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Craving a coffee cake that’s both stunning and scrumptious? Look no further! This sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb with a delightful ribbon of pecan-cinnamon streusel. Forget dry, boring coffee cakes – the sour cream adds a richness and tang that will keep you coming back for more. Baking it in a Bundt pan elevates it from everyday to elegant, making it perfect for brunches, holidays, or a simple weekend treat. We'll walk you through gathering the ingredients, mastering the baking process, and even explore fun variations to make it your own. Plus, we'll tackle storage tips and answer all your burning questions so you can bake this cake with confidence. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan!
Ingredients for a Delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake Bundt

Ingredients for a Delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake Bundt
Cake Batter Essentials
Let’s start with the heart of our sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan: the cake itself! You'll need the usual suspects – all-purpose flour to give it structure, baking powder and baking soda for that perfect rise, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while eggs bind everything together and add richness. But the real magic comes from the sour cream! It's the key to that incredibly moist and tender crumb we're after. Don't skimp on the vanilla extract, either; it adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
Here's a quick rundown:
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 3/4 cups
- Eggs: 3 large
- Sour cream: 1 1/2 cups (full-fat is best!)
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Streusel Swirl Ingredients
Now, for the star of the show: the streusel! This pecan-cinnamon-brown sugar mixture is what takes our sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan from good to unforgettable. You'll need chopped pecans for that nutty crunch, brown sugar for its molasses-y sweetness, and ground cinnamon for that warm, comforting spice. A touch of all-purpose flour helps bind the streusel together. Trust me, this swirl is worth every calorie!
Here’s what you need for the streusel:
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup
- Brown sugar: 1 cup (packed)
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
StepbyStep Directions for Baking Your Bundt Cake

StepbyStep Directions for Baking Your Bundt Cake
Prep Like a Pro
Alright, let's get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. While the oven is heating up, grease and flour your Bundt pan meticulously. I cannot stress this enough: a well-greased and floured pan is your best friend when it comes to Bundt cakes. Use shortening or baking spray with flour, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Trust me, you'll thank me later when your cake releases cleanly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Layering and Baking to Perfection
Now comes the fun part: layering! Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter over the streusel, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the streusel from sticking to the pan. Once the cake is completely cool, dust it with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Slice and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your homemade sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan!
Here's a quick recap of the baking process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour Bundt pan.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream.
- Layer batter and streusel in Bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting.
- Cool completely and dust with confectioners' sugar.
Variations and Creative Twists on Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Variations and Creative Twists on Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Spice It Up: Flavor Infusions
Want to take your sour cream coffee cake to the next level? Experiment with different spices! Instead of cinnamon, try a blend of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, autumnal vibe. Or, for a hint of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. You could even incorporate a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist. The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor the flavors to your liking. Remember to start with small amounts and taste as you go.
Consider adding a complementary extract along with your spice choice. Almond extract pairs wonderfully with cardamom, while orange extract elevates the citrus zest. These small additions can make a big difference in the overall flavor profile of your sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan.
Nutty Adventures and Fruity Delights
Beyond pecans, there's a whole world of nuts waiting to be explored in your streusel! Walnuts offer a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. Hazelnuts bring a rich, buttery taste. Or, for something a little different, try macadamia nuts for a luxurious, tropical twist. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the streusel enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. And don't forget about dried fruits! Raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots can add a chewy, sweet-tart element to your sour cream coffee cake. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the streusel.
For a truly decadent experience, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or streusel. Milk chocolate chips provide a classic, comforting sweetness, while dark chocolate chips offer a more intense, sophisticated flavor. Or, for a fun twist, try using white chocolate chips or even chopped toffee bars. The key is to use high-quality chocolate that will melt beautifully and add a rich, decadent flavor to your cake.
Variation | Spice/Flavor | Nuts/Fruit |
---|---|---|
Autumn Spice | Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves | Walnuts |
Citrus Burst | Lemon/Orange Zest | Macadamia Nuts |
Chocolate Decadence | Dark Chocolate | Pecans |
Storing, Freezing, and FAQs for Your Bundt Cake Masterpiece

Storing, Freezing, and FAQs for Your Bundt Cake Masterpiece
Keeping Your Coffee Cake Fresh
Alright, you've baked this masterpiece of a sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan. Now, how do you keep it tasting amazing? For short-term storage, an airtight container at room temperature is your best bet. This will keep your cake moist and delicious for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly humid environment, you might want to consider storing it in the refrigerator to prevent it from getting sticky. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you're planning on enjoying your cake over several days, slicing it strategically can help maintain its freshness. Instead of cutting straight across the cake, try cutting wedges from the center outwards. This helps to minimize the amount of exposed surface area, which can dry out more quickly. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to keep them extra moist.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
Want to enjoy your sour cream coffee cake weeks or even months from now? Freezing is the answer! First, make sure the cake is completely cool. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection will prevent freezer burn and keep your cake tasting fresh. You can also freeze individual slices for easy portion control. Just wrap each slice separately before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen coffee cake will keep for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to thaw your cake, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For individual slices, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, your cake will be almost as good as the day it was baked. Consider warming it slightly in the oven or microwave for an extra touch of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions? We've got answers! Here are some common questions about baking and storing sour cream coffee cake in bundt pan:
- Q: My cake stuck to the Bundt pan! What did I do wrong?A: Proper greasing and flouring is essential! Use shortening or baking spray with flour, and make sure to get into every nook and cranny. Let the cake cool slightly before inverting.
- Q: Can I use low-fat sour cream?A: Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use low-fat sour cream if you prefer. Just be aware that the cake may be slightly drier.
- Q: Can I make this cake without nuts?A: Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans from the streusel or substitute them with another ingredient like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Q: How do I know when the cake is done?A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Cake stuck to pan? | Grease and flour thoroughly! |
Low-fat sour cream? | but full-fat is better. |
Nut-free option? | Omit or substitute the nuts. |
How to test doneness? | Toothpick test! |
Conclusion: Your Sour Cream Bundt Coffee Cake Awaits!
With its moist crumb, delicious streusel swirl, and elegant presentation, this sour cream coffee cake baked in a Bundt pan is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own creative twists, the result will be a coffee cake that's perfect for any occasion. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a Bundt cake that will impress everyone who takes a bite!