Name: Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is Irresistible!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling); 1 large egg (for filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping); 1/2 cup rolled oats (for topping); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

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Introduction to Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Welcome the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen with this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling—a tender, moist cake layered with spiced apples and a rich, tangy ribbon of cream cheese tucked inside. Finished with a buttery streusel topping and just a hint of cinnamon, this coffee cake is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and warmly spiced. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, every slice is bursting with comfort and flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser and an unforgettable seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Creamy Surprise Center: The luscious cream cheese layer adds richness and balance.
Warm Apple Spice Flavor: Classic cinnamon and juicy apple chunks throughout.
Buttery Crumb Topping: A golden, crisp finish that’s satisfyingly sweet and textured.
Perfect for Any Time of Day: Enjoy it with coffee in the morning or as a cozy dessert.
Moist and Tender Cake: Soft, flavorful crumb thanks to sour cream or buttermilk.
Easy to Make Ahead: Tastes even better the next day and stores well.
Looks Impressive: Beautiful layers and textures make this cake a showstopper.
Comfort Food Favorite: Familiar flavors with an indulgent twist—what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

With chunks of spiced apple and a hidden layer of smooth cream cheese, this coffee cake is bursting with flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, giving it that fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, making every bite comforting.
Unsalted butter: For richness and moisture; softened for easy mixing.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for that lovely aromatic flavor.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang.
Peeled and diced apples: The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety for the best flavor.
Cream cheese: The creamy filling that takes this cake to the next level.
Brown sugar: For the topping, it adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Rolled oats: Adds texture and a bit of crunch to the topping.
Optional ingredients: Consider adding chopped nuts for extra crunch or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake that will impress everyone.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You want to make sure your cake doesn’t stick, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix is the foundation of your cake, so make sure it’s well combined. The cinnamon will add a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Then, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture will add richness and moisture to your cake, making it irresistible!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; you don’t want to overmix. Now, fold in the diced apples. They’re the star of this show, bringing sweetness and texture to your cake!

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes this cake special. It adds a delightful surprise in every bite!

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Filling

Spread half of the apple batter into your prepared baking pan. Then, pour the cream cheese filling over the batter. Finally, dollop the remaining apple batter on top. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’ll all come together beautifully as it bakes!

Step 7: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. This topping adds a sweet crunch that complements the soft cake perfectly. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Now it’s time to bake! Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your home!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for a tender cake.
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist.

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size for this recipe; you can use a glass or metal pan.
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help with ingredient separation.
Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients; a fork can work in a pinch.
Electric mixer: Ideal for creaming butter and mixing the filling; a hand mixer is also great.
Spatula: Perfect for folding in apples and spreading batter evenly.

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra crunch and flavor.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and yogurt for a vegan-friendly cake.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Enjoy with fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast.

FAQs about Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their firmness and flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties. Just remember that sweeter apples will make the cake a bit sweeter!

How do I store leftover Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving!

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re looking for a substitute, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in this recipe. It will keep the cake moist while adding a slight tang, just like sour cream!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the batter and filling a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, layer them in the pan and pop it in the oven. Freshly baked cake, ready to impress!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. The blend of tender apples and creamy filling brings warmth to any gathering, making it a perfect centerpiece for family breakfasts or cozy evenings. Each slice is a reminder of the simple joys in life, like sharing laughter over coffee or indulging in a sweet treat after dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe invites you to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Trust me, it’s a slice of happiness you won’t want to miss!