The Ultimate Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe: A Heartwarming Pairing with Vietnamese Specialty Coffee

There’s something quietly magical about a slice of sour cream coffee cake. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t demand attention. But it holds its own–moist, buttery, gently spiced, and undeniably comforting. If you’ve ever curled up with a warm slice of coffee cake and a bold cup of coffee on a rainy morning, you already know this pairing can turn a simple moment into something memorable.

In this guide, we’re not just giving you the best sour cream coffee cake recipe–we’re inviting you to make it your own ritual. We’ve tested, refined, and re-tested this version to strike the perfect balance between softness and structure, sweetness and spice. And just as important, we’ll show you how to pair it with Vietnamese coffee from Bazan Coffee–grown in rich red soil, roasted in small batches, and designed to stand beside your favorite baked treats.

Our approach is backed by trusted sources and years of hands-on experience in both the kitchen and the roastery. Because a recipe, after all, should do more than feed you. It should tell a story–and help you create your own.

Why Sour Cream Matters (and Why You’ll Taste the Difference)

Let’s get this out of the way: sour cream isn’t just another ingredient. It’s the backbone of this cake.

The lactic acid in sour cream works like a natural tenderizer. According to research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, it helps break down gluten strands while adding a gentle tang that balances sugar and spice. The result? A cake that’s plush and moist, with a crumb so delicate it almost melts on your tongue.

And when you pair that tender cake with a strong Vietnamese coffee–say, Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang–the richness deepens, the cinnamon blooms, and the moment becomes… complete.

The Best Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe (Thoroughly Tested, Deeply Loved)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups (360g) full-fat sour cream (don’t skimp)

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

• 1 tbsp real vanilla extract

For the Streusel:

• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional but recommended)

Equipment:

• 9-inch bundt pan or 9x13 baking dish

• Stand or hand mixer

• Mixing bowls, spatula, whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your pan–don’t skip this step.

2. Make the streusel: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nuts in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (3–5 minutes). This traps air and gives lift.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Don’t rush–this is your structure.

5. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

7. Add dry to wet gradually, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here leads to a tougher crumb.

8. Layer the batter and streusel: Pour half the batter into the pan, then sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat. For a swirled effect, drag a butter knife gently through the layers.

9. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like home.

10. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes from Our Kitchen

• Use room temperature ingredients–it’s worth the extra 20 minutes.

• Toast the nuts ahead of time. It adds crunch and deeper flavor.

• Want a glaze? Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk or coffee and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Why This Cake Loves Vietnamese Coffee

This cake is rich. It’s buttery. It has spice and a little sweetness. What it needs is contrast–a coffee that stands up to it without overpowering it.

Best Pairing: Bazan Coffee’s Special Vietnam Blend

• Made from Arabica Catimor and Original Robusta

• Light-medium roast, processed with care

• Notes of pineapple, caramel, and floral vanilla

• Clean finish that brightens every bite

For the Bold: Krong Nang Fine Robusta

• Grown at 650 masl in Daklak, Vietnam

• Natural anaerobic fermentation, 72 hours

• Notes of durian, cacao, honey

• Dense body, deep crema, unmatched with cinnamon

According to Barista Hustle, dessert pairings work best when the coffee and food either contrast or complement. Bazan Coffee lets you choose your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes. It stays moist for days. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Q2: What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Avoid low-fat versions–they’ll make the cake dry.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be gentle with mixing and monitor bake time.

Q4: How should I brew the coffee?
For Vietnam Blend, use pour-over or Chemex for clarity. For Krong Nang, try French press or moka pot to highlight its boldness.

Q5: Can I freeze the cake?
Definitely. Slice and wrap individually. Reheat in a toaster oven for the perfect snack.

Bake Bold, Brew Intentionally

A great sour cream coffee cake isn’t about perfection–it’s about presence. It’s about taking the time to bake something from scratch, then savoring it slowly with coffee that deserves your attention.

At Bazan Coffee, we believe these moments matter. We believe the right beans, paired with the right recipe, can elevate the everyday into something meaningful.

Discover the Essence of Vietnam with Bazan Coffee

From volcanic soils to small-batch roasts, our coffees are crafted to bring balance and depth to every cup–and every slice.

For Rich Cakes and Richer Mornings

Try the Special Vietnam Blend for brightness and balance, or go bold with Fine Robusta - Krong Nang.

Let your kitchen smell like cinnamon. Let your mornings start with flavor. And let your coffee come from a place that cares.

Shop Bazan Coffee now and taste the heart of Vietnam.