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
Scale
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.
