Ina Garten Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe
Ina Garten’s sour cream coffee cake is a tender, moist treat with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s simple to make and loved for its classic flavor. The optional maple glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls (2-3)
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Fork or fingers (for streusel)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ sticks 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the streusel:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into pieces
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts optional
- For the glaze optional:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your 9-inch springform pan. This keeps the cake from sticking and gives it a clean release.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until it’s crumbly. Stir in walnuts if you’re using them, then set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keep it handy—you’ll need it soon. This ensures the cake rises evenly.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes. It should be light and fluffy. This step builds the cake’s tender texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream. Mix until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed. The sour cream keeps it moist and rich.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts. Mix on low speed just until combined—overmixing makes it tough. The batter will be thick and creamy.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel
- Spread half the batter into the pan, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half the streusel over it, then add the rest of the batter. Top with the remaining streusel.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove the springform sides. Cool completely on a rack.
Step 9: Add the Glaze (Optional)
- Whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake with a spoon. It adds a sweet, glossy finish.