If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich creaminess with a delightful crumbly texture, this Cream Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of tender cake enveloping a luscious cream cheese center, all crowned with a crunchy, spiced streusel topping that adds both texture and sweetness. It’s the kind of coffee cake that turns an ordinary morning into a cozy celebration, a treat that’s equally wonderful for brunch, afternoon coffee, or an indulgent dessert. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each of these simple ingredients plays an essential role in building the cake’s moist crumb, rich filling, and irresistible topping.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender but sturdy structure.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender with a subtle tang.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, warm depth of flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise evenly.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing a silky, tangy layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling.
- Brown sugar: Gives richness and caramel notes to the streusel topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice to the streusel.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty flavor to the topping.
How to Make Cream Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. Properly preparing the pan ensures your cake will release easily with a perfectly even crust. It might feel like a small detail, but it truly makes a difference.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming step is essential for developing an airy batter and tender crumb, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth batter. Then blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The sour cream keeps the cake moist, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures that your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise uniformly.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle and avoid overmixing here to prevent a tough cake. The key is to stop once no dry flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This filling adds a tangy, velvety layer in the cake’s center that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
Mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) in a small bowl. This streusel will give your cake that signature crisp, buttery topping with just the right amount of spice and crunch.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to form the bottom layer. Then carefully spread the cream cheese filling over this batter layer. Next, sprinkle a portion of the streusel over the filling to start building those irresistible textures.
Step 9: Add Remaining Batter and Topping
Spoon the remaining batter over the cream cheese filling and gently smooth it out. Finally, top the cake with the rest of the streusel, ensuring a generous coating for that perfect crisp finish.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing, signaling that your dream coffee cake is almost ready to enjoy.
Step 11: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the layers set perfectly and makes slicing so much easier.
How to Serve Cream Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add a pop of freshness that complements the creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, heightening the cozy vibes. A side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform it into an indulgent breakfast or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into squares or wedges and serve it on decorative plates for brunch gatherings or casual get-togethers. For a fun twist, turn the leftover cake into parfaits layered with yogurt and fresh fruit, or even use it as a base for a trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your party or breakfast, wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, maintaining its moist texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this coffee cake for longer storage. Wrap each slice individually or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the creamy filling’s texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that freshly baked feeling. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cream cheese filling might become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese that is not softened?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for the filling so it blends smoothly without lumps, ensuring a creamy texture. Cold cream cheese can result in uneven mixing.
Is it necessary to use nuts in the streusel topping?
Nuts are optional but recommended for the extra crunch and flavor they add. If you have allergies or prefer not to use them, feel free to omit without impacting the overall taste too much.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream and will still deliver moistness and a slight tang, though sour cream provides a richer flavor.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The baking time is generally 45 to 50 minutes, but ovens can vary. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean once the cake is ready.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping Recipe is one of those comforting yet elegant treats that always brings smiles to the table. It’s simple enough to make any day feel special but decadent enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed coffee time without it!
