If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines tender, spiced apples with a luscious cream cheese swirl, you have to try this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of moist cake, warm cinnamon, and that creamy tang that cream cheese brings, making it a star for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy coffee break. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I guarantee it will quickly become a favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe. From fresh apples to the rich cream cheese, every element ensures your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured.
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced: Fresh apples provide natural sweetness and that signature tender fruit layer.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for apples): Enhances the apples’ caramelized flavor and moisture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy filling that balances the cake’s sweetness.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer): Sweetens the cream cheese layer without overpowering it.
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer): Binds the cream cheese filling and helps it stay smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (divided): Adds a fragrant note to both the cream cheese layer and cake batter.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the cake base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cake batter): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for cake batter): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
- 2 large eggs (for cake batter): Give the cake structure and a soft, airy texture.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder for perfect texture and rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cake batter): Infuses the cake batter with cozy warmth.
- 1/2 cup milk or sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderizes the cake crumb.
How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Spice the Apples
Start by tossing your peeled and thinly sliced apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mixture is crucial as it helps the apples soften and caramelize during baking, making each bite deliciously tender and warmly spiced.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth, then blend in granulated sugar, an egg, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This luscious cream cheese mixture adds a tangy, velvety twist that perfectly contrasts the sweet, spiced apples.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and light. This process incorporates air that helps your cake achieve a tender, airy lift once baked.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two eggs and the remaining vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mix. These ingredients provide structure and add moisture while deepening the flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices so your cake bakes up perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk or sour cream. This keeps the batter smooth and helps maintain moisture throughout the cake.
Step 7: Layer the Batter, Cream Cheese, and Apples
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, then layer half the cream cheese mixture on top, followed by half the spiced apples. Repeat these layers once more, creating beautiful, distinct pockets of flavor and texture.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a golden top with a perfectly baked, moist center.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Slicing
Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking pan. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the cream cheese layer set, making slicing and serving neat and enjoyable.
How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkle perfectly on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of caramel sauce makes for an elegant finish that’s sure to impress guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and can be served alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced and inviting breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or mini bundt pans for charming single servings. You can also crowd-pleasingly layer it as a trifle with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced apple compote for a stunning dessert variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy this treat over several days without sacrificing moisture.
Freezing
The Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled cake into portions, wrap each piece well, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s soft, comforting texture and refreshes the cream cheese layer without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart varieties like Granny Smith work well for a nice balance, but sweeter apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp add even more natural sweetness to the cake. Just be sure to peel and thinly slice them for best texture.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you want a lighter option, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute, but they will change the flavor slightly. Traditional cream cheese gives the richest and most classic taste to this cake.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some swaps! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute the butter and milk with plant-based versions. The cake might turn out a bit different in texture, but it will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. The top should be golden and springy to the touch.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins gives a nice texture and additional flavor. Fold them into the batter just before layering to evenly distribute without weighing down the cake.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bake something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe is just waiting for you to try it. It’s simple in ingredients but rich in flavor and comfort, making every bite memorable. Whether you’re welcoming guests or just craving a delicious treat for yourself, this cake will not disappoint. So, go ahead and bake it — you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples layered with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and a moist, flavorful cake batter, perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert. The layers create a delightful mix of textures and flavors that elevate the classic coffee cake experience.
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for apples)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, mix the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to create a creamy filling. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until fluffy. This forms the base of the cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture and mix until well combined and light.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This dry mix provides structure and flavor to the cake.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup milk or sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Layer the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Top it with half of the cream cheese mixture, then half of the spiced apple slices. Repeat with the remaining batter, cream cheese, and apples to create layers.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the layers set for easier serving and better texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance between sweetness and tartness.
- Softened cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth batter and cream cheese layer without lumps.
- You can substitute sour cream with milk for a lighter texture, but sour cream adds moisture and richness.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- If desired, sprinkle some chopped nuts or streusel topping before baking for added texture.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days, stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
