Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a touch of sweetness, making it an irresistible choice for any coffee lover. Picture this: you wake up on a lazy Sunday morning, the sun shining through the kitchen window, and the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake filling the air. This cake is quick to whip up, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Fun fact: this recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special twist. If you enjoy family-friendly goodies like our famous Banana Bread, you’ll absolutely love this cake! Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delectable recipe.
What is Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake?
So, what’s in a name? Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake sounds like a slice of nostalgia straight from Grandma’s kitchen, doesn’t it? It’s called “Sour Cream” because that creamy goodness helps make the cake incredibly moist. Plus, who doesn’t love something delicious paired with a warm cup of coffee? They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, this cake is a sure way to win everyone over. Ready to bake your way into some smiles? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll absolutely love Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake for several reasons! First, the standout feature is its incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the addition of sour cream. Secondly, it’s budget-friendly; making this cake at home saves you dollars compared to buying one from a café! And let’s not forget the delightful crunch of nuts and the warm spice of cinnamon that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. If you enjoy recipes like our Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll find this cake just as comforting. Give it a try and indulge in a slice (or two) of happiness!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and oh-so-satisfying! With just about an hour of your time, you can create a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The simplicity of the recipe makes it approachable even for novice bakers.
Ingredients
To make this delightful cake, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Sour Cream: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with flour. Stir until just blended.
- Prepare the Pan: Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Layer the Rest: Spread the remaining batter on top and finally sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
What to Serve Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake With:
Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit like berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness. For a cozy touch, consider whipping up a warm vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream – it’s comfort food at its finest!
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Nuts: If you’re not fond of nuts, feel free to omit them or swap them out for chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar mixture; it adds a lovely depth of flavor!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake; start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. If freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it, covered, at room temperature.
Can I use fat-free sour cream?
Using fat-free sour cream may change the texture slightly, making it less rich.
How do I know the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready!
Conclusion
Mom’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a tender, delicious treat that combines the simple joys of home baking with the rich flavors of family traditions. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy evening dessert, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of nostalgia today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with flour mixture.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Sprinkle half over the batter.
- Top with remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Omit nuts for a nut-free version or substitute with mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. Great served warm with coffee or tea.