Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly buttery, moist Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Swirled generously with a fragrant cinnamon pecan streusel topping and elegantly drizzled with a sweet vanilla sour cream glaze, this is more than just a cake – it’s an experience. Every morning truly should start this delightfully, don’t you agree? This cherished Old Fashioned Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a legacy, a culinary hug from generations past. It was my grandmother’s favorite to bake, and it never failed to bring wide smiles to the faces of everyone fortunate enough to enjoy a slice.

The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

This sour cream coffee cake recipe is truly beyond delicious! It’s the perfect companion your morning cup of coffee has been patiently waiting for its entire life. The rich, tender crumb and the aromatic streusel create a symphony of flavors and textures that transform an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary moment. With its deep, comforting flavors and wonderfully moist texture, this coffee cake stands as a testament to classic baking at its finest.

There’s something inherently magical about old-fashioned recipes, particularly those treasured gems handed down from generation to generation. They carry with them stories, memories, and the undeniable taste of home. They consistently prove to be the best, brimming with a timeless appeal that modern recipes often strive to emulate. I deeply hope that the recipes I share here will similarly forge a lasting legacy, bringing joy to families long after I’m gone. This particular Sour Cream Coffee Cake embodies that very spirit, promising comfort and deliciousness with every bite, making it a perfect dish to share and create new memories around.

A Heartfelt Recipe: The Legacy of Grandmother’s Kitchen

This easy-to-follow recipe for Sour Cream Coffee Cake was a wonderful gift, shared with me some time ago. It came from a very special grandmother, whose culinary creations were legendary among her family and friends. The bond between a grandmother and grandchild is truly unique and profound, often filled with warmth, wisdom, and, of course, delicious food. I heard many heartwarming stories about this particular grandmother, and the enduring sentiment of her love and generosity always shone through. Her coffee cake was a testament to that, a symbol of her care and the joy she brought to others.

I resonate deeply with this sentiment when I think of my own grandmothers. Some of my most beloved and frequently shared recipes on this blog originate directly from their kitchens. These aren’t just instructions on a page; they are edible memories, infused with history and affection. They represent comfort, tradition, and the simple joy of gathering around a table filled with good food. In fact, I hold so many cherished family recipes close to my heart that I dedicated an entire blog post to them! They represent a collection of tried-and-true dishes that have graced our family table for decades, each with its own story and special place in our hearts.

Tried & True Family Recipes: My Culinary Passion

My culinary journey and the very essence of this blog are built upon the foundation of tried-and-true family recipes. From comforting main dishes that define a Sunday dinner to delectable desserts that mark every celebration, and from savory appetizers that kick off gatherings to fresh, vibrant salads I grew up loving at potlucks – these are the types of recipes I’ve always cherished most. They are the dishes you could reliably count on being present at every holiday table, imbued with a sense of tradition and belonging. These recipes aren’t just about feeding people; they’re about nurturing connections and preserving culinary heritage.

I understand that some readers relish hearing the stories and personal anecdotes behind a recipe, finding a deeper connection to the food. Others, however, might find themselves thinking, “Why don’t I just get to the recipe already?” But for me, this blog has always been about more than just ingredients and instructions; it’s a platform to tell my story through the universal language of food. And I wholeheartedly intend to continue doing so, as these narratives are what breathe life into the dishes. For those who prefer to skip the “fluff” and jump straight into the cooking, rest assured, I always include a convenient “jump to recipe” button at the top of my posts for your convenience, ensuring everyone can enjoy the culinary journey at their own pace.

This particular coffee cake, generously filled with fragrant cinnamon and crunchy nuts, held a profound significance for someone. It was a memory inextricably linked to the beloved grandmother they adored, a taste of home and comfort that spanned generations. And now, I have the immense privilege of sharing this heartwarming recipe, and its accompanying story, with all of you, inviting you to create your own cherished memories with every delicious bite.

Baking Perfection: How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake in a Bundt Pan (or 9×13)

While this versatile cake would certainly bake beautifully in a classic 9×13 inch pan, I personally adore the elegant presentation a bundt pan lends to a coffee cake. There’s an undeniable charm to its fluted design and stately appearance, making it a true centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread. Just like with my popular Banana Bread Coffee Cake or my seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze, you simply can’t deny how visually stunning they are. Standing tall, showcasing those alluring streusel swirls and a generous crumb topping, all bathed in a warm, inviting glaze, they are a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate.

