If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a tender, buttery cake with a luscious cream cheese layer that melts perfectly into swirls of cinnamon streusel—each forkful is a heavenly combination of sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special treat with your afternoon coffee, this cake is as comforting as it is impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is your first step toward magic. Each one plays a vital role: from the luscious cream cheese giving creaminess, to the cinnamon and brown sugar adding irresistible fragrance and crunch. Together, they create a texture and flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy base that provides the cake’s soft yet structured crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that lifts and balances other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Offers a tangy moisture that keeps the cake tender and luscious.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add to the cake’s light texture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for the filling): Enhances flavor depth with its warm aroma.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The leavening agent that helps your cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to perfect the texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the filling that adds creamy decadence.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling to silky perfection.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, for streusel): Brings a caramel-like sweetness to the crumbly top layer.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for streusel): The warm spice that makes the streusel unforgettable.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness to the streusel topping.
How to Make Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because a properly warmed oven ensures even baking. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and help your cake come out beautifully intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this creates a tender crumb texture and incorporates air that will lift your cake as it bakes.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract, this blend adds moisture, richness, and fragrant notes essential to the cake’s character.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which means a uniform rise and balanced flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry mix into the wet ingredients, but remember to stop once combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. This balance is key to a soft, tender crumb.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This layer brings a rich tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced cake layers.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using) in a small bowl. This crumbly topping will add the perfect sweet crunch and a beautiful cinnamon aroma that epitomizes coffee cake.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then layer on the cream cheese filling, followed by a generous sprinkle of streusel. Spoon the remaining batter over this, smoothing the top, and finally cover with the rest of the streusel.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon and baked cream cheese filling wafting through your kitchen is your best cue that it’s done.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes, making it easier to remove and slice. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving, letting every flavor settle enchanting your taste buds.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is gorgeous on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate its presentation and add a subtle sweetness. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint add a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte, enhancing the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into neat squares and stacking them for a buffet-style display. Alternatively, serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, turning your morning coffee cake into an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the cream cheese filling’s freshness and maintains the streusel’s crunch.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, gently microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This step revives that just-baked softness and the melt-in-your-mouth richness.
FAQs
Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture. You might notice a slight difference in crumb, but the flavors remain just as delightful.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream adds wonderful moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the cake’s richness. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if needed but avoid skipping it entirely, as it plays a crucial role in texture.
Can I use a different nut for the streusel topping?
Yes! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts. They add unique flavors and textures that can personalize the coffee cake to your taste.
How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?
Spreading the batter evenly and layering the cream cheese filling carefully helps maintain its place. Using softened cream cheese and gently layering prevent the filling from sinking too much during baking.
Can this recipe be made in smaller pans?
Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will make a thicker cake and may need an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven. Be sure to check doneness with a toothpick before removing.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is truly something special—each layer bringing a perfect harmony of flavors that make every bite memorable. I promise once you make this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, a go-to comfort food that sparks joy with every slice. So, grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something wonderful.
Print
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Coffee Cake recipe is a delightful combination of moist, tender cake layered with a rich cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy texture and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the sour cream and vanilla extract, blending well for a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Make Streusel Topping: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) in a small bowl to create the streusel topping.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle Streusel: Sprinkle a portion of the streusel topping over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining cake batter over the filling and spread it out evenly for a smooth top layer.
- Add Remaining Streusel: Sprinkle the rest of the streusel over the top of the batter for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped walnuts or pecans in the streusel.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and moistness.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat.
