Festive Holiday Recipes for Sour Cream Coffee Cake

The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, indulging in delicious treats, and creating lasting memories. One classic dessert that never fails to delight is the sour cream coffee cake. With its moist crumb, rich flavor, and festive appeal, it is the perfect addition to any holiday table. In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering recipes that will elevate your festive celebrations and leave your guests asking for more.

Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Variations to Spice Up Your Coffee Cake

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

If you’re looking to add a burst of fruity flavor to your coffee cake, try this delightful apple cinnamon variation.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, and diced apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the ground cinnamon.
7. Spread half of the batter into the greased baking pan, then sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture evenly over it.
8. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it carefully to cover the apples.
9. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the coffee cake to cool before serving. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Streusel-Topped Coffee Cake

For those who love a little crunch and sweetness, this streusel-topped coffee cake is a true delight.

Ingredients:

• For the cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the streusel topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, melted butter, and ground cinnamon to make the streusel topping.
7. Spread half of the batter into the greased baking pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over it.
8. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it carefully to cover the streusel.
9. Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the batter.
10. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the coffee cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions and Final Thoughts

Sour cream coffee cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your festive celebrations even more delightful:

• Serve warm slices of coffee cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, for a cozy and comforting treat.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

In conclusion, sour cream coffee cake is a classic and delicious dessert that deserves a place on your holiday table. Whether you choose to stick with the traditional recipe or experiment with flavorful variations, this festive treat will be sure to impress your guests and create cherished memories. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake fill your home this holiday season. Happy baking!

FAQ

1. What is a sour cream coffee cake?

A sour cream coffee cake is a classic dessert that is moist, rich in flavor, and perfect for the holiday season. It is made with ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.

1. What are the ingredients needed to make a classic sour cream coffee cake?

To make a classic sour cream coffee cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. How do I make a classic sour cream coffee cake?

To make a classic sour cream coffee cake, follow these instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
• Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

1. How can I make an apple cinnamon variation of sour cream coffee cake?

To make an apple cinnamon variation of sour cream coffee cake, you will need the following additional ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, and diced apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Follow the same instructions for making the classic sour cream coffee cake, but also add the diced apples and ground cinnamon to the batter before pouring it into the greased baking pan. Bake as directed.