Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: A Slice of Cozy Comfort
There’s something magical about the way the scent of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. This Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling was born from one of those slow, golden weekends—the kind where the leaves outside are turning fiery shades, and all you want is a warm slice of something sweet with your coffee. I remember my grandmother pulling a similar cake from her oven, the cream cheese swirl peeking through like a delicious secret. This recipe is my love letter to those moments—simple, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Cake: All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt—your trusty dry ingredients that create the perfect crumb.
- Butter & Sugar: Unsalted butter (room temperature) and granulated sugar for that tender, lightly sweet base. Don’t skimp on creaming them together—it’s the secret to a fluffy texture!
- Eggs & Vanilla: Large eggs and pure vanilla extract add richness and depth. If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of almond extract works beautifully here too.
- Sour Cream: The unexpected hero! It keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Apples: Two cups of peeled, diced apples (I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their balance of sweetness and tartness). Toss them with a bit of cinnamon—it’s like a warm hug in every bite.
- For the Cream Cheese Filling: Softened cream cheese, an egg yolk, sugar, and a whisper of vanilla. This luscious layer is what takes this cake from good to “can I have seconds?”
- Streusel Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended): Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter crumbled together for that irresistible crunchy finish.
Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch springform pan. Trust me, you’ll want those clean slices later! If you’re using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial! It incorporates air, giving your cake that delicate texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry—the flour will bring it all together.
Step 4: Dry Ingredients & Sour Cream
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined—overmixing leads to a tough cake.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in those cinnamon-dusted apple pieces. The batter will be thick, but those juicy apple bits will melt into perfection as they bake.
Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This apple coffee cake is wonderfully forgiving, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:
- For extra crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
- Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a warm twist.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based cream cheese.
- Apple alternatives: Pears or even peaches work beautifully if apples aren’t in season.
What to Serve With Apple Coffee Cake
This cake is perfect on its own with a cup of coffee or tea, but if you want to turn it into a full dessert experience, try pairing it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon-spiced whipped cream
- Warm caramel sauce drizzled over the top
- A side of fresh berries for a bright contrast
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your apple coffee cake tasting fresh:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: If you’ve used cream cheese filling, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well, but any baking apple will work.
Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
Of course! The cake is still delicious without it—just add an extra layer of sliced apples instead.
Why did my streusel sink into the batter?
If your batter was too thin or the streusel too heavy, it might sink. Try chilling the streusel before sprinkling it on.
A Cozy Final Thought
There’s something truly magical about the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen as this cake bakes. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones over brunch or savoring a quiet slice with your morning coffee, this apple coffee cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Happy baking!
Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
A moist and flavorful coffee cake with tender apples and a rich cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix in sour cream.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread half the cake batter into the pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over batter, then top with remaining batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.