Description
A true classic that never goes out of style, Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is moist, tender, and loaded with sweet cinnamon flavor. With a buttery streusel topping, a warm cinnamon swirl, and an optional vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Cake
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently to cover. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before slicing.
Notes
For a little twist, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping. This cake also freezes well—just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave when ready to enjoy.