Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe – The Ultimate Morning Treat!

There’s nothing like the rich, moist texture of a coffee cake with a perfect blend of cream cheese and a hint of cinnamon. This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet indulgence! 😋☕ Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want something delicious to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into the recipe for this mouthwatering cake that’s filled with creamy goodness and topped with a delightful crumble!

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Deliciously Creamy Filling – The cream cheese filling is smooth, tangy, and perfectly complements the cake.

✅ Perfect Texture – This coffee cake is tender and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness.

✅ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is a breeze to prepare.

✅ Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special celebration, this cake will impress your guests.

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing cream cheese coffee cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base for the cake.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – For that light and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 1 cup sour cream – For a moist and tender cake.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that delicious aroma and flavor!

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The star ingredient for a rich and creamy filling.
• ¼ cup sugar – For sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Helps set the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, aromatic spice.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional) – Adds a nice crunch, but this is optional!

💡 Substitutions & Variations: ✔️ Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy twist. ✔️ Swap butter for oil if you prefer a lighter texture. ✔️ Add fruit like fresh berries or apples to the batter for extra flavor. ✔️ Use light cream cheese to cut down on the fat content.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

4️⃣ Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix!

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🧀 Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1️⃣ Beat Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat the softened 8 oz cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar together until smooth and creamy.

2️⃣ Add Egg & Vanilla
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened so that it blends smoothly into the filling without any lumps.

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🍰 Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1️⃣ Layer the Cake Batter
Spoon half of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of the greased cake pan and smooth it into an even layer.

2️⃣ Spread Cream Cheese Filling
Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over the cake batter, making sure it covers the entire surface.

3️⃣ Top with Remaining Cake Batter
Spoon the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling and gently spread it out to cover the filling. It’s okay if a little cream cheese peeks through the batter.

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🍯 Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1️⃣ Mix Cinnamon & Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the Topping
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the cake batter. If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them on top as well for added texture.

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🔥 Step 5: Bake the Cake

1️⃣ Bake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

2️⃣ Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

• With a Hot Cup of Coffee – This cake is the perfect complement to your morning brew. ☕
• Topped with Whipped Cream – For an extra indulgent treat, top a slice of cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• As a Dessert – Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a simple yet delicious dessert after dinner.
• For Brunch – It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing option for your next brunch gathering.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

• To enjoy a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to heat through.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! This cake is great for making ahead. Prepare it the night before, let it cool, and store it at room temperature. It’ll be just as delicious the next day!

2️⃣ Can I Freeze This Cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

3️⃣ Can I Use Non-Fat Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can use non-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the richness of the filling slightly. For best results, opt for regular cream cheese.

4️⃣ Can I Make This Cake Without the Cinnamon Topping?

Of course! While the cinnamon sugar topping adds a delicious flavor, you can skip it or swap it with a glaze if preferred.

5️⃣ What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you prefer it cold, refrigerate it, and it will stay fresh for up to a week.

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🍰 Conclusion – A Must-Try Recipe!

This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is the perfect balance of moist cake, creamy filling, and a sweet cinnamon topping. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. 🌟

With its rich flavor, easy preparation, and delicious aroma, this coffee cake is an absolute must-try. So, gather your ingredients and make this indulgent treat today! Let me know how it turned out – happy baking! 😍🎂