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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

This decadent Cream Cheese Coffee Cake features a tender, cinnamon-spiced cake layered with a smooth cream cheese filling and topped with a buttery streusel. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this cake combines a moist crumb with a rich, creamy center and a crunchy cinnamon topping for the ultimate cozy treat.

Ingredients

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Cake Batter:

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg

Streusel Topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (use unsalted butter for best results; see notes if using salted butter)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier slicing and clean-up.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the wet ingredients, then add the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt on top. Mix on low speed just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  4. Layer the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface carefully with an offset spatula.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and one egg on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth. Spread this filling evenly over the first layer of cake batter in the pan.
  6. Add the Final Cake Layer: Dollop the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling and gently spread it out with a spatula, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
  7. Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt, then stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the final batter layer in the pan.
  8. Bake the Coffee Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 43 to 48 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the top is set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick halfway into the cake layer (avoiding the cream cheese center); it should come out clean.
  9. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting to let the cream cheese layer set properly. Cutting too soon may cause the cake to fall apart.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter in the cake batter and streusel for controlled salt levels; if salted butter is used, reduce added salt accordingly.
  • Let eggs, milk, and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
  • Allow the coffee cake to cool fully to properly set the cream cheese layer for clean slicing.

Keywords: cream cheese coffee cake, coffee cake recipe, cinnamon coffee cake, cream cheese filling, streusel topping, breakfast cake

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cream-cheese-coffee-cake-recipe/