
Sour Cream Cake is a classic American coffee cake known for its tender crumb, moist texture, and spiced pecan swirl. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, this type of cake was a staple at potlucks, Sunday brunches, and family gatherings. This version, credited to "Leda," uses sour cream to enrich the batter and adds a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar pecans for a warm, nutty crunch. It's simple enough for everyday baking, yet elegant enough for entertaining, especially when baked in a tube pan for that beautiful layered look.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- 1¾ cups tsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream the butter and gradually add 2 cups of sugar.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: Mix in Cream and Vanilla
- Fold in the sour cream and vanilla.
- Stir in ½ tsp baking soda.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the batter.
Step 6: Prepare Pecan Mixture
- Combine the remaining 4 tsp sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 7: Layer the Batter
- Grease and flour a tube pan.
- Place about ⅓ of the batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle with ¾ of the pecan mixture.
- Spoon in the remaining batter.
- Top with the remaining pecan mixture.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
Tips
- Use full-fat sour cream for the richest texture.
- Toast the pecans lightly before chopping for deeper flavor.
- A tube or bundt pan gives the best swirl presentation.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture for warmth.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing to preserve clean layers.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a simple finish.
- Serve with coffee or tea, this cake improves the next day.
- Can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for 2 days.
- Freezes well when sliced and wrapped individually.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1.6mg
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