Ina Garten's Irresistible Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

by Alex Braham 56 views

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the world of delicious baking? Today, we're taking a closer look at a real showstopper: Ina Garten's Sour Cream Coffee Cake. If you're a fan of The Barefoot Contessa (like me!), you know Ina's recipes are all about simple elegance and incredible flavor. This cake is no exception. It's the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert after dinner. We'll explore everything from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step instructions that will guide you to baking success. Trust me, even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. Let's get started, shall we?

Why This Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a Winner

Okay, so what makes Ina Garten's Sour Cream Coffee Cake so special? Well, for starters, it's the sour cream. Sour cream adds a lovely tang and moisture that takes this cake to a whole new level. It keeps the cake incredibly moist, and creates a tender crumb. Plus, the sour cream enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, creating a balanced and delightful taste. The cake itself isn't overly sweet, which means it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Then there's the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. That crunchy, sweet layer on top is pure perfection. It adds a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of flavor that you'll crave with every bite. The combination of the moist cake and the crunchy topping is truly irresistible. But it's not just about the taste; it's also about the simplicity. Ina Garten's recipes are known for being straightforward, and this one is no different. The instructions are clear, the ingredients are easy to find, and the result is a cake that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and it's perfect for any occasion. This is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys baking and wants to impress their friends and family with a truly amazing coffee cake. Ina Garten's recipe is a testament to her talent for creating approachable yet exceptional dishes.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Let's get down to the essential ingredients! The great thing about this recipe is that you probably already have most of these items in your pantry. Here's what you'll need:

  • For the Cake:

    • All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cake. Make sure to measure it correctly using the scoop and level method.
    • Baking powder & Baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
    • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
    • Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor, and helps create a tender crumb. Be sure it's softened to room temperature.
    • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
    • Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness and structure to the cake.
    • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake with a warm, sweet note.
    • Sour cream: This is the star ingredient! It adds moisture, tang, and richness. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

  • For the Crumb Topping:

    • All-purpose flour: Similar to the cake, this helps create the structure of the topping.
    • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the crunchy texture.
    • Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps create a more tender crumb.
    • Ground cinnamon: Gives the crumb topping its signature warm spice flavor.
    • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the topping ingredients together. It should be cold and cut into small pieces.

See? It's all pretty straightforward, right? Once you gather everything, you're well on your way to baking a masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Ina's Coffee Cake

Alright, guys, let's get baking! Don't worry, the instructions are super clear and easy to follow. Get ready to have your kitchen smelling amazing!

  1. Prep the Oven and Pan:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking. Make sure your oven is accurately calibrated for the best results.
    • Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. You can also use a springform pan or a round cake pan, but the square pan is traditional. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
  2. Make the Crumb Topping:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Combine them well to make sure everything is mixed.
    • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender, your fingers, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter needs to be cold to create those perfect crumbs. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cake Batter:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream. This ensures it's smooth and easy to incorporate.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  4. Assemble and Bake:
    • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
    • Sprinkle half of the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Be generous! The more topping, the better.
    • Carefully pour the remaining batter over the crumb topping.
    • Sprinkle the remaining crumb topping over the batter. Make sure the entire surface of the cake is covered.
    • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time might vary depending on your oven.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from getting soggy.
  5. Enjoy!
    • Once the cake is completely cool, slice and serve. You can enjoy it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips and Tricks for Coffee Cake Perfection

Want to make sure your Ina Garten Sour Cream Coffee Cake is absolutely perfect? Here are some handy tips and tricks that will help you achieve baking nirvana:

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe is relatively simple, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Use the best butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream you can find. It makes a difference!
  • Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined. Those little lumps are perfectly fine!
  • Measure Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don't scoop the flour directly from the bag, as this can result in too much flour and a dry cake.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate properly and creates a smoother batter.
  • Don't Open the Oven Door: Resist the urge to open the oven door while the cake is baking, especially during the first 30 minutes. This can cause the cake to collapse.
  • Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
  • Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of cake for longer storage.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some fun variations and serving suggestions:

  • Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping or the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Glaze It: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
  • Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the batter or the crumb topping for a bright, fresh flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Serve It with Berries: Pair the coffee cake with fresh berries and whipped cream for a special treat.
  • Make it Mini: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual coffee cakes, perfect for parties or snacks.

Ina Garten's Touch

What makes Ina Garten's recipes so special is her ability to create dishes that are both approachable and elegant. Her Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a perfect example of this. It's a recipe that you can confidently make for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a special celebration. By following her simple instructions and using quality ingredients, you can create a cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. And who doesn't love the idea of creating something so delicious and enjoyable!

Conclusion: Your Baking Adventure Starts Now!

So, there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to make Ina Garten's incredible Sour Cream Coffee Cake. From the essential ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, we've covered it all. This cake is truly a delightful treat that will impress your friends, family, and most importantly, yourself! Don't be intimidated by baking; this recipe is designed to be easy and fun. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake something truly special. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Sour Cream Coffee Cake!