Sourdough coffee cake is a delightful baked treat that combines the tanginess of sourdough with a sweet crumb topping. It’s perfect for many moments, whether enjoyed during a leisurely breakfast, as an after-school snack, or shared with friends at gatherings. This recipe emphasizes comfort and simplicity, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or quiet weekends. It invites you to savor a warm slice, bringing joy to your everyday routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Sourdough Coffee Cake
This sourdough coffee cake delivers comfort and balanced flavor with ease and reliability. Using straightforward ingredients, it offers practical everyday value for family meals or cozy snacks. With its harmonious sweetness and satisfying texture, it strengthens connections over shared moments. The sourdough adds depth, making this treat specially memorable.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (sweetness)
- ½ cup butter, softened (moisture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (flavor contribution)
- 2 eggs (binding)
- ½ cup milk (moisture)
- ½ cup sourdough discard (adds tanginess)
- ½ cup sour cream (moisture)
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour (structure)
- 2 tsp baking powder (leavening)
- ½ tsp salt (enhances flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crumb layer) (structure)
- 1 cup brown sugar (sweetness)
- 3 tsp cinnamon (flavor contribution)
- ½ cup butter, melted (for the crumb layer) (moisture)
How to Make Sourdough Coffee Cake
Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking. While the oven warms, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking and creates an easier cleanup later.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender texture in the final cake.
Step 3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat them in until thoroughly combined, ensuring the eggs are well integrated. This step adds richness and flavor, making the cake more enjoyable.
Step 4. Pour in the milk, sourdough discard, and sour cream, mixing until everything is smooth and homogenous. These wet ingredients contribute to the cake’s moisture and tangy flavor, creating a more interesting taste profile.
Step 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.
Step 6. To prepare the crumb layer, combine the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in another bowl. Mix until crumbly. This layer adds an inviting texture and enhances the flavor of the coffee cake with sweet and spicy notes.
Step 7. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the crumb mixture on top of the batter. This layering creates a delicious texture that you’ll enjoy in each bite.
Step 8. Add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it to cover the crumbs. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture over the top of the cake batter. This will form a delightful, crunchy topping when baked.
Step 9. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake, as this could dry out the cake.
Step 10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the crumb set a bit, making it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
Sourdough coffee cake can effortlessly compliment various moments throughout the day. Enjoy it warm at breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It also serves as an excellent snack for busy afternoons, providing just the right amount of sweetness. For family meals or gatherings, it’s an inviting dessert that pleases both kids and adults alike. Any leftovers can be easy to store for an enjoyable treat later.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing and better incorporation.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s accuracy; every oven varies.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
- Experiment with additional spices in the crumb layer for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter. Cold butter doesn’t incorporate well, leading to a denser cake. Always soften butter before mixing for light and fluffy results.
- Overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough texture. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Skipping the parchment paper. Not lining the baking pan can lead to a sticky mess. Always grease or use parchment to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Not measuring flour accurately. Incorrect flour measurements can alter the cake’s texture dramatically. Use the spoon and level method for precise measuring.
- Using old ingredients. Expired baking powder or sourdough discard may not work effectively. Always check freshness to ensure proper rising and flavor.
- Neglecting to watch baking time. Each oven is different; failing to monitor can result in over or underbaking. Test with a toothpick to find the right moment to take it out.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Alternatively, mix in some fresh fruit like blueberries or diced apples for a seasonal twist. If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar in the crumb mixture while maintaining balance with the cinnamon.
Storage & Reheating
You can store sourdough coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days. For longer preservation, refrigerate it where it lasts about a week. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, allowing the texture and flavors to return.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the cake’s overall taste. Just store the batter in the refrigerator overnight, and when ready, bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the sourdough coffee cake can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the fridge to avoid excess moisture which can lead to spoilage.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Freezing sourdough coffee cake is a great way to keep it fresh. After cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for about three months, perfect for future breakfasts or snacks.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt instead, which offers similar creaminess and tanginess. This keeps the overall flavor and texture of the cake balanced.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
There are several reasons this might happen, including incorrect measurements, expired ingredients, or not watching the baking time closely. Always measure with precision and check ingredient freshness to achieve consistent results.
Final Thoughts
Making sourdough coffee cake is as comforting as indulging in its flavors. The process is straightforward, and the result is a lovely treat that brings warmth to any occasion. Each slice provides a unique blend of tenderness and a crumbly topping, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a thoughtful cup of coffee. There’s reassurance in knowing a simple, delightful cake is always within reach, making every moment just a touch sweeter.
Sourdough Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup sugar sweetness
- ½ cup butter, softened moisture
- 1 tsp vanilla extract flavor contribution
- 2 pcs eggs binding
- ½ cup milk moisture
- ½ cup sourdough discard adds tanginess
- ½ cup sour cream moisture
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour structure
- 2 tsp baking powder leavening
- ½ tsp salt enhances flavor
For the Crumb Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the crumb layer
- 1 cup brown sugar sweetness
- 3 tsp cinnamon flavor contribution
- ½ cup butter, melted for the crumb layer, moisture
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Mixing
- Combine the sugar and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Cream them together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Pour in the milk, sourdough discard, and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- For the crumb layer, combine the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in another bowl. Mix until crumbly.
Layering and Baking
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the batter.
- Spread the remaining cake batter over the crumbs, then top with the rest of the crumb mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10–15 minutes before serving.