There’s something undeniably delightful about a slice of **Cream Cheese Coffee Cake**—it’s like a warm hug from the inside! I remember the first time I made this cake; I was trying to impress my friends during a weekend brunch get-together. I had chosen it for its charming combination of rich cream cheese filling and soft, fluffy texture. When I pulled that golden-brown masterpiece out of the oven, the sweet scent wafting through the house was sheer magic. Everyone raved about it, and I felt like a star chef!
What I love most about this recipe, aside from its dreamy flavor, is how cozy it feels. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive gathering. Serve it up with a cup of coffee or a cheeky mimosa, and you’re set for a lovely chat with friends or a quiet moment of indulgence. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
What’s in Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, all-purpose flour gives it structure and a soft crumb. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup before leveling it off to avoid packing too much!
Granulated Sugar: This sweet ingredient helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust and moist interior. You’ll use it for both the cake and the cream cheese filling for added sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: We want to control the saltiness here—unsalted butter lets us manage the flavors. Plus, it’s essential for that rich, moist texture we crave in baked goods.
Sour Cream: This is my secret weapon! Sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that just sings.
Eggs: They are vital for binding the ingredients together while adding richness. You’ll need three large eggs for this recipe.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth of flavor to both the cake and the filling—don’t skip this step!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents are crucial for making your cake rise to fluffy perfection.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the cake and balances all the flavors.
Cream Cheese: The star of our filling! Cream cheese gives that luscious, creamy texture and flavor that elevates this coffee cake to something magical.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon in the topping adds a warm, comforting taste that pairs beautifully with the sweet cream cheese.
Is Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Good for You?
Now, don’t get me wrong; this isn’t a health food, but it’s indulgent in all the right ways. Let’s break it down a bit.
Calories: It’s a treat, and sure, it packs some calories, but it’s perfect for sharing or keeping for special occasions. Moderation is key!
Sour Cream: This ingredient does have fat, but it also brings in some calcium and protein. You could opt for light sour cream if you want to trim the calories a bit.
Cream Cheese: While it’s rich in fat, cream cheese provides some protein and, of course, that irresistible flavor that makes this cake stand out.
So, enjoy a slice (or two) alongside a healthy meal, and you’ll have a beautifully balanced day!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– **For the Cream Cheese Filling**:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– **For the Topping**:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
*This recipe serves about 12 slices of scrumptious cake.*
How to Make Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your cake from sticking.
2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling**: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Set aside for later.
3. **Make the Coffee Cake Batter**: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, blending until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; we want that lovely texture!
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully layer the cream cheese filling on top.
6. Spoon the remaining batter over the cream cheese, gently spreading it to cover the filling as much as possible.
7. **Prepare the Topping**: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly over the cake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, trust me!
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Delicious Tips and Variations
– To take this cake to the next level, consider adding some chopped nuts to the topping. Walnuts or pecans give it a lovely crunch!
– Feeling fruity? Add in some fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for an extra twist of flavor.
– Want to make a simpler version? You can always swap the cream cheese filling for a simple streusel topping. It’ll be a different take but still oh-so-tasty!
I really hope you’ll give this **Cream Cheese Coffee Cake** a whirl at home. It’s a recipe that has brought so much joy to my kitchen, and I just know it will do the same for you! Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy baking! 🍰
