Craving a rich, indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with your morning brew?

Enter the Cream Cheese Coffee Cake—a luscious, multi-layered delight featuring tender crumb cake, a sweet cream cheese center, and a buttery streusel topping.

served as a breakfast favorite or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake brings together classic comfort and bakery-worthy flair in every bite.

Ingredients List

Creating a decadent Cream Cheese Coffee Cake requires a few key components to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each delicious layer of this indulgent treat.

Coffee Cake Streusel

1¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
6–8 tablespoons (85–113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (100 g) sugar

Coffee Cake

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
1 cup (240 g) sour cream, room temperature

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing a layered cake like the Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, having the right tools on hand can streamline the process and ensure a smooth bake. Here are the essentials:

9-inch Springform Pan – Provides the ideal structure for baking and removing the delicate layered cake without damage.
Mixing Bowls (Multiple Sizes) – For separating and preparing the cake batter, filling, and streusel components individually.
Hand or Stand Mixer – Crucial for creaming butter and sugar properly and achieving a smooth cake batter.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps in folding and layering batter and spreading the cream cheese filling.
Parchment Paper – For lining the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and ease removal.
Cooling Rack – Allows air circulation beneath the cake after baking to help cool evenly and avoid sogginess.

Coffee Cake Preparation

Preparing the different components of the Cream Cheese Coffee Cake in the right order is essential for smooth assembly and perfect texture. Follow these steps to build a rich, tender, and flavorful cake.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the individual layers.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1¼ cups flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully incorporated. Gradually pour in 6 to 8 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing with a fork as you go. The mixture should resemble coarse, sandy crumbs with a few larger pieces for texture. Place the streusel in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together:

8 oz cream cheese
½ cup sugar

Mix until smooth and creamy. Let this filling sit at room temperature while you make the cake batter, so it spreads more easily during assembly.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Cake Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake:

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Mixing and Assembling the Cake

Now that all your components are prepared, it’s time to bring them together. This part of the process is where the layers of buttery cake and rich cream cheese filling come to life.

Step 5: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft and airy cake texture.

Reduce the speed to low and add:

3 large eggs (one at a time)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the sour cream:

Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, then ½ of the sour cream (1 cup total), mixing briefly between additions.
Repeat until all the flour mixture and sour cream are incorporated.

The final batter should be thick, smooth, and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Layer 1: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use a spatula to level it out.
Layer 2: Carefully spread all of the cream cheese filling over the batter layer, smoothing it out evenly.
Layer 3: Gently spoon and spread the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, taking care not to disturb the filling.
Top Layer: Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the top of the cake, breaking apart any large clumps as needed.

Baking, Serving, and Storage

Now that your cake is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection and serve it in style. Follow these final steps to bring your Cream Cheese Coffee Cake from the oven to the table—and beyond.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven at 350°F (177°C). Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and the streusel set.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then gently release the springform ring. Allow it to cool for another 30 to 60 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.

Optional Toppings

Before serving, you can enhance the presentation with a simple touch:

Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust the top of the cooled cake for a classic finish.
Vanilla Glaze – Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla.
Fresh Berries – Serve slices with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side.

These additions bring a burst of flavor and elevate the visual appeal of your coffee cake.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

To keep your coffee cake fresh:

At Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge: Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigerating is ideal for longer freshness—up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing Instructions

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake freezes beautifully:

Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.