Indulge in the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat with this incredibly moist and flavorful **Cream Cheese Coffee Cake**. Featuring a generous pecan crumb topping and a sweet, delicate cream cheese drizzle, this recipe elevates the classic coffee cake to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Experience The BEST Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
If there’s one occasion to truly enjoy cake for breakfast, it’s with a perfectly baked coffee cake. And when it comes to coffee cakes, this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake stands in a league of its own. Prepare yourself for an unbelievably moist, rich, and utterly indulgent treat that will redefine your perception of morning pastries. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, from the tender cake base to the crunchy pecan crumb topping, all unified by a luscious cream cheese filling and a delicate sweet drizzle.
What makes this particular **moist coffee cake recipe** so special? It’s the harmonious balance of ingredients and the thoughtful layering that creates a truly exceptional dessert, perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a leisurely brunch or simply seeking a comforting treat to accompany your morning coffee, this recipe promises to impress. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience, an edible hug that starts your day on the sweetest note possible.
The secret to its unparalleled moisture lies in the generous use of sour cream and heavy cream within the cake batter. These dairy ingredients not only contribute to a wonderfully tender crumb but also infuse the cake with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness. But the true star, elevating this from a simple coffee cake to an extraordinary one, is the irresistible filling. Dollops of a cinnamon-spiked pecan cream cheese mixture are artfully swirled throughout the batter. As it bakes, these pockets transform, creating a delightful contrast between the dense, moist cake and the smooth, creamy, and slightly crunchy surprises hidden within. Each forkful offers a perfect blend of rich cream cheese, aromatic cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, further enhanced by the buttery streusel and a final decadent drizzle.
More Coffee Cake Creations You’ll Love
While this Cream Cheese Coffee Cake might just become your new favorite, there’s a world of delightful coffee cake variations to explore. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved classic, perfect for any season or preference:
- Classic Coffee Cake: A timeless favorite, this classic recipe boasts a sweet and tender cake base, complemented by a comforting layer of cinnamon-sugar filling and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s the quintessential choice for a laid-back Sunday morning or an elegant brunch gathering. Simple, yet profoundly satisfying, it reminds us why coffee cake holds a special place in our hearts.
- Peach Coffee Cake: Embrace the warmth of summer with this deliciously moist coffee cake, bursting with sweet, juicy peaches. Crowned with an incredible cinnamon-sugar streusel, this version is a vibrant and flavorful dessert that will transport you to sunny days with every bite. The fresh fruit adds a wonderful natural sweetness and texture.
- Essential Ingredients for Your Cream Cheese Coffee CakeCrafting this exceptional Cream Cheese Coffee Cake requires a careful selection of common baking staples, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this **easy coffee cake recipe**:All-purpose flour:The foundation of our cake, providing structure and body.Baking powder & Baking soda:These leavening agents ensure a light and fluffy crumb, giving the cake its beautiful rise.Salt:A crucial flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth of other ingredients.Ground cinnamon:The quintessential spice for coffee cake, infusing warmth and aromatic notes throughout the batter, filling, and topping.Unsalted butter:Used in multiple components, butter adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to the cake, and helps bind the crumb topping.Granulated sugar:Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.Brown sugar:Essential for both the cake and the pecan crumb topping, brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a wonderful moistness.Large eggs:Act as binders, provide structure, and contribute to the cake’s richness and moisture.Vanilla extract:A cornerstone flavor that enhances all the other sweet elements in the cake and drizzle.Sour cream:A star ingredient for moisture and tenderness, sour cream also adds a subtle tangy note that perfectly balances the sweetness.Heavy cream:Used in the cake batter for extra richness and moisture, and in the drizzle for a smooth, pourable consistency.Chopped pecans:The star of our **pecan crumb topping**, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.Cream cheese, softened:The heart of the luscious filling and the sweet drizzle, adding a creamy texture and tangy richness.Powdered sugar:The base for our smooth and pourable **sweet cream cheese drizzle**.9×13 baking dish:The ideal size for baking this generous coffee cake, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Creating this incredible Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a rewarding experience, and with these clear instructions, you’ll achieve perfection every time. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a beautifully baked, irresistibly moist, and flavorful treat.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the cake goes in, promoting even baking. Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing prevents sticking, and flouring creates a non-stick barrier, ensuring your cake releases easily and cleanly. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. This step is crucial for the cake’s consistent texture and rise. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients for the Cake. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until just combined.