Using a bundt pan not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly baked cake with those lovely crisp edges and a tender interior. The deep grooves of a bundt pan are also ideal for holding generous amounts of streusel, creating wonderful pockets of flavor. Whichever pan you choose, the key is proper preparation – generously greasing and flouring (or using baking spray) is absolutely essential for a clean release. Don’t skip this step, especially with a bundt pan’s intricate design, to ensure your beautiful cake comes out perfectly intact.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delectable Sour Cream Coffee Cake

One of the many charms of this classic recipe is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients. Since this recipe has been around for generations, you won’t find any exotic or overly processed foods here. Nope, this coffee cake recipe celebrates the beauty of basic, reliable pantry staples, making it accessible and easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes. These readily available components combine to create something truly extraordinary. Gather these components for your next baking adventure:

For the Cake:

Butter: One cup (two sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This is crucial for optimal creaming, ensuring a light and airy batter that forms the foundation of a tender cake.
Sour Cream: One cup of full-fat sour cream. The star ingredient, providing unparalleled moisture, a subtle tangy richness, and contributing to the cake’s distinctive dense yet tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: One and a half cups, for sweetness and tenderizing the cake crumb, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
Eggs: Two large eggs, beaten. Eggs act as binders, add richness, and contribute significantly to the cake’s structure and rise.
Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that essential warm, aromatic flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
Baking Powder: One teaspoon. A primary leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully and achieve a light texture.
Baking Soda: Half a teaspoon. Another important leavener, which reacts with the acidity of the sour cream to create an incredibly tender and moist texture.
Salt: One-quarter teaspoon. A pinch to balance the sweetness, enhance all the flavors, and provide a subtle contrast.
All-Purpose Flour: Two cups. The foundation of the cake, providing structure and body to hold all the delicious components together.

For the Cinnamon Pecan Streusel:

Chopped Pecans: One cup. Provides that delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and beautiful texture contrast. Walnuts also work exceptionally well as a substitute if you prefer!
Ground Cinnamon: Two and a half teaspoons. The quintessential spice for coffee cake, providing warmth, an irresistible aroma, and a classic flavor.
Granulated Sugar: One and a half teaspoons. To sweeten the streusel and help it caramelize slightly during baking, creating a delicious crispy layer.

For the Vanilla Sour Cream Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: Half a cup. The base for a smooth, sweet glaze that drizzles beautifully over the cooled cake.
Sour Cream: One-quarter cup. Adds a creamy, tangy base to the glaze, complementing the cake perfectly and balancing the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Half a teaspoon. Enhances the glaze with a delicate, sweet aroma, tying all the flavors together.

Baking Journey: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s embark on the delightful journey of creating this magnificent Sour Cream Coffee Cake. The process is straightforward, yielding incredibly rewarding results. Precision and patience are your best friends in the kitchen, ensuring a perfect bake every time!

Begin by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and airy texture. Next, carefully add in the beaten eggs and pure vanilla extract, beating them into the creamy mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and no dry pockets remain.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. While sifting isn’t strictly necessary, it helps to remove any lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, contributing to a consistent rise. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; over-developing the gluten can lead to a tough, rubbery cake, so stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear.

I must confess, I knew this recipe would be an absolute winner from the very first moment I “taste-tested” the cake batter from my finger after mixing it. Oh. My. Word. The flavor was simply divine! Who cares about calories when the cake batter tastes this incredibly good?! It’s a small indulgence that promises the deliciousness to come, a sneak peek into the comforting flavors awaiting you.

The sour cream truly works wonders, imbuing the cake with the most amazing flavor profile and an unbelievably moist texture. It contributes to the perfect density, allowing the vibrant cinnamon streusel swirl to hold its beautiful form throughout each slice without sinking to the bottom. This is not a dry, crumbly cake; it’s a plush, tender delight that melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of warmth and spice.

Now for the irresistible streusel layer! In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the sugar, chopped pecans (or walnuts), and ground cinnamon together. This fragrant blend will create pockets of spiced nutty goodness within your cake. Generously sprinkle about one-third of this delightful nut mixture into the bottom of your meticulously prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Next, carefully spoon one-third of your cake batter over the streusel layer, gently spreading it out to cover the nuts without disturbing them too much. Continue to alternate layers of cake batter and the cinnamon nut streusel in the pan, ensuring you end with a final layer of cake batter on top. This careful layering technique ensures that every slice boasts a beautiful swirl of flavor and texture.

Once your cake is assembled, it’s time to bake! Place your bundt pan into a preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes around 45-55 minutes, but keep a watchful eye on it as oven temperatures can vary. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling period helps the cake set its structure and prevents it from sticking or breaking when removed from the pan. Enjoy it just like this for a simple yet elegant treat, or elevate it further with a luscious sour cream glaze!

