Sour cream coffee cake, a staple at many breakfast tables and afternoon tea sessions, stands out for its rich flavor and moist texture. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what makes sour cream coffee cake a beloved treat, provide a foolproof recipe with U.S. and Metric measurements, and offer tips to make your baking experience as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this guide will help you master the art of making sour cream coffee cake.

Understanding Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why sour cream coffee cake is so special. The sour cream in this dessert imparts a delightful tanginess and contributes to a denser, softer texture that keeps the cake moist for days. This characteristic makes sour cream coffee cake ideal for savoring slowly, ensuring that the last slice is as delicious as the first.

Key Characteristics:

• Texture: The cake is dense yet soft, thanks to the moisture-preserving properties of sour cream.
• Flavor: It has a subtle tanginess balanced with sweet, often enhanced by a nutty streusel or filling.
• Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break, and can be adapted with various fillings and toppings.

Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

This section of our guide provides a straightforward sour cream coffee cake recipe with a delightful streusel filling. The recipe is designed for ease and can be completed with standard kitchen tools and ingredients.

Ingredients

Cake:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (256 g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (4 g)
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (113 g or one stick)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Sour cream: 1 cup (240 ml)

Streusel Filling:

• Brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon (8 g)
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): 1/2 cup (50 g)
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (16 g)
• Butter, melted: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)

Instructions

Preparing the Batter:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or a similar sized baking dish.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Combine with sour cream: Add the flour mixture alternately with sour cream, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

Making the Streusel:

1. Combine streusel ingredients: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and flour. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
2. Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining streusel.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before releasing the sides of the springform pan.

Serving Suggestions

Sour cream coffee cake is delightful both warm and at room temperature. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Serve as is or with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.

Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake

To ensure your sour cream coffee cake is as delicious as possible, consider these tips:

• Ingredient Temperatures: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure an even mix.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the texture light.
• Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Conclusion

Sour cream coffee cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, moist texture combined with a crunchy, nutty filling makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious sour cream coffee cake that’s sure to impress. Happy baking!

This guide should equip you with everything you need to understand and bake your own sour cream coffee cake. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’re well on your way to enjoying a slice of one of the most cherished cakes in the baking world.

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