Description
Welcome, sweet treat enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into a cozy, delightful dessert that’s bound to become a household favorite? Today, we’re excited to share with you our recipe for a Decadent Apple Coffee Cake with a Creamy Cheese Surprise. This delicious creation combines the warm flavors of fresh apples with a luscious layer of cream cheese, making it the perfect cake for family gatherings, holiday treats, or simply a delightful afternoon snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this Apple Coffee Cake recipe is easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – for a soft and fluffy cake base.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – to help the cake rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – adds lightness and fluffiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – for that warm, autumnal flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – adds a subtle spice to the cake.
- ⅓ cup butter, softened – brings moisture and richness to the cake.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – for sweetness.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – adds depth of flavor with its molasses content.
- 1 egg – binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream – keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced – choose a crisp, sweet apple like Gala or Fuji.
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – for the creamy surprise layer.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – adds just the right amount of sweetness to the filling.
- 1 egg – creates a smooth texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – complements the cream cheese flavor.
Streusel Topping Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – for a crumbly texture.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – for a caramel-like sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – enhances the streusel’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces – ensures a crisp, crumbly topping.
Optional substitutions: If you prefer a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter alternative and a plant-based cream cheese substitute.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the sour cream to the butter mixture, stirring until smooth. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Layer the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use fresh apples for the best texture and flavor. For a richer cake, substitute half of the butter with applesauce.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese blend more easily with other ingredients, creating a smooth batter.
- Choose the Right Apple: Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add a delightful texture and balance the sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to avoid a dense cake. The batter should look slightly lumpy.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!