Baking has a unique way of wrapping us in a warm blanket of nostalgia, and one dish that perfectly embodies this feeling is sour cream coffee cake. The Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Scratch is a delightful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly comforting. It’s a classic treat that harkens back to family gatherings and cozy afternoons with loved ones. In my opinion, nothing quite beats the aroma of a cake baking in the oven, filling the house with warmth and making it feel like home.
What makes this cake special? It combines the creamy richness of sour cream with butter, granulated sugar, and warm spices to create a tender and moist cake. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of sweetness and spice, thanks to the addition of brown sugar and cinnamon. The texture is soft, melting in your mouth, making it a perfect companion to your morning coffee or a sweet snack at any time of the day.
The method for preparing this cake is refreshingly straightforward. First, you preheat the oven and prepare your pan, then it’s simply a matter of creaming the butter and sugar, adding the eggs, mixing in the sour cream, and combining the dry ingredients. Layering the batter with a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a pleasing swirl effect in the cake. Finally, after baking, you’ll let it cool before serving—a simple process yielding delightful results.
This cake is perfect for any occasion—from chilly nights when you crave something warm to bring your spirits up, to festive gatherings where it can easily impress guests. You will find it’s not only delicious, but it also invites sharing and conversation.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Scratch
- Comfort Food: This cake embodies the essence of comfort with its rich flavors and soft texture.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday ingredients that are often found in your kitchen.
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip this cake together in less than an hour.
- Versatile Enjoyment: It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks, brunches, or simply enjoyed with family at home.
Sour Cream Tips
When it comes to choosing sour cream for your coffee cake, it’s best to opt for a full-fat version. This choice ensures a richer flavor and a moist texture in your cake. Look for sour cream with a simple ingredient list, ideally without additives or preservatives. If you can, go for a local brand, as it may offer a fresher taste. When mixing, let it come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, allowing for a smoother blend with the other ingredients.
Options for Substitutions
- Sour Cream: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor and added protein.
- Unsalted Butter: Use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a different take.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or raw sugar can add a deeper flavor.
- Brown Sugar: You can create your own brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with molasses.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Eggs: Replace with flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers for a vegan option.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Baking might seem simple, but common pitfalls can lead to less-than-desirable outcomes. One frequent mistake is not preheating the oven, which can affect how the cake rises. Make sure it’s fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you put your cake in.
Another common error occurs during the creaming phase; if the butter is not softened enough, it won’t incorporate air properly with the sugar, leading to density in the cake. Take the time to allow your butter to soften at room temperature.
Adding dry ingredients too quickly can also hinder mixing; gradually incorporate to achieve an even batter. Lastly, be cautious not to overbake. Checking for doneness at around 40 minutes ensures you take it out before it becomes dry.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Scratch?
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with several options. A steaming cup of coffee or tea is a classic choice, enhancing the flavors of the cake. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit like berries or a light salad that features citrus to balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, serve slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each of these options will complement the comforting notes of your cake nicely.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerating will keep it fresh for about a week.
Freeze: The sour cream coffee cake freezes well, lasting for up to 3 months if wrapped properly. Cut into slices for easy thawing and serving later.
Reheat: For stovetop reheating, place a slice in a hot skillet, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes. In the microwave, heat each slice for 15-20 seconds for the best texture without drying out.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 8 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1,800–2,000
Protein: 24–30g
Fat: 80–90g
Carbohydrates: 240–300g
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter for a better rise.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be sprinkled in layers within the cake to provide that delightful swirl and flavor.
Step 6: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is done and ready to be cooled down.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Baking this Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Scratch is not just a task; it’s a journey into comforting flavors and warm memories. With its simple ingredients and easy method, you’ll want to make this again and again. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and share your thoughts or even variations you may create. And while you’re here, explore other delicious posts on the blog for more comforting recipes!
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Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Scratch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful sour cream coffee cake that combines creamy sour cream and warm spices for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl; gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Layer half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, add the remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, remember to preheat the oven and allow butter to soften at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg