Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that perfectly complements your morning coffee, you’ll love this sourdough coffee cake recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and has that delightful hint of tang from the sourdough.
The crumb is tender, making each bite melt in your mouth. Plus, the combination of cinnamon and nuts gives it a comforting warmth that feels like a hug in dessert form.
I enjoy how easy it’s to whip up, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Trust me, once you bake this cake, it’ll become a staple in your morning routine!
Ingredients of Sourdough Coffee Cake
When you’re ready to plunge into making this amazing sourdough coffee cake, the first step is gathering up your ingredients. This cake is a delightful mix of sweetness and a hint of tang, and trust me, you don’t want to skimp on anything.
The combination of sugar, butter, and sour cream creates a moist cake that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget about the cinnamon and nuts that add that extra layer of warmth.
So, here’s what you need to whip up this delicious treat:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Now, a couple of things to keep in mind as you gather these ingredients. If you’re like me, you might’ve a tendency to forget a thing or two, so double-check your pantry and fridge.
Using fresh eggs and real butter makes a world of difference in flavor and texture—trust me, a little extra love in your ingredients goes a long way.
And if you don’t have sour cream, you could use yogurt as a substitute, but it might change the taste just a tad.
How to Make Sourdough Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making sourdough coffee cake. First up, you’ll want to cream together 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic begins. Imagine the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as you mix these ingredients—it’s almost like a warm hug from the inside out.
Add in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and keep mixing until it’s all nice and creamy. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Sifting this mixture in halves into your creamed butter mixture makes sure everything is well blended. It’s a bit like layering your favorite song; you want each note to shine through.
Now, here’s where the sour cream comes into play—1 cup of it, to be exact. Add half of that sour cream to your batter and beat it until it’s smooth. Then, the rest of your sour cream and flour mixture join the party. Mix it all together until you’ve got a consistent batter. You don’t want to overmix; treat it gently, like it’s a delicate soufflé.
Now, grab a 9×9 pan and spoon half of that luscious batter into it. It’s like laying the foundation of a cozy little cake house. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts on top for that crunchy, sweet layer. Then, layer the rest of the batter on top and finish with the remaining topping. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Yes, the wait might feel like an eternity, but trust me, it’ll be worth every minute when that cake comes out golden and smelling divine.
While you’re waiting, take a moment to clean up (or, let’s be honest, just admire your messy counter). Maybe even sip on a cup of coffee or tea, because, let’s face it, you’ve earned it.
Once the timer dings, check to see if it’s done by sticking a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes. And when it’s finally ready, let it cool a bit before slicing into it. The first bite will be like a little party in your mouth, with the sweet, tangy flavors mingling perfectly. Enjoy every crumb, because you’ve just created something truly special.
Sourdough Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
After baking that delightful sourdough coffee cake, you might wonder how to make it your own.
I love experimenting with substitutions! For a dairy-free option, swap sour cream with almond or coconut yogurt. You can also replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
If you want a nutty twist, try adding walnuts or pecans to the batter. For a chocolatey variation, incorporate cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some fresh berries or grated zucchini for added moisture and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun customizing it to suit your taste!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your sourdough coffee cake turns out perfectly every time, I recommend a few essential tips.
First, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the creaming step; it’s vital for a light texture.
Always measure your ingredients accurately—using a kitchen scale can help.
I also suggest letting the batter sit for about 10 minutes before baking; this helps the flavors meld.
Finally, let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing; it’ll be easier to cut.
Enjoy your delicious treat with a cup of coffee—it’s a match made in heaven!