Introduction

This Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With layers of tender apple-studded cake, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, it’s a comforting combination that’s sure to please.

A thick square piece of apple dessert sits centered on a white plate with a gently curved edge. The dessert shows three clear layers: a crunchy golden-brown crumbly top layer sprinkled with sugar, a creamy pale yellow middle layer with visible soft apple slices, and a dense, moist light brown bottom layer with a slightly grainy texture. The edges of the dessert are uneven and crumbly, suggesting a homemade texture. In the blurred background, red and yellow apples and a glass bowl with apples add a fresh, colorful touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chopped apples
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese
½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup white sugar (for streusel)
¼ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
½ cup flour (for streusel)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
½ teaspoon baking powder (for streusel)
1/8 teaspoon salt (for streusel)
6 tablespoons cold butter (for streusel)
8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese (for cream cheese layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
3 tablespoons white sugar (for cream cheese layer)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Carefully fold in the chopped apples, ensuring even distribution.
Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: For the cream cheese layer, whip softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan in an even layer.
Step 9: To make the streusel topping, combine white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 10: Cut cold butter into the streusel mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
Step 11: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 12: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the streusel is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 13: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour, before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
For added texture, toss the apples in a little lemon juice before folding into the batter to prevent browning.
Swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra crunch.
If you prefer a thicker cream cheese layer, double the cream cheese ingredients in step 7 and 8.

Storage

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or serve chilled. This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a square piece of dessert with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a light brown, crumbly base. The middle layer is creamy and pale yellow with a smooth texture. The top layer is golden brown and crunchy, with a slightly cracked surface sprinkled with granulated sugar. The cake piece is placed on a simple white plate against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will also work and add more sweetness.

Is it okay to prepare this cake a day ahead?

Absolutely! This cake benefits from resting as the flavors meld together. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.