Cream Coffee Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that feels like a warm hug with every bite, then you’re going to love this Cream Coffee Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This cake strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb, rich cream cheese filling, and a crunchy cinnamon-nut streusel topping that melds together like a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this coffee cake elevates the humble treat to something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting that iconic coffee cake flavor and texture. Every element contributes to the moistness, the tangy richness, or the deep cinnamon warmth you’ll adore.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of the cake, creating structure and the base texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps with the golden crust.
• Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake delightfully moist.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a lovely lift.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for filling): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Provides the rise and fluffiness.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with sour cream for that tender crumb.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts the flavors.
• Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Creates the luscious, creamy filling that makes this cake extraordinary.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling for a smooth texture.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, for streusel): Adds warmth and caramel notes to the topping.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for streusel): Infuses the cake with its signature spicy aroma.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional for streusel): Offers a crunchy contrast and nutty depth.

How to Make Cream Coffee Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your coffee cake releases easily after baking. This step might seem small, but it’s essential for a perfect presentation!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process is key to an airy texture—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which help keep the cake moist and impart that comforting aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for an even rise.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want soft and tender!

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling adds richness and an irresistible tang in every bite.

Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts if you’re using them. This cinnamon-sugar-nut blend becomes the crunchy, sweet contrast that elevates the cake’s texture phenomenally.

Step 8: Assemble the Layers

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Then gently layer the cream cheese filling over this base. Sprinkle a portion of your streusel mix on top for a hint of crunch right in the middle layer.

Step 9: Add Remaining Batter and Streusel

Spoon the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly, topping everything off with the rest of the streusel. The multiple layers will create that delightful interplay of creamy, soft, and crunchy.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take care not to overbake to keep the cake wonderfully moist.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps all those flavors to settle and makes slicing a breeze.

How to Serve Cream Coffee Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

The best part about serving this cake is that it’s ready to enjoy as is, but you can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving for an elegant touch. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a lovely freshness and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a strong, dark coffee or a creamy latte, accentuating the vanilla and cinnamon notes in the cake. For brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into squares or rectangles and serve on a decorative platter with a few cinnamon sticks or a small bowl of warm maple syrup on the side. You could even layer it with fresh fruit preserves for extra flair at a gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays moist and flavorful but is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this coffee cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, reheat slices in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave briefly. This brings back that just-baked softness and intensifies the cream cheese filling’s lusciousness.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that provides similar moisture and tang, while adding a bit more protein. Just use the same amount as sour cream called for in the recipe.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the filling?

The cream cheese layer is central to this recipe’s charm, but if you must skip it, you can replace it with a vanilla pudding layer or omit it entirely, though it will change the cake’s texture and richness.

Is it necessary to use nuts in the streusel?

Nuts add a fantastic crunch and flavor, but they are totally optional. If you have a nut allergy or prefer no nuts, simply omit them; the streusel will still be delicious.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The best test is the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

With a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this recipe. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free, and expect a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

Bringing this Cream Coffee Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe to your kitchen is like inviting joy to the table. The balance of creamy, soft, and crunchy textures alongside the warmly spiced flavors makes it a wonderful treat to share or savor with your favorite cup of coffee. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, making it your own beloved classic.

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