Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

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When I first pulled this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese from the oven, the scent alone was enough to make everyone in my kitchen hover like honeybees. It has that perfect blend of fall spices and baked apples, paired with the tangy, creamy surprise of a cheesecake layer tucked into the center. The buttery crumb topping is just the cherry on top—crunchy, golden, and impossible to resist.

What I love about this cake is how effortlessly it brings comfort. I’ve made it for brunches, cozy weekends, and even as a dessert with coffee after dinner. It carries that nostalgic warmth you only get from a family recipe, but with a twist that makes people ask for the secret. Spoiler: it’s the cream cheese swirl.

This recipe was born from a moment of craving two desserts at once: apple crumb cake and cheesecake. I couldn’t decide, so I baked both into one. It worked even better than I expected. The layers don’t compete—they compliment. Every bite is creamy, cinnamony, and balanced, with the apples melting softly into the batter. You’ll find yourself sneaking just one more slice, every time.

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

This cake hits every note you want in a comfort dessert. It’s soft but structured, thanks to the cream cheese center. The apples lend their juiciness and sweetness, balancing the tang of the filling. The topping? A buttery cinnamon crumb that gives you that signature coffee cake texture. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it cold with a morning latte, this cake is pure joy.

Ingredients

Apples: Fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give this cake its fruity core. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness and pairs well with warm spices.

Cream Cheese: This is what sets the cake apart. The layer of cream cheese in the middle creates a rich, smooth texture that cuts through the crumb.

Butter: Needed for the crumb topping and to add moisture and flavor to the cake. It’s key to achieving that golden finish.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Both types of sugar are essential. Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like flavor to the topping, while granulated keeps the cake base sweet and light.

Eggs: These provide structure and help everything hold together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.

Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect body for both the cake and the topping.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: A combination of these ensures the cake rises well and has the right texture.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are the soul of the recipe. They give warmth, depth, and that classic fall dessert flavor.

Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the batter, keeping the cake soft and tender.

Salt: A pinch brings out the richness in every bite.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and an egg until smooth. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the batter.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the mixture while you prep the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream. In another bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Fold in diced apples gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour half of the cake batter into a greased baking pan. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Don’t worry if the layers mix a little—it still bakes up beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping

Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, covering it completely. The buttery crumbs will bake into a golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing so the cream cheese layer sets properly.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can swap the apples with pears if you’re looking for a softer, floral twist. Pears meld into the batter just as nicely but bring a more delicate flavor. If you want something more decadent, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping or batter. Their crunch adds great contrast.

Out of sour cream? You can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt without compromising the texture. For a slightly different spice profile, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom. It gives a lovely warmth that pairs well with apples.

If you’re gluten-free, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works well in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free, too.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese is perfect warm from the oven, but it also settles into a dense, flavorful slice once chilled. Serve it on its own with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.

For something special, top a slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce over it, and suddenly it turns into a dinner-party-worthy dessert.

Pair it with a fruit-forward tea like apple cinnamon or a bold espresso to bring out the flavors. It’s also lovely alongside a light fruit salad during brunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cream cheese layer stays creamy without becoming soggy, and the crumb topping holds its texture surprisingly well.

If you prefer the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also pop it into a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to revive that just-baked feel.

Freezing? Absolutely. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or heat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually benefits from resting. Bake it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. The flavors deepen, and it slices even cleaner the next day.

How do I keep the cream cheese layer from sinking in Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese?

Make sure the batter underneath is thick and evenly spread before adding the cream cheese layer. This helps support the filling during baking.

Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples in Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese?

You can, but the texture will be softer and sweeter. Fresh apples provide more bite and contrast. If using pie filling, reduce added sugar slightly.

What apples are best for Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and balance the cake’s sweetness with a bit of tartness.

Can I make Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check your baking soda and powder for gluten-free labels as well.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese has you craving more indulgent fruit-meets-cream flavors, try the Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls. They’re fluffy, swirled with juicy blueberries, and finished with a rich cream cheese glaze.

Another favorite I’d recommend is the Southern Hummingbird Cake. It shares that same balance of fruit, spice, and luscious texture, with pineapple and banana adding their tropical charm.

Or for a quick treat, the Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles are a no-bake crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again.

Save This Recipe for Later

If you’re drooling already, do yourself a favor and save this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese to your favorite Pinterest board. It’s perfect for your holiday baking list, weekend brunch inspiration, or any time you need a comforting dessert. Pin it, share it with your friends, or text it to your baking buddy—because once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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