It’s a sad day when you realize that sour cream coffee cake is not just a delicious breakfast option but also an emotional rollercoaster. Imagine biting into a slice, the buttery crumb melting in your mouth while the sweet aroma of cinnamon dances through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. Each bite tells a story—a story of comfort, nostalgia, and perhaps too many late-night baking adventures that ended in flour fights and sugar explosions. It’s hard to resist this cake, particularly when it whispers sweet promises of that perfect balance between moistness and crumbly goodness.
Now let me take you back to one of those memorable mornings where my family gathered around the kitchen table, forks at the ready, faces aglow with anticipation. The first slice revealed a swirl of cinnamon sugar hugging the sour cream-infused cake. It was love at first bite! This delightful treat made every weekend feel like a celebration, whether it was for brunch or simply because we could. Sour cream coffee cake is the star of any occasion, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sour cream coffee cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for beginners or busy bakers alike
- Its rich flavor profile combines tangy and sweet notes that please every palate
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and cinnamon swirl, this cake looks as good as it tastes
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with coffee or tea
I once baked this sour cream coffee cake for my friend’s birthday brunch, and let’s just say her kids thought I was a wizard!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cake; sifted flour ensures lightness and fluffiness.
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Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tang; full-fat works best for richness.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; don’t skimp if you want that perfect balance.
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Baking Powder: This little powerhouse helps your cake rise beautifully.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives our cake its warm flavor; fresh ground is ideal.
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Eggs: These guys bind everything together; room temperature eggs incorporate better.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over saltiness—melted butter creates a rich texture.
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Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; adds sweetness without overpowering the flavors beneath.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
Mixing the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar until evenly mixed. Make sure there are no flour clumps lurking around!
Combining Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth—this mixture should look velvety and creamy.
Bringing It All Together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones while stirring gently—don’t overmix! You want those lovely air pockets to stay intact for fluffiness.
Add Some Swirl Action!: Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan then sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before adding the remaining batter—swirl it gently with a knife for that beautiful marbled effect.
Bake Away!: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown—stick a toothpick in there; it should come out clean with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool & Serve!: Let your masterpiece cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar like you’re sprinkling fairy dust!
And voila! You’ve created an irresistible sour cream coffee cake that will make everyone wonder how you became such an expert baker overnight! Enjoy every crumb while basking in compliments from friends and family who will undoubtedly be clamoring for seconds!
You Must Know
- This sour cream coffee cake is not only delicious but also incredibly moist
- The tanginess of the sour cream perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor explosion
- Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, making it versatile enough for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in eggs and sour cream. Finally, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk for a smooth batter.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the flour for almond flour or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a flawless sour cream coffee cake, always measure your ingredients accurately
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture
- Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and airy; gentle folding is key!
Memories of sharing this sour cream coffee cake with friends always warm my heart. Their smiles as they savor each bite remind me why I love baking so much.

FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream in this recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
What toppings pair well with sour cream coffee cake?
Consider serving it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light glaze for added flavor.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Savor the warmth of homemade sour cream coffee cake—a delightful blend of buttery crumb, tangy sour cream, and aromatic cinnamon. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert, ensuring every bite is a comforting experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy weekend morning, this cake will bring smiles to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar before adding the remaining batter; swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack; dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg


