Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

This recipe for cream cheese coffee cake is so amazing, you’ll want to make it every weekend!

With this delicious treat, you’ll get a moist, tender, and buttery cake with a layer of sweet and tangy cream cheese and a crumbly buttery topping.

In a word, it’s heaven!

These three elements are already amazing on their own, so just imagine what magic they’ll create together. Actually, don’t imagine it – try it!

This recipe is all you’ll need. It’s the perfect way to start the day on a sweet, satisfying note!

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Full disclosure: unlike most recipes I feature, this one requires a bit of work. But believe me, it’s worth the effort. 

What makes cream cheese coffee cake stand out from the rest?

Well, it’s denser than most cakes, but it’s very moist and crumbly.

With its layer of cream cheese and crumble topping, it creates such a heavenly flavor and texture combination. That’s what makes it perfect with coffee!

Yes, it will take several steps to make it, but I still highly recommend it. It’s the best coffee cake there is! 

Ingredients

• Flour  – The recipe requires all-purpose, but for a more tender cake, use cake flour.

• Sugar – I used granulated sugar, but feel free to use half white and half brown.

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – The leavening agents in charge of lifting the cake.

• Egg – For binding the ingredients together.

• Butter – For a rich and flavorful cake.

• Sour Cream – The key to making your cake super moist! You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk if you don’t have it on hand. 

• Cream Cheese Filling – A simple blend of cream cheese, sugar, and an egg so it sets.

• Crumble Topping – Blend flour, butter, brown sugar, and pecans until crumbly. Yum!

Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

• Cream cheese swap. Switch a cup of cream cheese with ricotta cheese for a flavor and texture variation.

• Add vanilla. Just a teaspoon in the cream cheese mixture will enhance its flavor.

• Use room temperature ingredients. This is especially key for the cream cheese mixture. This will make beating them easier and yield a lump-free filling.

• Spoon and level the flour. This ensures you don’t pack too much into the measuring cup. Use a spoon to transfer the flour to the measuring cup, and level it with a knife.

• Add apple pie filling. It adds bright fruitiness and an extra hit of spice. Spoon about 1/4 cup over the cake batter with the cream cheese filling.

How to Layer and Spread the Cake Batter

The cake batter will be very sticky, much like cookie dough. That said, it will be tricky to spread it over the pan and the cream cheese layer.

Here are some ways to make it easier:

• Use your hands! Grease them with cooking spray to prevent the batter from sticking.

• Use wax paper. Press the dough between sheets of wax or parchment paper. Use the paper to flip the dough into the pan.

• Use an ice cream or cookie scoop to dollop the dough over the pan. Spread with a spatula.

Does This Loaf Actually Have Coffee?

I once thought that coffee cakes are coffee-flavored, hence the name. Boy, was I wrong!

Coffee cakes are apparently called such because they pair well with coffee. 

So, no, this cake does not contain coffee. I hope this makes non-caffeine drinkers happy! 🙂 It is best eaten with a hot cup of joe, though.

How to Store the Cake

Another thing I love about this coffee cake is that it stays tender and moist for days!

Can you freeze cream cheese coffee cake? Yes!

To Store: Keep cold leftovers in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it for up to 6 days, but then let it warm to room temp before enjoying.

To Freeze: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices with plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw the cake on the counter for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave for 10 to seconds.