Sourdough Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Moist, fluffy, and warmly spiced — this sourdough coffee cake is topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and perfect for slow mornings with coffee or tea.
At a Glance
Loaf Style: Enriched single-layer cake
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Total Time: ~13–18 hours (includes optional overnight rest)
Prep Time: ~25 minutes
Yield: One 8-inch square or round cake
Hydration: N/A
Bake Temp: 350°F / 175°C
Baking Vessel: 8-inch square or round cake pan
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
60g all-purpose flour
60g light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
50g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt
Cake Batter
100g sourdough discard (unfed)
120g all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
100g granulated sugar
1 large egg
80g sour cream or plain yogurt
60g whole milk
80g unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Streusel
1. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles damp sand with small clumps. Refrigerate while preparing the batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Make the Batter
4. In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, sugar, egg, sour cream, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined — do not overmix.
Optional Rest
6. For improved texture and flavor, cover and refrigerate the batter overnight.
7. If baking immediately, proceed to the next step.
Assemble and Bake
8. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment.
9. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
10. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the surface.
11. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Visual Cues
Cake should be puffed and golden with a deeply browned crumbly topping.
Interior crumb should be soft and plush, with a subtle tang and even texture.
Why This Works
Sourdough discard gives this coffee cake structure and complexity, keeping it moist for days. The streusel adds texture and warmth, while the cake’s simple batter base makes it easy to pull together — whether for a relaxed brunch or a weekday treat.
