Get ready to delight your taste buds with a classic treat known for its moist, tender crumb and irresistible topping. Our sour cream coffee cake pairs the tanginess of sour cream with the sweetness of a cinnamon-sugar mix, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe produces a cake that is light in texture yet rich in taste, perfect for any time of the day.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry. However, one ingredient to note is reduced-fat sour cream. While regular sour cream can be used, reduced-fat sour cream contributes to the light texture of the cake without sacrificing flavor. When shopping, also pay attention to the type of ground cinnamon you purchase. Mccormick ground cinnamon is preferred for its strong, sweet, and warm flavor.
Ingredients for Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure.
All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure.
Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances the cake's flavor.
Reduced-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess.
Vanilla extract: Gives the cake a subtle, fragrant flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Gives the topping a warm, sweet spice.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture to the topping.
Powdered sugar: Used to make a sweet, smooth glaze.
Milk: Thins out the glaze to the desired consistency.
One reader, Kevina Damon says:
This sour cream coffee cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and flavorful, and the cinnamon-sugar topping added the perfect touch of sweetness. The glaze was the cherry on top. It's a hit with my family and friends. I'll definitely be making this again!
Techniques for Perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for baking the coffee cake.
Cream together butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cake.
Whisk dry ingredients: Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and whisk together. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Mix batter: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. This method helps to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough cake.
Prepare cinnamon-sugar topping: Combine ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pecans in a small bowl. This will create a sweet and crunchy topping for the coffee cake.
Bake the cake: Bake the coffee cake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. This ensures that the cake is fully cooked.
Make the glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin it out or more powdered sugar to thicken it. This creates a sweet glaze to drizzle over the coffee cake.
Serve or store: Serve the coffee cake warm, or let it cool to room temperature before covering and storing for up to 3 days. This ensures the best texture and flavor for the cake.
How To Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Here’s a combination that will surprise you: coffee and sour cream. In this coffee cake recipe, sour cream is the choice of topping. It’s delicious, try it!
Serves:
Ingredients
Coffee Cake Ingredients:
- ½cupbutterroom temperature
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- 2eggs
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspBaking Soda
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 1½cupsreduced-fat sour cream
- 1tspMcCormick vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping Ingredients:
- 1½tspMcCormick Ground Cinnamon
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- 1cuppecanschopped, or walnuts, optional
Optional Glaze:
- ½cuppowdered sugar
- 2tspmilk
Instructions
To Make The Coffee Cake:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, set aside.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
-
Add the vanilla and add the eggs to the mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients mixture to the butter mixture, and mix on medium-low speed until just combined.
-
Add in half of the sour cream, and mix until combined. Repeat with the remaining half of the dry ingredients mixture, followed by the remaining sour cream.
-
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, and spread it around so that it covers the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly on top.
-
Spread the remainder of the batter on top in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar topping evenly on top.
-
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven, then drizzle with the glaze if desired.
-
Serve warm. Or let the cake cool to room temperature, then cover and keep for up to 3 days.
To Make The Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
-
Whisk all ingredients together in a small mixing bowl until combined.
To Make The Glaze:
-
Whisk powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Add more milk if you’d like to thin out the glaze, or more powdered sugar if you’d like to thicken it.
Nutrition
- Calories: 3615.02kcal
- Fat: 191.76g
- Saturated Fat: 118.57g
- Trans Fat: 7.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 51.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.59g
- Carbohydrates: 490.41g
- Fiber: 1.18g
- Sugar: 471.54g
- Protein: 6.25g
- Cholesterol: 514.81mg
- Sodium: 1747.39mg
- Calcium: 236.19mg
- Potassium: 341.55mg
- Iron: 2.37mg
- Vitamin A: 1580.64µg
- Vitamin C: 0.22mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Sour Cream Coffee Cake Success
When preparing your sour cream coffee cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This is particularly important for the butter, eggs, and sour cream. Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, creating a smoother and more homogenous batter. This results in a cake with a lighter, more tender crumb. If you forget to take your ingredients out of the refrigerator in advance, you can quickly bring eggs to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. For the butter, you can cut it into small pieces and let it sit out for about 15 minutes to take the chill off.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping and glaze the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure they mix easily and evenly, saving time and effort during preparation.
Bake in advance: Bake the coffee cake in advance and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving to save time on busy mornings.
One-bowl mixing: Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup and save time during the preparation process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the pecans for the cinnamon-sugar topping, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter in baking recipes.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the coffee cake while also providing a unique flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients to the coffee cake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but the quantity may need to be adjusted.
reduced-fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the coffee cake.
mccormick vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can add a unique and delicious flavor to the coffee cake.
mccormick ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the coffee cake.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar in the cinnamon-sugar topping.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich and caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the coffee cake.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar for the optional glaze.
Presentation Ideas for Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sour cream coffee cake, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a rectangular plate to showcase the cake and its layers, and consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges for a touch of sophistication.
