Are you craving a warm, comforting coffee cake but don't have sour cream on hand? Don't worry! This recipe delivers all the moist, crumbly goodness of a classic coffee cake without relying on sour cream. We'll explore the secrets to achieving that perfect texture and flavor, even without this common ingredient. Get ready to bake up a treat that will impress your family and friends!
Why Sour Cream is Often Used in Coffee Cakes
Before diving into our sour cream-free recipe, let's understand why sour cream is a popular ingredient in many coffee cake recipes. Sour cream adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender crumb. Its acidity also helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
What to Use Instead of Sour Cream in Coffee Cake?
The good news is, there are several excellent substitutes for sour cream that achieve similar results. We'll focus on achieving that moist and tender crumb:
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Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a great option. It adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. For every 1/2 cup of sour cream, substitute with 1/2 cup of applesauce.
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Plain Yogurt (Greek or regular): Similar to sour cream in texture and tang, plain yogurt offers moisture and a slightly tart flavor that complements the cake's sweetness. Use an equal amount of yogurt in place of sour cream.
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Buttermilk: Buttermilk's acidity helps tenderize the cake and create a slightly tangy flavor. Substitute an equal amount of buttermilk for sour cream.
Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream (Using Applesauce)
This recipe uses applesauce as a substitute, but you can easily swap it with yogurt or buttermilk using the substitutions mentioned above.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or milk)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Add wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce and coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Make the 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 fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely before serving.
How to Store Your Coffee Cake
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.
Can I Freeze Coffee Cake?
Yes! You can freeze coffee cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What are Some Variations for My Coffee Cake?
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate coffee cake.
- Use different nuts: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans in the crumble topping.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and flavor to the cake.
- Make it a bundt cake: Use a bundt pan for a fancier presentation.
What is the Best Way to Get a Moist Coffee Cake?
The key to a moist coffee cake is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Also, using a good substitute for the sour cream, like applesauce as in this recipe, will help keep it moist.
How Do I Know When My Coffee Cake is Done Baking?
A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If there are still wet batter remnants on the skewer, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a fantastic coffee cake without needing sour cream. Enjoy baking!
