Cream cheese coffee cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. It combines the rich and creamy flavors of cream cheese with the sweetness of a classic coffee cake. Whether you are a fan of cream cheese or simply love a good coffee cake, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making this delectable treat step by step.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. For this cream cheese coffee cake, you will need the following:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
For the cream cheese filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start baking. Now, let’s move on to the next step.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
To begin, let’s prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Set the filling aside for now.
Preparing the Cake Batter
Now it’s time to prepare the cake batter. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Assembling the Cake
Now that we have the cream cheese filling and cake batter ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it carefully to create an even layer. Then, top it off with the remaining cake batter, spreading it as smoothly as possible.
Adding the Streusel Topping
No coffee cake is complete without a delicious streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon. Use your fingertips to crumble the mixture and sprinkle it generously over the top of the cake.
Baking and Serving
Now that our cream cheese coffee cake is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the flavors to come together and ensures a moist and tender cake.
When the cream cheese coffee cake has cooled, it is ready to be served. Cut it into slices and enjoy it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. This delectable treat is perfect for a weekend brunch or as a delicious dessert for any occasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a cream cheese coffee cake is a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. The creamy filling and the moist cake layers create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious cake that will impress anyone who tastes it. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!