Christmas Brunch Sour Cream Coffee Cake
A moist, flavorful coffee cake perfect for holiday brunches, featuring tender layers of cinnamon-spiced batter with chunks of apple and crunchy nut topping. Its rich sour cream base ensures a tender crumb, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or festive mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour half of the batter into a buttered tube pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the batter in the pan.
- Pour the remaining batter over the topping.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed, or use a mix of half sour cream and half applesauce for added moisture. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for a festive brunch and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Serve it alongside a fruit salad or a platter of cheese and crackers for a well-rounded meal. For a delightful twist, consider offering slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Brunch Sour Cream Coffee Cake contains roughly 461 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can substitute diced pears or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit is not too watery to avoid affecting the batter's consistency.
Is it necessary to use nuts in the topping?
No, the nuts can be omitted if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free option. You could replace them with more cinnamon or even a sprinkle of oats for added texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While it's best to bake the cake fresh, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking for even results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).