As the weather cools and the leaves turn golden, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a slice of warm Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling. The combination of soft, spiced cake, fresh apples, and a luscious cheesecake center makes this dessert a must-have for fall gatherings. Topped with a crunchy streusel, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you enjoy it as a morning treat with coffee or as a cozy evening dessert, this apple coffee cake is sure to impress. Its rich flavors, creamy filling, and delightful apple texture create a perfect harmony of taste and warmth. Get ready to bake this delicious treat and fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples! 🍏🍂
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups diced apples
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Fold in the diced apples.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to make the streusel. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love This Cake
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Apple Coffee Cake. First, it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. The natural tartness of apples pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly tangy filling, while the buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch. Every bite is an experience soft, creamy, and crumbly all at once.
Additionally, this cake is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a breakfast cake, an afternoon snack with tea, or even as a special dessert for family gatherings. The richness of the cream cheese filling elevates it beyond a standard coffee cake, making it feel like a luxurious treat.
Another great feature of this recipe is its adaptability. While it’s already amazing as written, you can experiment with different apple varieties or even add nuts for extra texture. You can also swap out the spices to create different flavor profiles, such as adding cardamom for a more exotic twist.
The Secret to a Perfect Apple Coffee Cake
One of the keys to making a perfect Apple Coffee Cake is selecting the right apples. You want apples that hold their shape while baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties provide a balance of tartness and sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the cake. Softer apples, like Red Delicious, may turn mushy when baked, which could affect the cake’s texture.
The cream cheese filling is another highlight of this recipe. Unlike traditional coffee cakes that may be on the drier side, this version features a luscious layer of sweetened cream cheese that keeps the cake moist and rich. To achieve a smooth filling, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and creates a velvety consistency that spreads easily between the cake layers.
Another pro tip is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of the light and tender texture you want. Gently folding the ingredients together until just combined will yield the best results.
A Cake for Every Occasion
This Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a weekend brunch, or simply a craving for something sweet, this cake fits the bill. Its inviting aroma, reminiscent of cinnamon-spiced apples, makes any kitchen feel warm and welcoming.
For special occasions, you can dress up this cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence. If you’re serving it at a breakfast or brunch gathering, pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte for the ultimate comfort experience.
It also makes for a great gift. Wrapped beautifully, a homemade Apple Coffee Cake is a heartfelt way to share your love of baking with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to enjoy this cake over a few days, you’ll be happy to know that it stores exceptionally well. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days if covered properly. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back its full flavor and texture.
This cake can also be frozen if you want to make it ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slightly before serving.
Conclusion:
Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is more than just a dessert it’s a warm, comforting experience in every bite. With its tender cake, rich filling, and crunchy topping, it’s a treat that satisfies on multiple levels. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, sharing it with loved ones, or bringing it to a special event, this cake is sure to be a hit.