Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Recipe
Introduction to Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, look no further than this delicious Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. This recipe combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a creamy cheese layer and a crunchy streusel topping, creating a cake that is not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will surely impress your family and friends!
A Personal Story Behind My Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Journey
I remember the first time I tried an apple coffee cake at a friend’s house. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was irresistible, and the first bite was pure bliss. It was moist, sweet, and had that perfect hint of creaminess. Ever since that day, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magical experience in my own kitchen. After several attempts and adjustments, I finally perfected this Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake recipe. Now, it brings back those fond memories every time I bake it!
What Makes This Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of textures and flavors. The moist cake base made with tart Granny Smith apples pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese layer, while the streusel topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s an easy recipe that even beginner bakers can tackle, making it a perfect project for anyone looking to add a special touch to their dessert repertoire. Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner!
The Full Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Dash of salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced, peeled Granny Smith apples
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease an 8×8 inch pan to prevent sticking.
- For the streusel topping, in a small bowl, combine the cold diced butter, flour, oats, baking powder, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and a dash of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples. Once incorporated, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer.
- For the cream cheese filling, use electric mixers to blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring a nice coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Serve this delightful cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving or dust it lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit version. If you want a nutty flavor, don’t hesitate to include the optional chopped pecans in the streusel topping for added crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples work best due to their tart flavor, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and the cream cheese layer a day in advance, assemble it, and then bake it the next day for a fresh treat.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Calories per Serving: 320
Servings: 9
Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan Greased for easy removal.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Dash of salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced peeled Granny Smith apples
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease an 8x8 inch pan to prevent sticking.
- For the streusel topping, in a small bowl, combine the cold diced butter, flour, oats, baking powder, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and a dash of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples. Once incorporated, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer.
- For the cream cheese filling, use electric mixers to blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring a nice coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving.