Discover the charm of this Simple Coffee Cake – a delightful combination of crumbly cinnamon streusel topping with a perfectly soft and moist texture, delicious cinnamon swirl, and sweet vanilla glaze topping. It is versatile and perfect for any occasion!
Make the coffee cake in advance:
You can bake this coffee cake a day before. Let it cool completely, then cover with a plastic wrap or slice and place in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make your own buttermilk at home. Mix ½ tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar with ½ cup milk. Let sit for 10 minutes before using.
How do I know when the coffee cake is perfectly baked?
Check the readiness with a toothpick inserted in the center, if it comes out clean – the coffee cake is done baking. Start checking after 35 minutes of baking.
Best way to store coffee cake:
Place the coffee cake leftovers in an airtight container and store at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Easy Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
For the cinnamon layer:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the streusel topping:
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly flour and grease with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the cinnamon layer. In a bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare the cake batter. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Beat in both sugars until smooth. Scrape the bottom and the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are all well incorporated. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract using a rubber spatula.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth and no lumps of flour remain.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly. Top with the cinnamon mixture and spoon the remaining cake batter on top. Using a knife or a spatula, carefully spread the batter evenly on top. Set aside.
- Prepare the streusel topping. In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt using a fork. Add the softened butter and mix it into the dry ingredients until combined and crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the coffee cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack.
- While the coffee cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until combined. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, if too thick - add more milk.
- Divide the cooled coffee cake into 16 squares and drizzle with glaze before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee Cake
1. Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a 13×9-inch pan?
Yes, you can use two 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans. Baking time may change. Check the readiness with the toothpick inserted in the center, if it comes out clean – the coffee cake is done.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the recipe?
You can use the same amount of sour cream if you don’t have cream cheese, but the texture may change slightly. It’s important to use cream cheese because it makes the coffee cake moist and tender.
3. Can I add nuts or fruits to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or dried fruits. You can fold them into the cake batter or use them for a streusel topping.
