Cinnamon Streusel Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Grease Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and not stick to the pans.

2. Prepare Streusel Topping

In a bowl, mix together 0.5 cups of packed light brown sugar, 0.5 cups granulated sugar, 0.5 cups all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Use your hands or a fork to combine these ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will give your cake a delightful, crumbly topping that adds texture and flavor.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon salt. Set this aside.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups sour cream, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 7 tablespoons melted and cooled unsalted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them until just incorporated to keep the cake tender.

6. Divide Batter and Add Streusel

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with your spatula. This helps the cake to bake evenly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the tops of both cakes. This will create the signature crunchy top layer.

7. Bake the Cakes

Bake the cakes on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, switch and rotate the pans to ensure even baking. The cakes are done when the streusel topping looks crisp and toasted, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps set the structure and flavors of the cake.