Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a 9×9 square pan, depending on your preference. This step ensures that your cake will come out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional). Set this aside to sprinkle in later.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes.

• Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of room temperature sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Be sure to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

• Spoon half of the prepared cake batter into your greased pan, spreading it out evenly.

• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, ensuring it is well distributed.

• Add the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon layer and spread it out evenly.

• Top the batter with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked—insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

While the cake is cooling, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional) for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cake is completely cooled and topped, slice it into pieces and serve. This cake is absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1. For Extra Moisture: Add more sour cream or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a denser, richer cake.

2. Customize Your Cake: Feel free to swap out the walnuts for your favorite nuts, such as pecans or almonds. You can also add chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.

3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to use room-temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream. This helps the ingredients mix together more evenly, resulting in a smooth batter and a fluffier cake.