There's something truly comforting about a warm loaf of Sour Cream Coffee Cake, especially on a cozy Sunday morning. As the rich aroma of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, it instantly transports me to my grandmother’s house, where she would serve a slice alongside steaming cups of coffee. This delightful Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf strikes a perfect balance between moist and fluffy, making it a crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Whether you're winding down after a hectic week or looking to impress guests at your next brunch, this recipe offers both simplicity and flavor in every bite. It’s a wonderful way to transform a handful of everyday ingredients into a sophisticated dessert that feels special. Best of all? With just a little prep time, you can savor a slice of homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You'll Love This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
- This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time, which means you can enjoy delicious homemade treats without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The rich flavor profile, enhanced by cinnamon and the creamy texture from sour cream, makes every bite a delightful experience.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Visually, the cake's golden crust and cinnamon-sugar topping makes it an impressive centerpiece that is sure to catch everyone's eye at your next gathering.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Ingredients
For the Cake
• All-purpose flour – this forms the base for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Unsalted butter – softened, it creates a rich and creamy texture.
• Full-fat sour cream – gives the cake its signature moistness and tang.
• Large eggs – bind the ingredients while providing a light texture.
• Baking powder – ensures the cake rises beautifully for that fluffy loaf.
• Ground cinnamon – infuses warmth and flavor, making each bite delightful.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors in this Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf.
How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly while making it easy to remove once it's done.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agent and spices for even flavor throughout the cake.
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Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until fluffy and light in color. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the sour cream until smooth.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually. Stir until just mixed; it’s okay if there are small lumps. Overmixing can make your cake tough, so gentle folding is key!
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Layer the batter by pouring half into the prepared pan, sprinkling with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then adding the remaining batter. Top with the leftover cinnamon-sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaves are perfect for busy home cooks looking to savor homemade goodness without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let the batter sit out for about 15 minutes to take off the chill before layering it in the loaf pan and sprinkling with cinnamon-sugar. This means you can enjoy freshly baked cake with minimal effort, and it will still taste just as delicious as if made on the day of serving. For ultimate freshness, bake the loaf and store it at room temperature if eating within 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
How to Store and Freeze Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
Room Temperature: Store your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
Fridge: If you want to extend its shelf life, place the wrapped loaf in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for a delightful freshly-baked taste.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Variations
Feel free to personalize your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf and indulge in flavors that excite your palate!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. This will give each slice a rich, buttery flavor that enhances your coffee break.
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Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a luxurious twist. Melted chocolate will create pockets of decadence in every bite, making it an irresistible treat.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to amp up the spice profile. This will add warmth and depth, making your coffee cake feel like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
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Fruit Fusion: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of juicy flavor. The tartness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful flavor balance.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a fresh citrus zing. This bright flavor will elevate the loaf, making it perfect for spring brunches.
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Vegan Option: Substitute sour cream with 1 cup of coconut yogurt and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg). This ensures everyone can enjoy a slice with a plant-based twist!
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Brown Sugar Topping: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor in both the batter and topping. This substitution will create a delightful richness that enhances every bite.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled loaf made of powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet finish. This adds an exciting twist that complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
What to Serve with Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf?
When you’re ready to elevate your homemade treat into a complete experience, consider these delightful pairings.
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Fresh Berries: The bright acidity of strawberries or blueberries contrasts beautifully with the cake's rich sweetness and creates a stunning visual presentation.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess, perfect for balancing the cake's warmth and spice.
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Creamy Yogurt: Pairing with a tangy yogurt, such as Greek or vanilla, rounds out the flavors and adds a refreshing element to each bite.
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Coffee: A steaming cup of your favorite brew complements the cinnamon notes in the cake, making it a cozy choice for brunch or an afternoon treat.
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Hot Chocolate: For a comforting pairing, serve it alongside a rich hot chocolate, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while warming up on chilly days.
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Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream brings a lovely creaminess and coolness that enhances every slice.
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Milk: The classic combination of a slice of cake and a glass of cold milk creates a nostalgic experience that’s adored by both kids and adults.
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Coconut Macaroons: For a bit of texture and tropical flavor, serve with chewy coconut macaroons, adding a unique twist to your dessert table.
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Seasonal Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the loaf with vibrant, juicy flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, which helps achieve that light texture in your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf.
- When mixing the dry ingredients, whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and cinnamon without clumps.
- Remember to fold the batter gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake instead of a fluffy one.
- For the best results, monitor the cake closely towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary; check for doneness starting at 50 minutes.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting sour cream?
Absolutely! When choosing sour cream, opt for full-fat varieties for the best flavor and texture in your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf. Look for products that aren't closer to their expiration date, and avoid containers with any bloating or dents to ensure freshness.
How long can I store Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf at room temperature?
You can keep your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its delicious moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze my coffee cake loaf? How?
Very much! To freeze your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to minimize air exposure, then wrap it again in aluminum foil for extra protection. This can keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf sinks, it might be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Always check for doneness using a toothpick and avoid mixing too vigorously, which can cause the cake to lose volume. If you notice the center is still wet after the designated time, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf is nut-free, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check your ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination, especially with your flour and baking powder, which may be processed in facilities that handle nuts.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Loaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then blend in the sour cream.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gradually. Stir until just mixed.
- Layer the batter, pour half into the prepared pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add remaining batter. Top with leftover cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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