German Coffee Cake

German Coffee Cake
A classic favorite.

1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 pint sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup walnuts (optional)

Topping:
½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, mixed together in small bowl

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” × 13” baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together margarine and sugar.
3. Add eggs, sour cream, baking soda, and vanilla.
4. Beat in flour and baking powder. Stir in nuts.
5. Pour half of batter into the greased pan.
6. Sprinkle half of topping over batter; run a knife once through batter.
7. Pour remaining batter into the pan, then run a knife once through batter.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 40–45 minutes.
9. Transfer baking pan to a wire rack. Cool for 30 minutes.