The Perfect Finish: Sweet Vanilla Sour Cream Glaze

To create the crowning glory for your coffee cake, simply mix together the powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and reaches your desired glaze consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more sour cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it drizzles easily. If too thin, incorporate a little more powdered sugar until it thickens. The beauty of this glaze lies in its simplicity and how beautifully its creamy, tangy sweetness complements the rich, spiced cake. Drizzle this sweet, tangy vanilla sour cream glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the fluted edges and pool slightly, adding an extra layer of moisture and a beautiful finishing touch.

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Pour yourself a steaming cup of your favorite coffee, find a cozy spot, and dig in to a slice of this heavenly Sour Cream Coffee Cake. It’s truly a little piece of comfort and joy in every bite, perfect for starting your day on a sweet note or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy the simple pleasure of this homemade delight.

Love It? Pin It! Share This Irresistible Recipe!

Found your new favorite morning treat? Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to save where you discovered the BEST Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it for your next baking session or to share with friends and family. A simple click can save you from searching later, ensuring this delightful dessert is always at your fingertips!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Your Questions Answered

We understand you might have questions about making and storing this delightful coffee cake. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure your baking success and enjoyment, allowing you to confidently prepare and savor every crumb:

Does Sour Cream Coffee Cake need to be refrigerated? For optimal freshness and flavor, this coffee cake will store safely on the counter for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. If you live in a warm climate or plan to keep it longer, refrigeration is recommended to extend its shelf life and maintain its moistness.
How long can I keep Sour Cream Coffee Cake? You can store this delicious coffee cake in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven before serving for that freshly baked taste.
Is coffee cake the same thing as crumb cake? While similar in flavor and purpose (both are often enjoyed with coffee), there’s a key distinction. Coffee cake typically boasts a higher cake-to-crumb ratio, offering a substantial, moist cake base with a lovely streusel topping or swirl. Crumb cake, on the other hand, is characterized by a significantly larger proportion of crumb topping compared to the cake itself, often featuring thick, buttery crumbles. Both are delicious, but they offer distinct textural experiences!
Can I use light sour cream? Yes, you can substitute light sour cream, and the cake will still be moist and delicious. However, for the richest, most tender crumb and intense flavor, full-fat sour cream will always yield the best results, so it’s recommended if available.
Can I add fruit to this coffee cake? Absolutely! Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries, or thinly sliced apples, can be gently folded into the batter before layering with the streusel for a delightful seasonal variation. If adding fruit, adjust baking time slightly, as fruits can add extra moisture.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the bundt pan? Thoroughly greasing and flouring your bundt pan is absolutely essential. Use a high-quality baking spray specifically designed for baking (which often includes flour), or generously coat the entire interior with softened butter and dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Ensure every crevice is coated for an easy, clean release.
What makes sour cream so good in coffee cake? Sour cream adds incredible moisture and richness without making the cake greasy. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a tender, fine crumb. It also imparts a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Celebrating Milestones: Coffee Cake and My Love for Coffee

This particular recipe holds a special place, as it was featured during my blog’s 10thAnniversary Month of Giveaways! It was one of the last recipes showcased, highlighting some of my absolute favorite things. Throughout that celebratory month, I shared a variety of beloved items and recipes, reflecting a decade of culinary exploration and passion. You can still explore a detailed list of those favorite things and all the associated recipes here, commemorating a decade of sharing culinary joy and inspiring home cooks.

I intentionally saved one of my most cherished things for the very end of that celebration: C-O-F-F-E-E! It’s an indispensable part of my daily ritual, a simple pleasure that I look forward to every single day. Every morning begins with me, bleary-eyed, shuffling towards the coffee pot to pour that crucial first cup. There’s no need for fancy frills or elaborate concoctions; I enjoy it hot, black, and strong – a straightforward, potent brew that jumpstarts my day and fuels my passion for cooking and sharing.

As part of that anniversary celebration, lucky readers had the chance to win amazing prizes that resonated with my deep love for coffee. For instance, some of the exciting items included a Starbucks gift card for enjoying a favorite brew out, a premium Yeti brand copper-colored coffee mug (perfect for keeping that homemade coffee hot throughout the morning!), and gourmet chocolate-covered espresso beans from the renowned Omaha Bakery, offering a delightful pick-me-up. In addition to these delightful treats, winners also received one of my limited edition commemorative t-shirts, specially designed to honor the anniversary month. It was a wonderful way to give back to the incredible community that has supported my blog for so many years, sharing my favorite things as a token of gratitude.

