Cream cheese coffee cake. Just the name itself evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, doesn’t it? This delightful treat, with its moist crumb, rich cream cheese filling, and irresistible crumble topping, is the perfect way to start your day or end a meal on a sweet note. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
Growing up, my grandmother used to bake this coffee cake every Sunday. The aroma wafting from the kitchen, promising a morning of pure indulgence, is a memory I hold dear to my heart. Today, I’m excited to share her treasured recipe with you, hoping it fills your kitchen with the same warmth and joy it brought to ours.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Two medium mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Serrated knife
Let’s Get Baking:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easy removal, consider lining the pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Creating the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Making the Crumb Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assembling the Coffee Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter, then gently swirl it with a knife or toothpick.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
5. Baking to Perfection:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Slice of Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Tips and Tricks for the Best Coffee Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This will help create a smooth batter and filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Swirling the Filling: Don’t be afraid to get creative with swirling the cream cheese filling. You can create beautiful patterns.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Baking
FAQs about Cream Cheese Coffee Cake:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This coffee cake keeps well for 2-3 days at room temperature. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with equal parts milk and sour cream or plain yogurt.
Can I freeze cream cheese coffee cake?
You can freeze the baked and cooled cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy!
This cream cheese coffee cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones or enjoy on your own. So, put on your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!
Looking for more delectable cake recipes? Check out our guides on how to make a decadent Salted Caramel Cake, a comforting Depression Cake, or a show-stopping Tiramisu Cake.
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! Tag your creations with #FamilyCuisine on social media – we can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces!
