Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
There’s something truly comforting about a warm slice of Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, especially when paired with your favorite brew. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence. Creamy, rich, and filled with a hint of cinnamon, this cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Rich Cream Cheese Filling: The smooth cream cheese filling adds a luscious layer of flavor that perfectly complements the soft cake.
- Perfectly Spiced: The addition of cinnamon throughout balances the sweetness, creating an irresistible aroma.
- Versatile: This cake can be enjoyed at any time of day and is perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- Freezes Well: You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for a future treat!
Shopping List
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sour cream (8 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 large egg (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted, for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
What’s in the Gear List
To make this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the cake batter and cream cheese filling.
- Electric Mixer: To easily blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for baking and serving this cake.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula will help you mix without leaving a mess.
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Made Stepwise
Making this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful process. Follow these steps for a successful bake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 5 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until crumbly. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg, 1 cup of sour cream, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together 16 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Layer the Cake
Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Then, spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, followed by the remaining cake batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire surface.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Seasonal Spins
You can easily customize this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake for different seasons or occasions. Here are a few ideas:
- Autumn: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy fall twist.
- Winter: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies into the glaze for a festive touch.
- Spring: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity flavor.
- Summer: Swap out the cinnamon for lemon zest for a refreshing cake perfect for warm days.
Insider Tips
To ensure your Cream Cheese Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these insider tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a tender cake.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the cinnamon sugar for added crunch.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze for a beautiful finish.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is baked, follow these guidelines for enjoying it later:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To rewarm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or heat in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Ask & Learn
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the creaminess and flavor slightly. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best results in terms of texture and taste.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve it. Add the glaze just before serving for the best presentation.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will provide similar moisture and tanginess.
Can I freeze this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Before You Go
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you enjoy it during a cozy morning at home or bring it to a gathering, it’s a delightful treat that will keep everyone coming back for more. The layers of rich cream cheese filling, soft cake, and a hint of cinnamon create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
As you embark on your baking adventure, don’t forget to savor the process and enjoy each delicious bite. Happy baking!
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 5 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until crumbly. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg, 1 cup of sour cream, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat together 16 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Then, spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, followed by the remaining cake batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire surface.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Add some chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch.
