Made with a soft, tender cake that is studded with a rich cinnamon swirl and then finished with a buttery streusel, this Sour Cream Coffee Cake is perfect for entertaining at brunch or during the holidays.
![Sour Cream Coffee Cake Piece of coffee cake on plate next to baked cake.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sour-Cream-Coffee-Cake_.jpg)
Spoiler alert! Coffee cake is NOT made with coffee. Nor is it a cake that is meant to be served as dessert.
Instead, coffee cake is a sweet baked good that is thought to pair unbelievably well with a cup of coffee or homemade latte and is reserved for serving at breakfast or brunch alongside Egg Muffin Cups, Instant Pot Egg Bites, or Ham and Cheese Quiche.
Regardless of the name, this Sour Cream Coffee Cake, along with Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake and Coffee Cake Muffins, makes the sweetest addition to your breakfast menu!
Reasons to Love Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Sour Cream. You may have guessed that Sour Cream Coffee Cake is made with sour cream. The sour cream, which is folded into the cake batter, keeps the cake light and moist while giving it a bit of tang that balances out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon Swirl. The cake is baked around a cinnamon brown sugar mixture that adds a delicious and beautiful rich swirl throughout the cake. This swirl adds warmth and cinnamon flavor to every bite.
- Buttery Streusel. While most coffee cakes feature streusels, this recipe has streusel overload which is a good thing! The texture and flavor that the buttery crumble adds to this coffee cake are insanely delicious.
- Crowd Favorite! No one can resist a slice of this rich and buttery sour cream coffee cake. Just like Cheese Danish and Cinnamon Rolls, this sweet treat disappears fast!
Notes on Ingredients
![Recipe for Sour Cream Coffee Cake Labeled Ingredients for Sour Cream Coffee Cake.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Coffee-Cake-With-Cinnamon-Swirl.jpg)
- Butter: Butter is key to adding flavor and richness to both the cake and the streusel. Just be sure to use unsalted butter for both the cake batter and the streusel, not salted butter. This will allow you to control the level of salt in the overall recipe.
- Sour Cream: The sour cream adds moistness and tang to the cake batter. Be sure to use full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream, not fat-free as the consistency of the cake may be affected.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for both brown and granulated sugars. The brown sugar adds warmth and color to the cinnamon swirl and the streusel, while the granulated sugar is best suited for the cake batter.
- Nuts: If desired, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for additional crunch and texture. Feel free to omit the nuts if desired though, and this cake will still be plenty delicious.
How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl. To create a distinctive cinnamon swirl throughout the coffee cake, we need to mix cinnamon and brown sugar with a bit of flour. The flour will help the swirl from being completely absorbed into the coffee cake batter.
![Cinnamon Sour Cream Cake Cinnamon filling for sour cream coffee cake being whisked together in small bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cinnamon-Sour-Cream-Cake.jpg)
Step Two: Prepare the Streusel. For a streusel that is crumbly and doesn't melt into the cake as it bakes and adds an irresistible texture to the coffee cake, be sure to use cold butter.
![Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe Mixing bowl with buttery cinnamon streusel combined to look like wet sand in mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Coffee-Cake-with-Sour-Cream.jpg)
Step Three: Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and then simply fold them together using a spatula until the flour is fully moistened. This will prevent overmixing your cake and ensure your coffee cake is tender.
![Cinnamon Coffee Cake Flour and leavening ingredients whisked together for coffee cake in mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cinnamon-Coffee-Cake.jpg)
![Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe Wet ingredients in mixing bowl for sour cream coffee cake.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Recipe-for-Sour-Cream-Coffee-Cake.jpg)
![Coffee Cake With Sour Cream Wet and dry ingredients folded together in mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cinnamon-Sour-Cream-Coffee-Cake-Recipe.jpg)
Step Four: Layer the Coffee Cake. Spread half of the cake batter into the pan, then sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture. Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl, but don't worry if it isn't perfect.
![Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Sour Cream Coffee Cake batter in cake pan with cinnamon swirl sprinkled over batter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cinnamon-Swirl-Coffee-Cake.jpg)
![Coffee Cake with Streusel Layered coffee cake batter in cake pan topped with streusel.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Best-Coffee-Cake-Recipe.jpg)
Step Five: Bake. After the coffee cake has been baking for 30 minutes, peek at it to see if the streusel is browning too quickly. If needed, tent with foil, so that the streusel does not burn.
![Coffee Cake Recipe Baked Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake In metal cake pan.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Coffee-Cake-Recipe.jpg)
Step Six: Serve. While the coffee cake is delicious when served warm, it is best to let the cake rest for 10 minutes after baking or it will not slice easily.
![Coffee Cake Recipe Spatula removing slice of coffee cake from pan.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Cinnamon-Coffee-Cake-Recipe.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
Sour Cream Coffee Cake is the perfect addition to any holiday brunch or weekend breakfast. I love serving it alongside Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, fruit salad, and Baked Bacon. Just don't forget the coffee!
