I love how this coffee cake comes out so moist with a perfect brown sugar and cinnamon crumb topping. The mix of sour cream, vanilla, and simple pantry staples creates a comforting, flavor-packed treat ideal for any meal. Every bite celebrates flavor and texture in the most delightful way.

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I just made the BEST Coffee Cake ever and I gotta tell ya, it’s super moist and packed with flavor. When I mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt with 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, you already know the base is gonna be solid.

I add 1/2 cup sour cream to keep it extra moist and tender. What makes it really special is the brown sugar crumb topping where I mix 1/2 cup packed brown sugar with 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold, diced unsalted butter.

The nutritional side of things is pretty balanced since it uses simple basic ingredients. This super moist coffee cake can be made in a Dutch oven or baked normally and its versatile nature makes it perfect for breakfast or dinner even if you like variations like a spiced or even pumpkin flavored version.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this coffee cake because it’s super moist, thanks to the sour cream so it always comes out tender and flavorful. One reason is that the brown sugar crumb topping gives it a crunchy texture and a sweet cinnamon kick that reminds me of home baked treats, and its really comforting. I also like that the recipe is simple and easy to follow so I don’t spend hours in the kitchen messing up. Lastly, it works great for breakfast or even dinner when i need something quick and sweet to enjoy with my coffee.

Ingredients

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All-purpose Flour: provides carbohydrates that give energy and structure for a soft cake crumb.
Sugar: makes cake sweet and appealing, adding flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Milk: adds protein and healthy fats while ensuring the cake stays moist and light.
Sour Cream: gives extra moisture and tangy flavor, making every bite deliciously soft and rich.
Brown Sugar (crumb topping): adds deep, caramel flavor and a crunchy finish for extra delight.
Vegetable Oil: provides fat that helps mix ingredients smoothly and gives a tender crumb texture.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk (or any milk you like)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream (this makes it extra moist)

For the brown sugar crumb topping: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar sized baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. In another bowl, mix 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sour cream until everything is combined.

4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients stirring gently until just incorporated the mixture please do not overmix.

5. For the crumb topping, in a separate bowl combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.

6. Add 1/4 cup cold diced unsalted butter to the crumb topping mixture. Use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the dry mix until it forms coarse crumbs.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan spreading it out evenly.

8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter making sure all areas get a good layer.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving Enjoy your moist and delicious coffee cake perfect for breakfast or dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9-inch round cake pan (or similar sized baking dish)
3. Large mixing bowl for dry ingredients
4. Medium bowl for wet ingredients
5. Small bowl for the crumb topping
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Fork (or use clean fingers)
9. Cooling rack

FAQ

Can i use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?

Sure, you can use almond milk or soy milk, but just know that it might change the flavor and texture a little bit.

Is it okay to substitute sour cream with something else?

Yep, you can use plain yogurt instead, though your cake might not be quite as moist as with sour cream.

How long should i bake the coffee cake?

Bake it at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, and check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done.

Can i prepare the crumb topping ahead of time?

Absolutely, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and cold butter beforehand, and just add it on top when you’re ready to bake.

How should i store any leftovers?

Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week for extra freshness.

The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour instead, though you might need to adjust the liquid a bit
You can swap whole milk for almond milk or soy milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option
For sour cream, try using plain Greek yogurt which makes the cake extra moist too
If you’re out of vegetable oil, melted butter works fine as a substitute
If you need an egg replacement you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce in its place

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overmix the batter – stir just enough so that you see no dry streaks left. This helps keep your cake light and moist.
2. Keep your sour cream and butter extra cold before using them. It really makes a difference in getting that crumb topping to be perfectly chunky.
3. Use room temperature egg and milk. If they’re too cold it can mess up the way the batter comes together.
4. When checking if its done, insert a toothpick right in the center. If it comes out clean then you’re good, but if not, leave it in for a few extra minutes.