Ina Garten’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe: A Timeless Classic That Will Elevate Your Breakfast Table
Introduction to Ina Garten’s Beloved Coffee Cake
Ina Garten, famously known as the Barefoot Contessa, has built a culinary legacy rooted in simple, elegant comfort food. One of her most cherished recipes, the Sour Cream Coffee Cake, is quickly gaining attention for its rich flavor, moist texture, and delightful cinnamon streusel. Featured in her bestselling cookbook “Barefoot Contessa Parties!”, this recipe perfectly captures Ina’s signature style—deceptively easy yet impressively delicious.
Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, hosting overnight guests, or simply craving a sweet breakfast treat, this sour cream coffee cake is a crowd-pleasing hit. In this article, we dive deep into what makes this recipe so special, how to make it perfectly every time, and tips to elevate it further.
Why Ina Garten’s Coffee Cake Recipe Stands Out
The Power of Sour Cream
One of the defining characteristics of this coffee cake is the generous use of sour cream. Unlike other recipes that rely solely on milk or butter for moisture, sour cream introduces a tangy undertone that balances the richness of the batter while keeping the crumb exceptionally moist.
The result? A cake that stays soft and tender for days, making it perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or leisurely weekend mornings.
Layered with Cinnamon Streusel
The magic of Ina’s version lies in the layered streusel, a rustic combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (or pecans). This element adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor not just on top of the cake, but also in the middle—ensuring every bite is salty-sweet, spiced, and nutty.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness
Unlike overly sugary versions, Garten’s coffee cake offers just the right amount of sweetness. It’s sweet enough to pair well with coffee or tea, yet balanced enough for those who don’t typically gravitate toward desserts.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream
- 2 ½ cups cake flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Streusel
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- In a small bowl, combine all the streusel ingredients except the nuts. Mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the nuts and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together for about 4 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined—do not overmix.
- Spoon half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the streusel mixture.
- Add the remaining batter, smoothing out the top, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel over it.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve
– Enjoy a warm slice with your morning coffee or black tea.
– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a light vanilla glaze for added elegance.
– Turn it into a dessert by pairing with fresh berries and crème fraîche.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This coffee cake stores beautifully. Here’s how:
– Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container, it stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
– It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes for that just-baked feel.
Tips to Elevate Ina’s Classic Coffee Cake
Add a Flavor Twist
– Swap out walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds for a slightly different crunch.
– Infuse the streusel with orange or lemon zest for a citrusy spin.
– Add a drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese icing for special occasions.
Go Gluten-Free
Substitute your favorite gluten-free baking mix and ensure your streusel follows suit. Consider adding an extra egg to help the structure if needed.
Make Them Mini
Pour the batter into lined muffin tins or mini bundt molds for personal-sized treats—perfect for brunch buffets or gift boxes.
Why Fans Love Ina Garten’s Cooking Style
Ina Garten’s approach to cooking resonates with millions because it combines sophistication with simplicity. Her recipes, like this sour cream coffee cake, are designed to be accessible yet luxurious, comforting yet utterly classy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, her dishes offer a reliable foundation with room for personalization.
She emphasizes using quality ingredients, enjoying the cooking process, and above all, sharing food with loved ones—which is precisely what this coffee cake is all about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious and dependable breakfast or brunch recipe, Ina Garten’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake is an excellent choice. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and crumbly cinnamon streusel, every bite feels like a warm hug. Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests, this recipe truly encapsulates the Barefoot Contessa’s philosophy of “store-bought is fine, but homemade is better.”
Give it a try, and add it to your recipe repertoire—you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
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Meta Description
Discover how to make Ina Garten’s irresistible sour cream coffee cake with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfectly moist with a rich streusel, it’s an ideal treat for brunch or a cozy breakfast.
Author Bio
Written by a lifelong foodie and home cook with a passion for simplifying gourmet recipes. With years of experience exploring celebrity creations and kitchen hacks, this author makes restaurant-quality meals a reality for any home chef.
