee Cake
If you have leftovers or want to make the cake in advance, it freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat the slices in the microwave or allow them to thaw at room temperature.
For a Lighter Texture
To make the coffee cake lighter, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so stir just until everything is incorporated. Also, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugar—this will help achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of nuts in the streusel topping?
Yes! While walnuts and pecans are traditional choices, you can use any nut you prefer. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would make great substitutions. Just make sure to chop the nuts into small pieces to ensure they evenly distribute throughout the topping.
Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze is entirely optional. If you prefer a more classic coffee cake experience, feel free to skip it. The streusel topping alone provides plenty of sweetness and flavor. However, the glaze does add an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely finish to the cake, so it’s a great addition if you’re looking for a little extra indulgence.
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this coffee cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps provide structure and texture to the cake.
How should I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to maintain its soft texture.
Can I bake this in a Bundt pan?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake this coffee cake in a Bundt pan, you can do so. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan well to prevent sticking. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings. With its moist crumb, cinnamon-sugar topping, and sweet glaze, this coffee cake is a timeless classic that everyone will love. Enjoy this recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.