Oh my goodness, you guys! I can hardly contain my excitement as I share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes: Cream Cheese Coffee Cake! Whenever I bake this delightful treat, the aroma that wafts through my home instantly takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandma would whip this up every Sunday morning. There’s just something magical about coffee cake, don’t you think? It’s the perfect companion for a cozy morning with a warm cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam).
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, and yet it gives off that fancy bakery vibe. Trust me, if you whip this up, your friends and family will think you are a culinary wizard! Plus, just imagine the joy on their faces when they taste that perfect blend of creaminess from the cream cheese and the sweet, crumbly topping. It’s a hit every time!
What’s in Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
Let’s break down what makes this coffee cake so irresistible:
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the cake. I usually keep a high-quality brand on hand for versatility in recipes.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two are essential for that perfect rise. Together, they make your cake fluffy and light.
Salt: Just a pinch! It may seem small, but it enhances the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: We’ll be using this in both the cake and the crumb topping. Softened is key for that dreamy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetening up the cake! I like to use pure cane sugar for its nice flavor.
Large Eggs: Adds richness and binds everything together—plus, who doesn’t love cracking eggs?
Vanilla Extract: This is a must! I go for pure vanilla extract, because it really elevates the cake’s flavor.
Sour Cream: This secret ingredient contributes to the moistness and slightly tangy flavor.
Cream Cheese: Oh, the star of the show! It creates those tantalizing swirls and creamy bites that’ll have you coming back for more.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar for that deep, caramel-like flavor in the crumb topping.
Ground Cinnamon: The warm, cozy spice that binds it all together!
Is Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Good for You?
Let’s be real: while Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is downright delicious, it’s definitely a treat. But just because it’s a cake doesn’t mean it’s devoid of benefits!
Eggs and Cream Cheese: These provide essential proteins and calcium. Who says you can’t sneak in a little nutrition with your dessert?
Sour Cream: The probiotic benefits of whole milk sour cream can help with digestion, so there’s a little win!
On the flip side, this coffee cake is rich in sugar and fat, so let’s keep portions in check. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying at a special brunch!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 8 people, so it’s a great option for gatherings!
– **For the Cake**:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ¼ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup sour cream
– 5 oz cream cheese, softened
– **For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping**:
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
Ready to get your bake on? Let’s do it!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now.
3. Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—around 3-4 minutes should do.
4. Time for the eggs! Add them in one at a time, making sure each one is nice and mixed in before adding the next. Stir in that fragrant vanilla extract!
5. Gently mix in the sour cream until you see it all combined. Gradually fold in the dry mixture; don’t over-mix—we’re aiming for just combined here.
6. Now for the magic: in a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gently fold it into the batter, leaving those delightful natural swirls.
7. Pour your luscious batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
8. Let’s make that crumb topping! In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until it’s nice and crumbly.
9. Sprinkle that crumb topping evenly over your cake batter.
10. Pop the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait!
12. Slice it up and either enjoy it warm or let it cool to room temperature. Your taste buds will thank you!
Sweet Secrets for Success
– If you want a fun twist, try adding fresh berries or nuts to your batter for extra flavor and texture!
– You can also double the crumb topping if you’re feeling indulgent—because who doesn’t love more crumbs?
– This coffee cake is equally wonderful the next day—the flavors have a chance to meld and deepen, if it lasts that long!
I can’t express enough how much you’ll adore this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. So, what are you waiting for? Gather those ingredients, and let’s get baking! When you try this recipe, drop a comment or share your own experience; I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Happy baking, my friends!
