Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the sun is just starting to peek through the kitchen window. The sweet aroma of cinnamon fills the air, dancing with the warmth of freshly brewed coffee, tingling my senses and stirring my spirit. This is the perfect backdrop for a slice of indulgence—my beloved Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a delightful afternoon when I was experimenting with my pantry staples. What I discovered was not just a cake, but a moist masterpiece that beautifully balances the tang of sour cream with the comforting embrace of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself on a quiet day, this loaf is remarkably easy to whip up and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
With just a few ingredients and a touch of love, you’ll create a charming loaf that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your baking game and bring joy to your table!
Why You'll Love This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
- This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to indulge in a delicious treat without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The rich flavor combination of sour cream and cinnamon creates a delightful taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Its versatility means it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy breakfast or a special brunch gathering.
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and sweet cinnamon topping, this loaf will impress your guests and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – provides the structure for your coffee cake; you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and moisture; for less processed sweetness, consider using coconut sugar.
- Unsalted butter – brings richness to the cake; if you prefer, you can use coconut oil or margarine.
- Full-fat sour cream – enhances moisture and a subtle tang; Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Large eggs – help bind the ingredients together; if you're looking for an egg-free option, replace with ¼ cup applesauce per egg.
- Baking powder – acts as a leavening agent to make your loaf rise perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon – infuses the cake with warm flavor; adjust the amount to your liking or swap for nutmeg for a different twist.
- Salt – enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
For the Topping
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture – a delightful blend that creates a crunchy, sweet topping; consider adding chopped nuts for extra texture.
This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf will become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and easily releases from the pan after baking.
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. This dry mixture is crucial for a well-textured loaf, so mix until combined.
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Cream the butter and sugar together in another bowl until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then mix in the sour cream for that moist goodness.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually until just mixed; remember, lumps are okay! You want to avoid over-mixing, which will keep your loaf tender.
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Layer the batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter. Top with more cinnamon-sugar for that irresistible crunch.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
Room Temperature: Keep the cooled Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. This can slightly alter its texture but keeps it delicious.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, just until warm. This will restore some of the cake's moistness.
What to Serve with Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf?
Imagine pairing a delightful loaf with surprising accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and textures.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries like raspberries or strawberries creates a refreshing contrast to the sweet, cinnamon notes of the cake. Their juiciness makes each bite a burst of flavor.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch that complements the loaf's moist crumb. Consider infusing the cream with vanilla or a hint of cinnamon for an extra twist.
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Espresso or Coffee: A cup of robust coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the experience, bringing out the cake's sweetness while creating a cozy atmosphere for your gathering.
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Cream Cheese Glaze: A drizzle of cream cheese glaze adds richness and a delightful sweetness, making each slice even more indulgent. The creamy tang beautifully balances the loaf’s flavors.
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Chopped Nuts: Whether walnuts or pecans, the crunch of nuts adds a textural contrast that elevates the dessert. Toast them lightly for a deeper, nuttier flavor that wonderfully pairs with the cake.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Transform a simple slice into an extraordinary dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coldness pairs perfectly, melting into the warm cake for a divine treat.
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Herbal Tea: A fragrant cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, offers a calming balance and cleanses the palate, making it a lovely companion to savor alongside the sweet loaf.
Make Ahead Options
These Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf preparations are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save time! You can measure out your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can cream the butter and sugar, then refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before baking. To maintain the cake's moist quality, avoid mixing the wet and dry ingredients until you're ready to bake. When it's time to bake, simply combine everything, layer the batter, and bake as instructed. With these tips, you'll enjoy a delightful slice without the last-minute rush!
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Variations
Embrace your creativity as you make this delightful dessert uniquely yours with these fun twists and swaps!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a cake everyone can enjoy.
Within this swap, the texture remains fantastic when you stir gently, ensuring moisture is still locked in without overworking the batter. -
Nutty Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
Nuts elevate the cake's texture and add a delightful surprise in each slice, bringing warmth and comfort reminiscent of cozy afternoons. -
Chocolate Swirl: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to half of the batter before layering to create a deliciously rich chocolate version.
This unexpected twist invites chocoholics to join the fun, turning your coffee cake into a decadent dessert that pairs perfectly with your favorite brew. -
Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity burst that lightens the loaf’s flavor.
Fruits not only add natural sweetness but also provide a lovely pop of color and freshness you won’t want to miss. -
Zesty Lemon: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor that dances on your palate.
This twist adds a lightness that perfectly balances the richness of the sour cream, creating a delightful contrast. -
Spiced Variation: Enhance the cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a spicier profile that warms your soul.
These spices weave a tapestry of warmth through the cake, making each bite feel like a cozy hug on a cool day. -
Sweet Vegan: Replace eggs with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly treat.
This swap allows you to enjoy the joy of baking while being mindful of dietary choices, keeping the loaf just as moist and tasty. -
Caramel Drizzle: Finish off with a sweet caramel sauce drizzled over the top for an extra layer of indulgence sure to please any sweet tooth.
The richness of the caramel combined with the cinnamon sugar creates a beautiful contrast that elevates the experience to gourmet levels.
Let your creativity shine and enjoy the delicious results!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf, always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to prevent a dense cake.
- Mixing your dry ingredients thoroughly before combining with the wet ingredients ensures an even texture and helps avoid lumps, which can affect the final rise.
- Be mindful not to over-mix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine as this will keep your cake tender and light.
- For the best results, check your cake around the 50-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary, ensuring it's perfectly baked without becoming dry.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sour cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and moisture. If you have lower-fat options on hand, they can work, but the texture and richness of the cake will be slightly different.
How should I store leftover Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf?
You can store your cooled Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just be sure it's well-sealed to retain moisture.
Can I freeze Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf?
Very much so! To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze individual slices as well. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature until defrosted.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf sinks, it might be due to overmixing, which can incorporate too much air, or it could have been removed from the oven too soon. To prevent this in the future, mix just until combined and keep an eye on the bake time. Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
You can tweak it to be more allergy-friendly! Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and use non-dairy butter for the loaf. Just be cautious with the eggs if you're considering a complete vegan recipe; flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) can be a great replacement!
Can I add nuts or fruit to the Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mix in some dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for an extra layer of flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking!
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then mix in the sour cream.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually until just mixed.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter. Top with more cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
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