Coffee cake, with its delightful crumb topping and subtly sweet flavor, is a beloved treat. But what if you don't have sour cream on hand? Fear not! This recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of classic coffee cake without relying on sour cream. We'll explore why sour cream is often used, provide a fantastic alternative, and guide you through a recipe that's sure to become a new favorite.
Why is Sour Cream Used in Coffee Cake?
Sour cream adds incredible moisture and richness to baked goods. Its acidity also helps to tenderize the crumb and enhance the overall flavor profile. It contributes to a beautifully moist and tender cake, preventing dryness. However, there are equally delicious alternatives that can achieve similar results.
What's the Best Sour Cream Substitute for Coffee Cake?
The best substitute for sour cream in coffee cake is plain yogurt. Greek yogurt, in particular, works exceptionally well due to its thicker consistency and higher protein content. The tanginess of yogurt mimics the sour cream's acidity, providing a similar flavor impact without overpowering the delicate coffee notes.
Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream (Using Yogurt)
This recipe uses plain Greek yogurt for a moist and flavorful coffee cake that rivals any sour cream version.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
Can I Use Other Substitutes for Sour Cream in Coffee Cake?
While plain yogurt is the best replacement, you can experiment with other options, although the results might vary slightly. Applesauce or mashed banana can add moisture, but they'll alter the flavor profile. These alternatives are best suited for recipes where a subtle sweetness is desired, rather than the tang of sour cream or yogurt.
How to Make My Coffee Cake More Moist?
Beyond the yogurt, several techniques ensure a super-moist coffee cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Expired leavening agents won't rise properly.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing: This allows the moisture to redistribute evenly.
How Long Does Coffee Cake Last?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
This recipe provides a delicious and reliable alternative to traditional sour cream coffee cake. Enjoy the moist, flavorful results, knowing you can create this treat even without having sour cream on hand.
