
When it comes to comfort food, few desserts are as irresistible as a creamy, buttery coffee cake. The Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is one of those timeless recipes that everyone loves, with its rich, creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the cream cheese filling.
This cake is the ultimate companion to your morning coffee or tea, but it’s so good, it can be enjoyed at any time of the day! 🍰☕
Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this cream cheese coffee cake will wow your friends and family. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and has a lovely, tender crumb. Let’s dive right into how to make this mouthwatering dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The cake is soft, moist, and light with a slightly tangy cream cheese filling.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy: Despite its indulgence, this coffee cake is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require any special skills.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and can be served with various toppings or enjoyed on its own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. The recipe requires a few basic items, but it’s the combination of these ingredients that results in a cake that’s absolutely divine!
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 2 teaspoons baking powder 🔹
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 🧪
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
- ¾ cup unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature 🧈
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup sour cream – This gives the cake a rich, tangy flavor 🥄
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese – Softened 🧀
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍨
- 1 egg 🥚
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon 🍩
- 1/4 cup cold butter 🧈 – Cut into small cubes
How to Make Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Let’s walk through the steps to make this incredibly delicious coffee cake from scratch. Don’t worry, it’s simple and fun to make!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients for the cake, filling, and streusel topping. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature – this makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth texture.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add the sour cream to the butter mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the egg and beat until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and spread it out evenly.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze (For Extra Sweetness!)
If you want to add an extra layer of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake.
Ingredients for the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 tablespoon milk 🥛
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
How to Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in many fun ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- As a Breakfast Treat: Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a delicious and indulgent morning snack.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and bacon.
- For Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- With Fruit: Top with fresh berries, bananas, or a drizzle of fruit compote for added flavor and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Once you’ve made this delicious coffee cake, you might have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat your cake for maximum freshness:
Storing the Cake:
- Room Temperature: Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To store for longer, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating the Cake:
- To enjoy the cake warm, simply pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can bake it the night before, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
- Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. It will still give the cake a nice tang and moisture.
- Can I Add Nuts or Fruit to the Cake?
- Absolutely! You can fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or berries into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour to make this cake gluten-free.
Conclusion – The Perfect Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert or breakfast treat, with its combination of moist cake, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it for a brunch gathering, as a dessert for family, or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress.
Its soft, fluffy texture combined with the creamy filling and crumbly streusel makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless possibilities for variations, this coffee cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

I am a graduate of Bangladesh Agricultural University, where I delved into various agricultural disciplines, equipping me with a profound understanding of agriculture. Beyond academics, I have hands-on experience in gardening and crop cultivation. My passion is to embrace sustainable farming and horticulture. With a BSc in Agriculture, I am dedicated to promoting environmentally conscious and efficient agrarian practices.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture (Hons.)
Master of Science. (Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security ) (MS)
Bangladesh Agricultural University