But that wasn’t all! To make the 10th anniversary even more memorable, one grand prize winner was awarded a KitchenAid stand mixer – a dream appliance for any baker (or a Visa gift card for $250 if they already owned one). The entry method was simple and engaging: readers just needed to make any of my cherished recipes, snap a photo, and email it in. (The email address used for submissions was [email protected]). That’s it! And what better recipe to inspire aspiring bakers and seasoned cooks alike to start with than this magnificent Sour Cream Coffee Cake? It was a fantastic way to encourage home baking, foster community, and celebrate with the readers who make this blog so special.

While the giveaways themselves are no longer active, having concluded as part of the anniversary event, the spirit of celebration and the joy of sharing delicious food remain. This recipe, like many others featured during that special time, was designed to bring people together through the universal love of cooking and eating, embodying the heart of what this blog is all about.

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Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a buttery, incredibly moist delight, generously swirled and topped with a cinnamon pecan streusel. Finished with a sweet vanilla sour cream glaze, it’s the perfect way to elevate any morning and a cherished family recipe.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time55 minutes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best, bundt pan, Cinnamon, easy, nuts, pecans, recipe, sour cream coffee cake, sour cream glaze, streusel, old fashioned

Servings: 1 bundt Pan

Calories: 475kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Nordic Ware Bundt Pan
Glass Batter Bowl
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Hand Mixer

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:
1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
FOR THE CINNAMON/NUT STREUSEL:
1 cup chopped pecans walnuts work well, too!
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
FOR THE SOUR CREAM GLAZE:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a standard 10-12 cup bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated. This step is crucial for preventing the cake from sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and sour cream until the mixture is wonderfully light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed, helping to incorporate air for a tender cake.
Beat in the two beaten eggs and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the batter. Continue mixing until the batter appears smooth and homogenous. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; over-developing the gluten can lead to a tough, dry cake. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
For the Cinnamon Nut Streusel, combine the chopped pecans (or walnuts), ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Toss gently to ensure the nuts are evenly coated with the spice mixture. Sprinkle about one-third of this delightful streusel mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared bundt pan. Carefully spoon one-third of the cake batter over the streusel, gently spreading it out to cover the nuts without disturbing them too much. Repeat this layering process: streusel, then batter, and finally, ensure you finish with a top layer of cake batter.
Bake the coffee cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (no wet batter attached). The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when gently touched.
Allow the cake to cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for the cake to firm up its structure and ensures it releases cleanly from the pan without breaking. After this time, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare the Sour Cream Glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and of desired drizzling consistency. If too thick, add a tiny bit more sour cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Once the cake has fully cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Slice and serve!

Nutrition

Explore More Delicious Coffee Cake Recipes

It’s no secret that we absolutely adore coffee cake here! There are just so many delightful ways to enjoy them, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic. Whether they are bursting with fresh fruits, packed with crunchy nuts, or intricately swirled with aromatic spices and decadent streusels, count me in for every single one! If you’ve loved this Sour Cream Coffee Cake, you’re sure to find another favorite among these incredible recipes, perfect for any occasion:

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze: A seasonal sensation, this cake combines the warm, comforting spices of autumn with a rich, nutty brown butter glaze that’s utterly irresistible. It’s perfect for fall brunches or as a cozy dessert.
Cherry Filled Coffee Cake: Sweet and tangy cherries are baked into a tender cake, creating a vibrant and fruity twist on the classic. This delightful coffee cake offers a burst of summery flavor with every bite, making it a refreshing choice.
Rhubarb Cake: A wonderfully tart and sweet cake featuring fresh rhubarb, offering a refreshing and unique flavor profile that signals spring’s arrival. Its bright taste and tender crumb make it a delightful treat.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: For the purists who can’t get enough of that classic spice, this cake features generous, aromatic swirls of cinnamon goodness throughout, a true timeless treat that evokes comfort and nostalgia.
Banana Bread Coffee Cake: A brilliant fusion of two breakfast favorites! All the comforting flavors of moist banana bread are transformed into a delightful, streusel-topped coffee cake, offering the best of both worlds.
Applesauce Coffee Cake (pictured above): Incredibly tender and flavorful, this cake uses applesauce to add natural moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness, making it a wholesome and delicious option for any time of day.
Peanut Butter Coffee Cake: A delightful and unexpected pairing, this cake features the comforting, rich taste of peanut butter swirled into a moist coffee cake, perfect for those who love a nutty, savory-sweet breakfast or snack.

Ready to bake this extraordinary scratch-made Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe? I know I am! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something so delicious and comforting from simple ingredients. This recipe is more than just a list of steps; it’s an invitation to fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! Enjoy every moment, from the first intoxicating aroma to the last sweet crumb.