This Sourdough Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a light, fluffy texture and a delightful streusel topping. Made with sourdough starter, this cake offers a unique twist on the classic coffee cake. Topped with a sweet glaze and baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this coffee cake will impress everyone with its richness and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Coffee Cake

The addition of sourdough starter to this coffee cake brings a subtle tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cinnamon streusel and glaze. The tender crumb and crumbly topping make each bite a delightful treat. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Coffee cake is a classic American dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making it a popular choice for brunches or gatherings. The addition of sourdough starter to this traditional recipe adds depth and complexity to the flavor, creating a light, slightly tangy cake that’s both comforting and unique. This twist on the classic coffee cake is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This sourdough coffee cake is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for various occasions. The sourdough starter adds a subtle tang, while the cinnamon streusel and glaze bring sweetness and texture to the cake.

Versatile:
This coffee cake can be served as a breakfast treat or a dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or just as an afternoon snack with your favorite beverage.

Budget-Friendly:
Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and sourdough starter, this cake won’t break the bank but still delivers a deliciously rich flavor.

Quick and Easy:
With a simple method and a short bake time, this cake is easy to whip up whenever you need something delicious and comforting.

Customizable:
Feel free to add other mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing:
This coffee cake is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a hit at breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert after dinner.

Make-Ahead Friendly:
This cake can be made ahead of time and stored for up to three days. It’s great for meal prepping or making the night before a special occasion.

Great for Leftovers:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, and the cake tastes just as delicious the next day.

Expert-Level Baking Tips

Here are some tips to help you bake the perfect sourdough coffee cake:

Use a Mature Sourdough Starter:
Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. A mature starter will give the cake the right tang and texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients:
Bring your butter, eggs, and sourdough starter to room temperature before mixing the ingredients. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a light, airy crumb.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

Make sure you have the right tools to make this coffee cake:

Mixing Bowls:
To combine the cake batter and streusel topping.

9×9-inch Baking Pan:
A square pan is ideal for baking this coffee cake, giving it even edges and a uniform rise.

Electric Mixer or Whisk:
To easily blend the ingredients together and create a smooth batter.

Spatula:
To spread the batter and streusel topping evenly in the pan.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Recipe

This sourdough coffee cake is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Sourdough Starter: 1 cup – Adds tanginess and moisture to the cake.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – The base of the cake batter.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup – Sweetens the cake.
Baking Powder: 1 ½ tsp – Helps the cake rise.
Salt: ¼ tsp – Enhances the flavor of the cake.
Cinnamon: 1 tsp – Adds warmth and spice to the cake.
Butter: ½ cup – Gives the cake a tender texture.
Eggs: 2 large – Help bind the cake together.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Enhances the flavor.
Milk: ½ cup – Provides moisture to the batter.
Brown Sugar: ½ cup – For the streusel topping, adds sweetness and texture.
Oats: ½ cup – Adds crunch to the streusel.
Butter (for streusel): ¼ cup – To create a crumbly streusel topping.
Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup – For drizzling over the cake.

Flexible Ingredient Substitutions

You can customize this recipe by swapping a few ingredients:

Sourdough Starter: You can use a starter that’s been sitting for a while, or if you don’t have one, try using buttermilk or yogurt to add tanginess.
Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture, though it may change the texture slightly.
Butter: Use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
Oats: You can skip the oats in the streusel or replace them with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Key Ingredient Spotlight

Sourdough Starter:
The sourdough starter is what sets this coffee cake apart from the rest. It gives the cake a soft crumb with a subtle tang, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the streusel and glaze. Using an active starter ensures the cake will rise well and have the perfect texture.

The Coffee Cake Process

Here’s how to make your delicious sourdough coffee cake:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat the sourdough starter, eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla until combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Assemble the Dish:
For the streusel topping, combine the brown sugar, oats, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Finishing Touches:
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle it with powdered sugar glaze.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sourdough coffee cake warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Texture and Flavor Development

The texture of this coffee cake is light and fluffy, with the perfect balance of crumb and moistness. The tanginess from the sourdough starter enhances the sweetness of the cake, while the crunchy, sweet streusel topping adds the ideal contrast. The glaze brings a touch of sweetness that complements the entire cake.

Helpful Cooking Tips and Tricks

If the streusel topping is too dry, add a bit more butter to create a crumbly texture.
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to avoid crumbling.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel.

What to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: This can result in a dense, tough cake.
Underbaking: Make sure to test the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s baked through before removing it from the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This coffee cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

How to Serve

Serve slices of this coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have leftovers, try turning them into cake crumbs for a parfait, or make a delicious coffee cake French toast by dipping slices in egg wash and frying them.

Additional Tips

For an extra touch, top the cake with fresh berries before serving.
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, simply omit the powdered sugar and drizzle with lemon juice instead.

Make It a Showstopper

For a more dramatic presentation, serve the coffee cake with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Variations to Try

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake: Add a cinnamon swirl to the batter for a twist on the traditional coffee cake.
Vegan Sourdough Coffee Cake: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Fruit-Topped Coffee Cake: Add fresh or dried fruit like blueberries, cranberries, or apples to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier cake.

Q2: Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
A2: Yes, you can use store-bought sourdough starter if you don’t have a homemade one.

Q3: How can I make the cake less sweet?
A3: Reduce the sugar in the batter and glaze to your taste.

Q4: Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
A4: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A5: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the streusel topping.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A7: Yes, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q8: Can I use a different type of glaze?
A8: Yes, you can use a simple lemon glaze or cream cheese glaze instead of the powdered sugar glaze.

Q9: How do I know when the cake is done?
A9: When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Q10: Can I make this cake without sourdough starter?
A10: Yes, substitute the sourdough starter with buttermilk or yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.

Conclusion

This Sourdough Coffee Cake combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a light, fluffy texture and a crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Sourdough Coffee Cake