- Step 4: Incorporate Dry into Wet. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until the batter is thick and smooth. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake. Once combined, pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 5: Prepare the Filling and Topping. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1½ cups of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir until all ingredients are well combined; this will be our delightful pecan crumb topping. In a separate bowl, beat the softened 8-ounce block of cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of the prepared pecan mixture into the cream cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Step 6: Swirl and Top. Take large scoops of the cream cheese and pecan mixture and dollop them evenly over the top of the cake batter in the baking dish. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter. The goal is to create beautiful, thick ribbons of cream cheese throughout the cake, so avoid overmixing into the batter. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake batter. This creates the signature **pecan crumb topping**.
- Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, indicating it’s cooked through without being dry. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the irresistible cream cheese drizzle.
- Step 8: Craft the Sweet Cream Cheese Drizzle. For the final touch, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. Add the powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thin enough to drizzle beautifully over the cake. If the drizzle is too thick, add a touch more heavy cream; if it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Drizzle and Serve. Generously drizzle the warm (but not hot) cake with the prepared cream cheese glaze. The warmth of the cake will allow the drizzle to slightly melt and seep into the crumb, adding even more moisture and flavor. Serve warm slices and watch your guests go “gaga” over this incredible creation!
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
To ensure your **homemade coffee cake** turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly and uniformly, creating a more cohesive batter and preventing curdling.
- Measure Accurately: Especially with flour, use the spoon-and-level method (spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level off with a straight edge) to avoid compacting it, which can lead to a dry cake.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: For the filling and drizzle, ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. You can soften it quickly by cutting it into cubes and letting it sit for 15-30 minutes, or microwaving briefly on low power.
- Even Swirling: When swirling the cream cheese filling, aim for even distribution without completely mixing it into the batter. This creates those beautiful, distinct pockets of creamy goodness.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary. Always use the toothpick test—insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
- Cooling is Key: While it’s tempting to drizzle immediately, let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from becoming too thin and absorbed, allowing it to set nicely.
Creative Variations for Your Coffee Cake
Feel free to customize this **breakfast cake** to suit your preferences or the season:
- Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts in the crumb topping and filling.
- Fruity Twist: Add fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) or diced apples to the cream cheese swirl for an extra burst of flavor and moisture. If using frozen fruit, don’t thaw; toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Glaze Options: For a simpler finish, a basic powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla) can be used instead of the cream cheese drizzle. Or, for an extra indulgent touch, consider a brown butter glaze.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle them over the top with the pecan crumb for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
This delectable Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is truly versatile, making any breakfast or brunch an extraordinary event! Beyond morning meals, consider serving it as a delightful dessert after dinner, paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea. Your guests will undoubtedly rave about this indulgent treat, and you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.
Storage Instructions for Your Coffee Cake
To enjoy the freshness of your Cream Cheese Coffee Cake for as long as possible, proper storage is essential. Due to its cream cheese components, it’s best stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully moist and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until just warm through. This will help restore some of its freshly baked goodness and melt the drizzle slightly.
If you decide to make this amazing Cream Cheese Coffee Cake and share your delicious creation, don’t forget to post a picture to social media! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your beautiful bakes! I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes and ideas I share. Enjoy every delightful bite!
xoxo,
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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
Yield: 15
Category: Dessert
Description
This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is incredibly moist, featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl within a tender cake, topped with the perfect amount of crunchy pecan crumb, and finished with a sweet cream cheese drizzle. It’s the ultimate indulgent treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Moist Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
For the Pecan Crumb Filling & Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
For the Sweet Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray, then dusting it with flour. Shake out any excess flour. Set the prepared dish aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until just combined. Slowly add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until the batter is thick and smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Now, prepare the incredible filling and topping. In a separate medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of brown sugar, 1½ cups of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon until well combined. This is your pecan crumb mixture. In another clean bowl, beat the 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free. Then, gently fold 1 cup of the pecan mixture into the beaten cream cheese until just combined.
- Carefully place large scoops of the cream cheese and pecan mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter in the baking dish. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter. Aim for distinct swirls and pockets; avoid overmixing so you get beautiful, thick streaks of creamy filling throughout the cake. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture evenly over the entire top surface of the cake batter to form a beautiful, crunchy topping.
- Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool while you prepare the cream cheese drizzle.
- For the decadent drizzle, beat the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl until it is completely smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until the drizzle is smooth, well combined, and thin enough to beautifully pour or drizzle. If the drizzle is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Generously drizzle the warm (but not piping hot) coffee cake with the prepared cream cheese glaze. Serve warm slices immediately and savor every incredible bite!