Deliciously Moist: Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy coffee cake recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than our Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. You are in for a treat with this decadent, yet simple recipe that features moist cake topped with a crunchy streusel topping, all infused with a hint of cinnamon.
Whether you’re looking to serve up something special for brunch or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up at afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to do the trick. With the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, each bite is an indulgent treat that will leave you wanting more.
Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply looking to switch things up with some pecan streusel or a dash of cinnamon coffee, we’ve got you covered.
So why not give our Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe a try and experience the perfect mix of flavor and texture? It’s easy to whip up and sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sour cream streusel coffee cake is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by many generations. What sets this recipe apart from the rest, though, is its delectable streusel topping that adds an extra oomph to the already mouthwatering cake.
This coffee cake is a perfect addition to your breakfast or dessert menu, and you’ll love it because it’s moist, decadent, and easy to make. The sour cream in the batter gives it an extra kick of tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon-streusel topping perfectly.
The best part about this recipe is that you can adjust it to your preferences and dietary restrictions. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. You can also replace the butter with margarine if you’re looking for a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Serving this cake is versatile, as well – serve it hot or cold with a cup of coffee for breakfast or pair it with ice cream for a luscious after-dinner treat.
In conclusion, whether you’re spending time with family or hosting an event, this classic sour cream streusel coffee cake recipe will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. With its delicious cinnamon-streusel topping and moist layers, you won’t be able to resist having seconds.
Ingredient List
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Sour Cream Glaze (Optional):
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
What difference does sour cream make in a coffee cake recipe?
Coffee cake can be made with or without sour cream. The main difference between the two cakes lies in the texture of the baked goods. With the addition of sour cream, coffee cake is more moist and has a richer flavor. This ingredient also makes the cake denser and heavier, providing a thicker layer of streusel topping that doesn’t sink too much into the cake layer underneath. Overall, sour cream is an essential ingredient in any sour cream coffee cake recipe.
Can I substitute butter for margarine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter for margarine in this recipe. However, it’s worth noting that margarine has a higher water content than butter and may affect the texture and flavor of the cake batter and streusel topping.
What if I have gluten-free dietary restrictions?
You can still enjoy this delicious coffee cake by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Some recommended blends include King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour or Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cake may slightly differ from the original recipe.
How do I make the cinnamon streusel topping?
In a medium bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to achieve a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand. Set aside until ready to use.
Make sure to follow this ingredient list closely for best results.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Cake Batter
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in 2 large eggs at room temperature one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating between incorporating 1 cup of flour mixture and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Be sure to start and end with the flour mixture.
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Set aside the prepared cake batter while you prepare the cinnamon streusel topping.
Making the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
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In a separate medium bowl, mix together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 cups of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter until it resembles coarse cornmeal.
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Alternatively, you can pulse these ingredients in a food processor or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until they resemble small crumbs that clump together when lightly squeezed.
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Stir in additional ingredients like chopped pecans or rolled oats for added texture if desired.
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Set aside half a cup for topping the coffee cake later on. Mix in 1 additional tablespoon of brown sugar to this reserved streusel mixture to create an extra crunchy topping.
Assembling the Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake
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Grease a 9-inch Bundt pan or a springform pan with nonstick spray or butter. Dust the pan evenly with flour, tapping out any excess flour.
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Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel mixture on top of the batter, making sure it is distributed evenly until there is no remaining topping left.
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Layer the remaining batter over the top of the cinnamon streusel mixture, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of reserved topping mixture over the top of the cake and smooth it out.
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Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing and serving.
This recipe makes one Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake that can serve roughly 8-10 people. Double or triple this recipe to make more depending on your needs!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about baking is the endless possibilities for substitutions and variations, and this sour cream streusel coffee cake recipe is no exception! Here are some ideas for tweaking the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
– Substituting ingredients: If you have specific allergies or preferences, you can easily swap out some of the ingredients in this recipe. For instance, canola oil can be substituted with another neutral oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil. Margarine can replace unsalted butter, but I would recommend sticking with butter if possible for optimum flavor. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to make this a gluten-free coffee cake.
– Adding flavors: The cinnamon streusel topping is already packed with flavor, but if you want to take it up a notch, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture. Or sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top of the cake batter before adding the streusel layer.
– Making it more indulgent: This sour cream streusel coffee cake is already pretty decadent, but if you really want to go all-out, try drizzling a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake. Just mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (depending on how thick you want the glaze) and drizzle it over the cake using a fork or whisk.
– Changing up the shape: Instead of making a traditional square or rectangular coffee cake, try baking the batter in a bundt pan for a stunning presentation. Or divide the batter into muffin tins for individual portions.
– Experimenting with other recipes: Looking for more variations on coffee cake? Try swapping out some of the ingredients in these popular coffee cake recipes: Barefoot Contessa’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Betty Crocker’s Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, Ina Garten’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake, or King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Coffee Cake. You can even use this sour cream streusel as a topping for other types of cakes like pound cake or yellow cake.
Whatever variations or substitutions you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked this delicious Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake, it’s time to indulge! This delightfully moist and flavorful cake is perfectly suited to accompany coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
To make the most of your cake-eating experience, I’d recommend brewing a rich and bold blend of coffee to complement the flavors in the cake. A dark roast like those from Barefoot Contessa or King Arthur would be an excellent pairing. If coffee isn’t your thing, a hot cup of tea would work just as well!