Garnish with fresh berries: Introduce a pop of color and freshness to the plate by garnishing with a selection of fresh berries, such as raspberries and blueberries. Their vibrant hues will complement the warm tones of the coffee cake and add a delightful visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Elevate the presentation by delicately placing edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, on the plate. These floral accents will bring a touch of elegance and a hint of whimsy to the overall presentation, impressing the discerning palates of the culinary professionals.
Artful drizzle of glaze: Instead of simply drizzling the glaze over the entire cake, consider a more artistic approach. Use a small squeeze bottle to create a precise and artful drizzle of the glaze across the plate, adding a visually captivating element to the presentation.
Utilize microgreens: Introduce a modern and sophisticated element by incorporating a small cluster of microgreens, such as micro basil or micro mint, to the plate. These delicate greens will provide a subtle contrast in texture and a burst of fresh flavor, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Attention to detail with cinnamon-sugar topping: Pay close attention to the placement of the cinnamon-sugar topping. Instead of a simple sprinkle, create a visually appealing pattern or design on the plate, showcasing the intricate details of the topping and demonstrating precision in the presentation.
Accompany with a quenelle of whipped cream: Elevate the coffee cake by serving it with a quenelle of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Use a small offset spatula to create a smooth and elegant quenelle, adding a touch of indulgence and finesse to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Focus on achieving symmetry and balance in the plating. Arrange the components of the dish with precision, ensuring that the presentation exudes harmony and visual appeal, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail expected in a Michelin-starred setting.
Essential Tools for Making Coffee Cake
- Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It is equipped with a mixing bowl and various attachments for different tasks.
- Baking pan: A baking pan is a metal or glass pan used for baking cakes, breads, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients, especially in baking and cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, preparing batters, and holding food items during the cooking and baking process.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
- Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and turning food during cooking and baking.
- Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food items. It is essential for baking the coffee cake.
- Cooking spray: Cooking spray is a non-stick cooking oil spray used to grease baking pans and prevent food from sticking.
- Toothpick: A toothpick is a small, pointed stick used to test the doneness of baked goods by inserting it into the center and checking for any batter residue.
Storing and Freezing Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Let the sour cream coffee cake cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the coffee cake:
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to cover all sides and edges.
- Follow up by wrapping the cake in a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped cake with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
- The sour cream coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cake:
- Remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, remove the wrappings and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
- If desired, you can refresh the cake by warming it slightly in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Note: If you plan to freeze the cake, it's best to do so without the optional glaze. You can always prepare and drizzle the glaze over the cake after thawing and before serving for the best texture and appearance.
How To Reheat Leftover Coffee Cake
To reheat leftover sour cream coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the cake loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the topping is crispy again. This method works best for larger portions of cake.
For individual slices, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice on a small baking sheet or directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy. Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave to reheat your coffee cake. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the cake isn't warm enough, heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy topping, you can also reheat the cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cake slice in the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your sour cream coffee cake. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake slice in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy. This method works best for individual slices and results in a crispy texture.
Interesting Fact About Sour Cream Coffee Cake
The sour cream coffee cake is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a versatile dessert that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of sour cream and cinnamon-sugar topping gives this coffee cake a rich and flavorful taste. It's a perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions, as it can be made in advance and stored for a few days. This coffee cake is a delightful addition to any meal and is sure to be a hit with coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Is Making Sour Cream Coffee Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sour cream coffee cake recipe is high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it budget-friendly. The use of all-purpose flour, sugar, and sour cream are cost-effective. The addition of pecans may slightly increase the cost, but it's optional. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10. It offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a cost-effective and delicious choice for a homemade dessert.
Is Sour Cream Coffee Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sour cream coffee cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The cake contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and all-purpose flour, which are high in saturated fat, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and blood sugar imbalances when consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe calls for reduced-fat sour cream, which may still contain a considerable amount of fat and calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and cinnamon-sugar topping by one-third to one-half, as the cake will still be sweet enough
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce the fat content while maintaining moisture and tanginess
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas to reduce saturated fat and add natural sweetness
- Incorporate more nutritious ingredients, such as grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped apples, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the cake
- Reduce the amount of pecans in the topping or replace them with chopped walnuts, which are higher in omega-3 fatty acids
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with fresh fruit to balance the indulgence with a nutrient-dense option
Editor's Opinion on This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
The sour cream coffee cake recipe you provided is a classic and delightful treat. The combination of butter, sour cream, and cinnamon-sugar topping creates a rich and moist cake with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The addition of pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. The optional glaze offers a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy!
Enhance Your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try Besides Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Why trust this Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe:
This sour cream coffee cake recipe is a tried and true classic that has been passed down through generations. The combination of butter and sour cream creates a moist and rich texture, while the addition of vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor. The cinnamon-sugar topping, made with ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. The optional glaze made with powdered sugar and milk provides a finishing touch. Trust in the time-tested tradition of this recipe for a delicious and comforting treat.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Low Fat Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Copycat Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops Recipe
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe
Strawberry Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
Kale, Black Bean, and Avocado Burrito Bowl Recipe
-recipe-300x220.jpg)
Orange Creme Caramel with Toffee Shards (Orange Caramel Flan) Recipe
Toasted Sesame Hummus Recipe
Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe
