Easy Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe without Sour Cream

There’s just something about coffee cake that signals a special occasion (though, really, coffee cake is great any day of the week). Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, getting together for a holiday breakfast, or just looking for a good recipe that’ll double as an afternoon snack, coffee cake’s the perfect thing to make.

This coffee cake recipe is somewhat unique in that there’s no sour cream in it. Lots of coffee cakes include sour cream to help make the cake richer and more moist. But if you’re making the cake for someone with dietary restrictions or you don’t have any sour cream on hand, you need a special recipe that’s specifically formulated to come out well without the addition of sour cream. Here, we’re sharing a coffee cake recipe without sour cream that’s the perfect classic recipe for your next breakfast or brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

• It’s still moist and creamy: Just because this recipe doesn’t have sour cream, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be dry and crumbly. This recipe is just as moist as any good coffee cake, thanks to the one-two punch from the milk and oil.

• The streusel topping: Streusel is always the best part of coffee cake. Cinnamon, sugar, and pecans? Come on. It’d take any recipe up a notch.

• Only a few dishes: This batter comes together in approximately two bowls, meaning clean-up is a breeze.

• Great for a crowd: Who doesn’t love a sweet, cinnamon coffee cake? Whether it’s a brunch, breakfast potluck, or you’re just looking for a way to make a morning a bit more special, this coffee cake recipe is just what you need.

Why Would You Want a Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream?

Lots of coffee cake recipes include sour cream, so why would you want one without it? There are a few reasons why a sour cream-less coffee cake might be a good idea. Here are a few:

• You forgot to buy sour cream: If you don’t keep sour cream around the house, you may not have it when you’re ready to bake. Whether you don’t want to go to the store for just one thing or you forgot to pick it up while you were there, this sour cream-less recipe is here to save the day.

• It makes the cake easier to make dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy (or your friends and family members are), this recipe is a bit simpler than others. Swapping the milk for a plant-based alternative you probably already have on hand is quicker and easier than looking for specialized ingredients at the store.

• It’s just as delicious as a sour cream coffee cake: Light, tender, and packed with classic cinnamon flavor, this coffee cake is just as delicious as any other.

Whether you’re out of sour cream or baking for dietary needs, this coffee cake has your back. Who needs sour cream anyway?

Let’s Break Down the Ingredients in this Classic Coffee Cake

For the Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar + white sugar: Adds sweetness, some depth of flavor

• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice

• Butter: Adds richness

• Pecans (optional): Add a nutty crunch

For the Cake

• Milk and oil: For a moist, tender cake

• Eggs: For structure

• Vanilla: For sweetness and rich flavor

• Flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt: Everything else you need

Ingredients

For Crumb Topping 

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/3 cup white sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/3 -1/2 Cup chopped pecans - optional

For Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup of milk

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs - slightly beaten and at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

For Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and set aside. 

2. Make the Streusel - In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside. 

3. Lightly beat room temperature eggs in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Thoroughly whisk ingredients. 

4. In a separate bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well. 

5. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to smooth batter into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel on top of the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer (streusel). Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture over the top of the coffee cake batter. If using chopped pecans, sprinkle evenly on top of the streusel. 

6. Melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake. 

7. Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cake is cooked through and golden brown. Insert a toothpick, paring knife, or cake tester into the center of the cake to check if the crumb is set. Use oven mitts and remove from the oven. 

8. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Coffee Cake Recipe

• If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or just leave the nuts out entirely.

• Make it gluten-free by swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

FAQs

• Can this coffee cake be made in advance?

  It sure can! Bake it ahead of time and then store it in an airtight container (or tightly wrapped to keep the air out) at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• How should I serve this coffee cake?

  This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and would be great with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or alongside some fresh fruit.

• Does this coffee cake freeze well?

  It does! Wrap the leftover cake in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight or pop in the oven to gently reheat.

This coffee cake recipe without sour cream is perfect brunch, a casual breakfast, or even a holiday or special occasion. With the warm cinnamon and sweet streusel topping, it’s sure to be a major crowd-pleaser

Photos via Unsplash

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