Alternatively, if you prefer a more unconventional pairing, the Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake will go great with iced latte or even an espresso shot. Its warm and buttery flavors are sure to elevate your coffee experience.
Serving-wise, I personally love to slice up the cake into generous portions and dust each slice with powdered sugar for extra sweetness – but that’s entirely up to you. You may also top it with whipped cream or serve it plain as is.
This cake is delicious fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days. Trust me; you wouldn’t want to miss out on this delightful treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Knowing how to store your Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake can save you time and help you enjoy it whenever you want. This cake can be easily stored and reheated without compromising its fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
To make things a little easier, I suggest cutting the cake into generous slices before storing it in an airtight container. This will help you avoid having to cut slices later on, and reduce the amount of handling, which can sometimes cause the streusel topping to fall apart.
Once your cake is sliced, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer than that, place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be aware though, that storing the cake in the fridge may dry it out a bit.
When you’re ready to reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds on high temperature.
If you want to make this coffee cake ahead of time, it’s easy to do so. To keep the streusel topping nice and fresh, prepare the batter and spread half of it into a greased baking dish, top with half of the streusel mixture, then repeat with the remaining batter and streusel mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake your coffee cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator then remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
In summary, this recipe is perfect for those who love to plan ahead. With just a few simple steps, you can store and reheat your sour cream streusel coffee cake to keep it fresh for days. So, don’t hesitate to make a big batch of this delicious cake recipe, and enjoy it whenever you crave it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have your ingredients and the recipe how-to, it’s time to talk about some tips for getting the perfect sour cream streusel coffee cake.
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will make the batter smoother and avoid clumping. In case of using cold ingredients, they will not incorporate well and may affect the final texture of your coffee cake.
2. Use Unsalted Butter
Always use unsalted butter in this recipe. It gives you full control of the saltiness in your cake. If you have salted butter and don’t have unsalted, you can use salted but omit adding salt to your recipe.
3. Mix Your Batter Properly
When mixing the batter, be sure not to overmix it, or it may become tough and rubbery. When all ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing. That’s good enough!
4. Don’t Forget The Streusel Topping
The topping is what makes this coffee cake extra special. Make sure that you’ve spreadded out plenty of cinnamon streusel into each layer of your cake batter, starting and ending with streusel for a nice crumbly texture.
5. Cool the Cake Before Serving
After taking out from oven, let the cake cool down first on a wire rack for around 1 hour before slicing it up to serve. It needs to cool at room temperature or else it might crumble apart or lose its firmness.
Follow these tips and your sour cream streusel coffee cake is bound to be a hit among friends and family!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section, where I will answer some of the most common questions that people have about this sour cream streusel coffee cake recipe.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
When it comes to making cakes, there is a minor difference between crumb cake and coffee cake. The difference lies in the amount of streusel topping that is used. In general, crumb cake has a thicker layer of streusel topping as compared to coffee cake. Moreover, coffee cake can also be made without the addition of streusel topping.
What does adding sour cream to a cake mix do?
Using sour cream in a cake recipe is a great way to add moisture without diluting the batter. This leads to a cake that has a delicate and tender texture, with a fine crumb.
Why is my sour cream coffee cake so dense?
When making a cake with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or buttermilk, it’s important to ensure that there is enough baking powder to create a light texture. Without enough baking powder, the cake might end up with a dense consistency. If this happens, adding baking soda can react with the acid to make the crumb fluffier.
What is the difference between coffee cake and crumble cake?
When comparing crumb cake and coffee cake, one can notice that the primary distinction is the quantity of streusel topping. Crumb cake is distinguished by having a generous amount of this topping, while coffee cake generally has a lesser amount, and may even be served without it. Additionally, there is a variant known as the New York-style crumb cake which features larger crumbs on top.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake is a classic treat that everyone should try at least once. With its tender cake layer and crumbly streusel topping, this coffee cake is perfect for any occasion.
By following the recipe instructions and utilizing the recommended tips and substitutions, you can create a moist and delicious cake that will leave your guests impressed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings or flavors to personalize and elevate the cake to your liking.
Whether you enjoy it with coffee or on its own, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So what are you waiting for? Grab your baking supplies and get ready to indulge in a sweet, comforting slice of Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake.
Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- crisco original nonstick cooking spray
Topping
- 1/3 cup hungry jack buttermilk pancake mix (Just Add Water)
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, softened
Batter
- 2 cups hungry jack buttermilk pancake mix (Just Add Water)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crisco vegetable oil or 1/4 cup crisco canola oil
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- HEAT oven to 350°F Spray a 9-inch square or round baking pan with no-stick spray.
- MIX pancake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts and butter for topping in a medium bowl until combined.
- COMBINE pancake mix, sugar and cinnamon for the batter. Add sour cream, oil and egg. Blend just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spread half the batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with half the topping mixture. Spread with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining topping.
- BAKE for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve garnished with powdered sugar, if desired.
- TIP: High Altitude: Decrease sugar to 1/4 cup. Bake as directed above.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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