Some recipes earn a permanent place in your kitchen because they’re simple, reliable, and never disappoint. This coffee cake is one of those. It comes together with everyday pantry ingredients, bakes quickly, and fills the house with that warm, cinnamon-sugar smell that makes an ordinary morning feel a little more special.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This coffee cake is easy to make and forgiving, even if baking isn’t your strong suit. The sour cream gives it a soft, tender crumb, while the buttery cinnamon streusel adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of bake that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon snack, and it stores and freezes beautifully for later.
Ingredients Needed
Cake
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Milk
- Salt
- Baking powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
Filling (Choose 1)
- Fresh Fruit
- Jam
Streusel
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- All-purpose flour
- Optional: chopped nuts
Optional Icing
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- 9×9 baking dish
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the sugar, milk, salt, melted butter, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
Add flour to the top of the batter. Sprinkle the baking powder and baking soda over the flour. Gently mix the leavening agents into the top portion of the flour, then stir everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
If using a filling(optional)Pour 1/2 the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Evenly add your filling of choice and top with the remaining batter.
To make the streusel, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until fully combined. If using nuts, mix them in now.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter. Using your finger or the small end of a wooden spoon, gently press the streusel halfway down into the batter, randomly
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this cake is best when soft and tender.
If using the icing, mix the butter and powdered sugar in a small bowl, thinning with milk until it reaches a drizzleable consistency. Lightly drizzle over the warm or cooled cake.
Tips & Tricks
This batter can come together quickly, having everything measured ahead of time helps. Mixing gently keeps the cake tender. For extra texture, add chopped nuts to the streusel. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can skip the icing entirely — it’s delicious either way.
Storage & Leftovers
Store the coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, slice the cake, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
There’s something comforting about having a few dependable recipes you can turn to — ones that use what you have and come together with ease. This coffee cake has become one of those for us.
Watch me make this recipe here:
Easy Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel
Classic coffee cake with a buttery cinnamon streusel, optional fruit or jam filling, and a simple drizzle of icing—perfect for coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25-30
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 9 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
2 eggs
-
1/2 cup butter, softened
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
3/4 cup sugar
-
1/2 cup milk
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp baking soda
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Streusel:
-
3 tbsp butter, melted
-
1/2 cup brown sugar
-
2 tsp cinnamon
-
1/2 cup flour
-
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Filling (optional):
-
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen fruit, diced or 8 oz jam
Icing (optional):
-
2-3 tbsp butter, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
1-2 tsp milk
Instructions
-
Heat the oven to 375°F and get your baking dish ready—grease it or line it with parchment.
-
Mix the batter:
Beat your eggs, then add sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla. Sprinkle the flour over the top, then add baking powder. Mix gently until it’s all combined, being careful not to overwork it. -
Add the filling (if using):
Pour half of the batter into the pan, spread your fruit or jam on top, then gently add the rest of the batter over it. -
Make the streusel:
Melt the butter in a small bowl, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and nuts if you like. Sprinkle it over the cake, then poke it gently into the batter in a few random spots—it helps the flavors swirl together. -
Bake:
25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, or it will dry out. -
Optional icing:
Mix butter and powdered sugar, add a little milk to thin, and drizzle over the cooled cake.
