Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Let me just say that this **Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling** is one of my absolute favorites, and it’s easy to whip up without even breaking a sweat. I remember the first time I made this delightful cake; it was for a cozy brunch with friends to celebrate the arrival of fall. The whole house smelled like a warm apple orchard, and everyone was raving about how delicious it was. It’s a recipe that always brings smiles and warmth, bringing together the best of autumn – juicy apples, sweet cinnamon, and that creamy goodness nestled right in the middle.
What I love about this cake is its versatility! Whether you’re serving it at a Sunday brunch, a casual get-together, or just indulging on a lazy afternoon with a cup of coffee, it’s sure to impress! And the best part? The layer of cream cheese filling adds such a rich and creamy surprise—trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your kitchen repertoire!
What’s in Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?
All-Purpose Flour: This is our base ingredient and gives the cake its beautiful structure. I prefer using unbleached flour for a richer flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to our cake and cream cheese filling. You can always adjust the amount based on your taste!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures a luscious texture. It’s key for that light and fluffy cake.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a bit of tang, which is absolutely divine against the sweetness of the apples.
Large Eggs: They act as a binding agent and help the cake rise perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds a wonderful warm flavor that complements the apples so well.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are our leavening agents that help the cake rise while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch balances out all the sweetness and piques the flavors.
Apples: Diced and delicious, they’re the star of the show here! I love using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
Cream Cheese: This creamy filling is what makes this cake so special! Don’t skip it!
Brown Sugar: Used in the streusel topping, it adds that toasty caramel flavor.
Rolled Oats: These add a lovely texture to the topping, making it all the more enjoyable.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that brings out all the cozy feelings of fall.
Milk and Powdered Sugar: Optional glaze ingredients to give a luscious finish if you’re feeling fancy!
Is Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—this cake is a bit indulgent, but who doesn’t deserve a little sweetness in their life?
Apples: They’re a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Plus, they add moisture and sweetness to the cake, so you feel like you’re enjoying something wholesome!
Sour Cream: While this adds some richness, if you want to lighten it up, you could use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: Yes, it’s creamy and delicious, but remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
Overall, this apple coffee cake can be a lovely treat for special occasions or a sweet start to your day, just keep servings in check to maintain balance!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
**For the Cream Cheese Filling**:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**For the Streusel Topping**:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
**For the Glaze** (optional):
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
**Serves:** 8-10 slices of cake
How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 9-inch springform pan ready by greasing and flouring it to help with a clean release later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
4. Gently fold in those luscious diced apples until they’re evenly distributed in the batter. Feel free to sneak a few bites of apple before they go into the cake—just saying!
5. Now let’s whip up the cream cheese filling! Beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour half of the apple batter into the prepared springform pan. Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over this layer. Then, pour the remaining apple batter on top, smoothing it out gently to cover the filling.
7. For a tasty streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter and oats until everything is crumbly, then sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the top of your cake.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown top that will have your mouth watering.
9. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, if you can resist!
10. And here’s where you can get fancy—if you like, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for a delightful finishing touch!
Sweet Suggestions
This cake shines as both breakfast and dessert, so don’t be shy to serve it at any time of the day. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to substitute the apples with pears, or even add in some chopped nuts to the streusel for an extra crunch. Trust me, this cake will become a beloved recipe in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this cozy masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy baking!
