Name: Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (COLD) cut into small pieces; 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 Tbsp whole milk

Jump to Recipe·5 from 16 reviews

If you’re anything like me, the idea of a tender, moist coffee cake with a buttery streusel topping is downright irresistible. That’s why I’m excited to share my Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe—it’s a total crowd-pleaser with a rich texture that’s got just the right balance of sweet and tangy thanks to the sour cream. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or just a comforting afternoon treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Stick around because I’m sharing all my insider tips to nail it perfectly every time!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Sour Cream Magic: The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the cake incredibly tender and rich.
Perfect Streusel Crunch: The streusel topping offers a delightful contrast with its buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumbly texture.
Layered Goodness: Alternating cake and streusel layers make each bite full of flavor and texture.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples means you can whip this up anytime without a special trip.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping, moist coffee cake recipe, easy streusel coffee cake, breakfast coffee cake with sour cream, tangy sour cream coffee cake - The image shows a white square baking dish with a crumb cake inside. The cake has two layers of soft light brown cake with a thick layer of crumb topping and a drizzle of white icing on top. The crumb topping is coarse and golden brown, covering the whole surface of the cake. One piece of the cake is missing, revealing the layers inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a pale blue cloth on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe shines because the ingredients come together to create a balance of moist crumb and crisp topping. When shopping, aim for high-quality butter and fresh baking powder to ensure optimal rise and flavor.

All purpose flour: The base for both the cake and streusel, it provides just the right structure without being too dense.
Light brown sugar: For the streusel, this adds moistness and that caramel-y depth you crave.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice in the streusel that pairs naturally with the cake’s sweetness.
Kosher salt: It enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
Unsalted butter (cold and softened): Using cold butter in streusel creates that crumbly texture; softened butter in cake ensures perfect creaming with sugar.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to give the cake a nice rise and tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without making it heavy.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the cake’s delicate sweetness and complements the sour cream.
Sour cream: The star of the show that keeps the cake moist and tender with a hint of tang.
Powdered sugar and whole milk (for glaze): Simple, sweet glaze to drizzle for added charm and subtle creaminess.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by switching up the streusel spices or adding mix-ins—but don’t hesitate to make it yours, too. The wonderful thing about this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is its versatility!

Variation: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for an extra nutty crunch, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Dairy-Free Twist: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and vegan butter in the streusel.
Seasonal Additions: Adding fresh berries or chopped apples to the batter gives it a seasonal flair that’s always a hit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep your streusel for that perfect crumbly topping

Start by combining your flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and cold butter pieces in a small bowl. I like to use a pastry cutter here, but your hands work just fine too—just rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you see small pea-sized clumps. The secret is making sure the butter stays cold so the topping bakes into those gorgeous crunchy clusters. Once combined, pop it in the fridge so it chills while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Whip up the tender cake batter

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Now, the fun part: add the flour mixture and sour cream in alternating thirds—starting and ending with flour. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 3: Layer the cake and streusel for maximum yum

Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your buttered 9×9 pan. Sprinkle half the chilled streusel over the batter in a nice even layer. Add the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Finally, top it all off with the rest of your streusel. This layering is my favorite part because it means every bite has that perfect balance of soft cake and crunchy topping.

Step 4: Bake until golden brown and glorious

Place the pan in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 55 minutes. You want the top to be beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t rush the baking—giving it the full time lets the flavors fully develop. Once done, let the cake cool on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Glaze it up for that final touch

Whisk together powdered sugar and whole milk until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the cooled cake. This glaze adds a subtle sweetness and a pretty finish without overpowering the cinnamon streusel or tangy cake. If you prefer, you can skip the glaze—or double it! Either way, it’s spectacular.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Keep Butter Cold for Streusel: The cold butter is key to that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping—don’t skip chilling it before baking.
Alternate Batter Ingredients Slowly: Adding flour and sour cream in thirds avoids overmixing and keeps the cake tender.
Use a Toothpick Test: Check for doneness with a toothpick rather than relying solely on baking time.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: To keep your glaze from melting into the cake, make sure it’s fully cooled.

How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar if I want extra prettiness. Occasionally, I throw on some thinly sliced almonds or a cinnamon sprinkle right before glazing for added texture and visual appeal. It’s those little details that make the cake feel special without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderful accompanied by a cup of strong coffee or a rich latte—the classic combo! For brunch, try serving with fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad to brighten the plate. And if you want to step it up, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or mascarpone cream complements the cake’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love turning this into a layered coffee cake stack on a pretty cake stand. You can also bake it in a bundt pan (just increase baking time) for a stunning presentation. Wrapping individual slices in clear cellophane tied with twine makes a charming gift—just add a handwritten note for that homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days; after that, it starts to lose its tender crumb. For longer storage, refrigeration works but can dry it out slightly—so a quick warm-up before serving helps restore that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

This coffee cake freezes really well! I slice it first, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. When I want a slice, I let it thaw at room temp or pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to warm through without drying out.

Reheating

To revive your cake’s moisture and soften the streusel, I recommend reheating individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warming a whole pan at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10–15 minutes. Avoid overheating so it doesn’t dry out—warm and tender is the goal every time!

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will maintain that lovely moist texture with a similar tang. Just use the same amount as the sour cream and be sure to choose full-fat yogurt for best results.
How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake?

Make sure your streusel is chilled before layering, and avoid mixing it into the batter. Layer it gently on top of the batter rather than pressing down, so it bakes up as a crisp, crumbly layer rather than sinking in.
Can I bake this coffee cake in a different pan size?

You can! A 9×9 pan is ideal for even cooking, but if you only have an 8×8, the cake will be thicker and need a longer bake time. Watch closely and test with a toothpick for doneness. For larger pans, reduce bake time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this cake freezes exceptionally well. Slice first and wrap pieces individually before freezing. This way, you can enjoy it one slice at a time without losing freshness or texture.

Final Thoughts

It might surprise you, but this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe isn’t just another sweet treat—it’s a little moment of joy in your day. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and memorable. I hope you give this recipe a try and, like me, find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a homey, delicious pick-me-up. Trust me, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!