Name: Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze 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· 4.7 from 5 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you love a good coffee cake that feels a little indulgent but still cozy enough to enjoy any time of day. This Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe is one of those gems — moist, tender, and topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel and a luscious glaze. Honestly, it’s my go-to for weekend brunches or when I want to surprise friends with something truly satisfying. Stick around, and I’ll share all my little tips to make sure your cake comes out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Moisture and Texture: The sour cream keeps the cake beautifully moist, while the streusel adds a crunchy contrast that everyone loves.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Basic pantry staples come together here to create something that tastes way fancier than it looks.
Easy to Make, Hard to Mess Up: With clear layering steps and forgiving baking time, this cake is great for beginners and busy bakers alike.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze, coffee cake with streusel topping, moist sour cream coffee cake, easy coffee cake recipe, brunch 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

The magic of this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a role to build layers of texture and flavor, so grab the best you can find for the tastiest results!

All purpose flour: Provides the structure your coffee cake needs without being too heavy; sift for a lighter crumb.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, especially important in the streusel topping.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and classic spice, making this cake irresistible with every bite.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor overall, don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter (both cold and room temp): Cold butter in the streusel creates pea-sized clumps that crisp up perfectly, while room-temp butter in the batter ensures easy mixing and fluffiness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give just the right lift and tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens your cake batter evenly for a soft but not overly sweet flavor.
Large eggs: Add richness and help bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: It’s the finishing touch that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Sour cream: This is the secret to that moist, tender crumb that keeps this coffee cake from drying out.
Powdered sugar and whole milk (for glaze): Whisked into a simple glaze that adds a glossy, sweet finish without overpowering.

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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 how adaptable this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe is — it lets you add your own personal twist while staying delightfully classic. Whenever I bake this, I throw in a handful of chopped nuts or fresh berries for some extra texture and flavor. You should totally feel free to experiment!

Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping gives a satisfying crunch that amps up the flavor, something I started doing after a friend brought over a version with nuts that instantly stole the show.
Seasonal Fruit Twist: Mixing in fresh blueberries or sliced apples in the batter adds a juicy layer that cuts through the sweetness nicely — especially amazing in spring or fall!
Dairy-Free Swap: If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute coconut yogurt for sour cream and use vegan butter, though I recommend trying a smaller test batch since the texture will vary a bit.

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

Step 1: Mix up the Streusel That Dreams Are Made Of

Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and the cold, cubed butter in a bowl. The best part? You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your hands to pinch the butter into pea-sized clumps. Those little clumps bake into crisply buttery bits that get me every time. Pop the streusel into the fridge while you make the cake batter — cold is key here for the best texture.

Step 2: Whip the Cake Batter to Fluffy Perfection

Next, whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl so they’re ready to go. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy — I usually take a good 3 minutes on medium speed with my mixer to get it just right. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.

Here’s a little trick I swear by: Add your flour and sour cream in thirds, alternating and beating each addition gently. This helps prevent overmixing which could make the cake tough — keep it light and tender!

Step 3: Layer It Like You Mean It

Butter your 9×9 pan well, then spread half your batter evenly in the pan. Sprinkle half the chilled streusel on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel. I’ve learned that this layering not only looks great but ensures that every bite has that irresistible streusel touch.

Step 4: Bake and Watch the Magic Happen

Bake at 350°F for about 55 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t rush this part — underbaking can leave the inside gummy, but you don’t want to dry out the edges either.

Step 5: Whisk Up That Glaze While It Cools

While your coffee cake cools on a wire rack, mix powdered sugar and whole milk to make a smooth glaze—adjust the milk to get your preferred consistency. Drizzle it over the cake, and boom, you’ve got that beautiful finishing touch that makes this recipe so special.

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

Chill Your Streusel: Keeping the streusel cold before baking ensures that buttery pockets stay intact, giving you that perfect crunch.
Alternate Mixing Flour and Sour Cream: Adding dry and wet ingredients in thirds prevents overmixing — trust me, it keeps the cake light!
Don’t Skip the Glaze: The simple milk-and-powdered-sugar glaze adds moisture and just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.
Test Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to check the center after 50 minutes; if it comes out with wet batter, give it a bit more time, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.

How to Serve Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh raspberries on the side for color and a fresh zing. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting makes it feel extra special, especially if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

Since this coffee cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, I often serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread. It’s also surprisingly delicious next to a savory quiche or scrambled eggs when I want something sweet on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in mini loaf pans or even muffins — just adjust the baking time accordingly. Garnishing with edible flowers or a swirl of cinnamon sugar glaze drizzle amps up the wow factor and makes for a stunning breakfast table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The streusel can soften slightly but still tastes delicious. If you want the topping crisper, a quick 5-minute toast in the oven works wonders.

Freezing

This coffee cake freezes well—just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked feel, I reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method brings back some crisp to the streusel and warms the inside without drying it out the way a microwave sometimes can.

FAQs

Can I make this Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. I recommend one that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Just be sure to measure carefully and expect a slight change in crumb, but the flavor will still be amazing.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, but if you don’t have it, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and yields a similar tangy flavor. Just swap it in the same quantity for best results.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?

Keep the streusel cold before topping the batter, and don’t press it down; just gently sprinkle it over. When layered as described—half the batter, then streusel, then batter, then streusel—the weight balance helps keep it mostly on top with those delightful crispy bits.
Can I make the coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it at room temperature. Apply the glaze just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comfort food at its best but still feels like a little celebration every time I bake it. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on a quiet morning, it’s sure to brighten your day. I hope you’ll give it a try, and don’t forget—baking is all about joy and experimenting, so make it your own and enjoy every crumb!