Storing Coffee Cake
- At Room Temperature: Once the coffee cake is fully cooled, you can store it for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped well with plastic wrap.
- Freezing Coffee Cake: If you would like to freeze the leftover coffee cake, allow the cake to cool fully. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This triple layer of wrap will help prevent the cake from becoming freezer-burned. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and if desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
More Delicious Brunch Recipes
- Green Chile Egg Casserole
- Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Maple Candied Bacon
- Breakfast Sliders
- Overnight Breakfast Strata
- Asparagus Frittata
If you enjoyed this recipe for Sour Cream Coffee Cake, I would love for you to leave a review and a comment below.
![Slice of sour cream coffee cake on spatula.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sour-Cream-Coffee-Cake-Recipe-360x360.jpg)
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Streusel
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
For the Cake
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon iodized salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease an 8-inch pan with butter.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon then set aside.
For the Streusel
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. If using chopped nuts, mix them into this mixture. Add in the cold butter and use your fingers to mix the mixture together, until crumbs form and the butter is well distributed through the flour and sugar. Set aside.
For the Cake
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This should take 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs and mix again to incorporate. Add in the sour cream and vanilla and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and use a spatula to combine then fold the mixture together until it is just combined.
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even bottom layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
- Spoon the remaining batter in dollops evenly over the filling. Gently smooth it out into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the top of the cake batter.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few crumbs. Be sure to check on the cake after 25 minutes to see if the streusel is browning too much. If it is, lightly tent with foil and continue baking.
- Remove the cake from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This post was shared in 2021 and updated in 2023.
Amy
My top didn’t stay as a crumble but it tastes amazing (and I’m not the best in the kitchen!)
Kristen Chidsey
So happy you enjoyed!
Donna
I made this for coffee with friends. I doubled the filling because you can never have to much cinnamon! It was a hit! Everyone loved it & I will definitely make this again! Thanks for sharing!
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! I love hearing you (and your friends) enjoyed!
carole av
Hi -- do you think I could prepare the cake and put it in refrigerator overnight to bake in morning? Thanks so much!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Carole! I have honestly not tried preparing this cake and refrigerating it before baking. If you do that, I would recommend letting the cake come to room temperature while the oven is preheating and adding the streusel right before baking it.
Beverly
Could you bake this in a Bundt cake pan instead of a 8x8 cake pan?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Beverly! To make this in a bundt pan, the ratios would be different, as a standard Bundt cake typically yields slightly more than a 9x13 pan I can not give you accurate timing either unless I tested this myself. I would start by doubling the recipe and baking at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes in a well-greased bundt pan.
jackie thommesen
Great coffee cake.Is one of my favorites.
Lisa Rand
First time making it, easy enough and delish. No nuts, nothing added. Perfectly plain. Taking it camping for early morning risers!
Kristen Chidsey
Lucky campers! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed Lisa!
Carlos Garcia-Castaneda
Simply exquisite!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Carlos!
Serena
Can this recipe be doubled?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes! I would bake in a 9×13 buttered baking dish. You may need an extra 3 to 5 minutes for baking, so keep a close eye on the cake at the end of bake time. Enjoy
Joan Alexander
OMG. This cake is super moist and delicous. I used 1/2 cup ground almonds each in the filling and topping instead of pecans or walnuts. Gave just a hint of almond flavor. This is a fantastic recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing you added almonds Joan! So happy to hear you enjoyed!
Shaina
Just made this for dinner company. It was my first coffee cake and a total hit! It was light and fluffy and not too sweet. I’ll be making this again 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing Shaina! It makes me so happy to hear you and your guests enjoyed this coffee cake!
Lisa
I have a question? I made the coffee cake but the topping sunk into the cake?? What happened.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Lisa! I am sorry that happened to you. It may have been that your butter was too warm in the topping and so it melted too quickly into the batter of the cake. The butter should be room temperature and soft to the touch, but not melting.
Mimi
Best coffee cake I have ever made! So glad I found this online. Absolutely 5 star recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Mimi! I LOVE hearing you enjoyed this coffee cake so much!
Sheri Gallagher
Delicious, easy to follow recipe, keeper 😋
Teresa Arnold
Made this today, used walnuts in the topping. What a perfect cake! Moist and delicious! Thank you!!
Tamira Houston
Looks like a great cake thanks for sharing your recipe looks like a great cake
Gina
The streusel topping is perfection. My go-to recipe for the best coffee cake!
Beth
This is a comfort food recipe for me - reminds me of my mom making it! This is wonderful and I love that in under an hour this can be in my belly! Delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed Beth! THanks for sharing.
NickiDE
A bit time consuming, but worth the effort. A moist and delicious cake with crumbs that stay put.