Description
This rich and moist Cream Cheese Coffee Cake features a tender cake base layered with a smooth and creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Baked to golden perfection, this coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
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 (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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier slicing after baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to cream together 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup sour cream, and 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour evenly over the wet ingredients. Add 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt on top. Mix on low speed just until combined, taking care not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
- Layer the Cake Batter: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to smooth the surface for an even layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the 2 packages of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 large egg on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth. Spread this filling evenly over the layer of cake batter in the pan.
- Add the Final Cake Layer: Dollop the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese filling. Gently spread it out with a spatula until fully covering the filling layer.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Use a fork to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Place the cake dish in the preheated oven and bake for 43 to 48 minutes. The edges should become golden, and the top should be set. To check doneness, insert a toothpick halfway through the cake layer (avoid the cream cheese center); it should come out clean.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool at least 30 minutes so that the cream cheese layer can set properly. Slicing too soon may cause the cake to fall apart.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for the streusel topping to control salt content; if using salted butter, reduce added salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs, milk, sour cream, and cream cheese, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- For easier cleanup and slicing, line the baking dish with parchment paper.
- Allowing the coffee cake to cool completely or refrigerating briefly before slicing helps the cream cheese layer set firmly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
