Chocolate Swirl Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This Chocolate Swirl Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring a rich chocolate ribbon swirled through a soft, buttery cake. Topped with a cinnamon-spiced crumb layer, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, this cake is a crowd-pleasing classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and fluffy texture thanks to sour cream

• Rich, decadent chocolate swirl throughout the cake

• Cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful crunch

• Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or afternoon coffee breaks

• Simple ingredients with an elegant result

• Easy to make with impressive presentation

• Keeps well and tastes great even the next day

• Versatile—can be adjusted with nuts or fruit

• Bakes beautifully and slices cleanly

• A comforting classic that never goes out of style

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream

• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate (melted for the swirl)

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.

6. Melt the chocolate and mix a portion of the batter with it to create the chocolate swirl.

7. Pour half of the plain batter into the pan. Add spoonfuls of chocolate batter and gently swirl using a knife. Repeat with remaining batter.

8. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little flour. Mix in melted butter to form a crumb topping. Sprinkle it over the batter.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch

• Substitute part of the chocolate with mini chocolate chips

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spicy note

• Mix in chopped fresh fruit like apples or raspberries for a fruity twist

• Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week if needed.

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chocolate swirl from sinking?

Make sure the chocolate batter isn’t too thin and swirl it gently through the middle of the batter rather than near the bottom.

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream.

Is it okay to use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes, milk chocolate will work but will result in a sweeter cake with less contrast in flavor.

Can I prepare this cake the night before?

Yes, you can bake it the night before and store it covered at room temperature.

What type of pan should I use?

A 9-inch round or 9×9-inch square baking pan works best. Glass or metal pans both perform well.

How do I make a more pronounced swirl?

Use a butter knife to make large figure-eight motions through the batter for a more defined swirl.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Should I let the cake cool completely before serving?

Yes, allow the cake to cool for best texture and flavor before slicing.

Can I add a glaze to the top?

Yes, a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze can enhance both appearance and taste.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute with plain full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal measure.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Swirl Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a timeless treat that delivers on both flavor and texture. The moist cake, rich chocolate swirl, and spiced crumb topping make it a perfect addition to your baking rotation. Whether served at a family brunch or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to satisfy and impress.