Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling – The Cozy Fall Treat You Need 🍎☕

Introduction

As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisper, our taste buds start to crave the warm, comforting flavors of fall. One treat that embodies the essence of this season is the apple coffee cake with cream cheese filling. This delightful pastry is not only a feast for the eyes, with its golden brown crust and swirl of creamy filling, but it’s also a masterpiece of flavors, combining the sweetness of apples, the tang of cream cheese, and the richness of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple mixing and baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this apple coffee cake is sure to become a new favorite, perfect for cozy mornings, afternoons with friends, or as a sweet surprise for your family.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors is key, with the sweetness of the apples and the brown sugar balanced by the tang of the cream cheese, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.
• The accessibility of the ingredients makes this recipe a staple for any kitchen. Most of the ingredients, such as flour, sugar, eggs, and spices, are likely already stocked in your pantry.
• The ease of preparation is another significant advantage. Despite its impressive appearance and complex flavor profile, the cake requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions when you want to impress without stressing.
• The impressive results with minimal effort make! this recipe a winner. The combination of the moist apple-infused cake, the creamy cheese filling, and the crunchy streusel topping is sure to impress anyone, from family members to dinner party guests.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 2-3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or other sweet-tart varieties work well)
• For the cream cheese filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the streusel topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Make the Cake Batter – In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling – In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Coffee Cake – Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the cream cheese filling on top of the batter, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Top with the remaining cake batter. For the streusel topping, use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the cold butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using walnuts, fold them into the streusel mixture. Spread the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For an extra moist cake, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake.
• If you prefer a stronger apple flavor, you can increase the number of apples or use apple cider instead of some of the milk.
• To ensure the cream cheese filling stays intact and doesn’t mix with the cake batter, chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before assembling the coffee cake.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial for this recipe. Ensure your oven is at 350°F (180°C) for even baking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the streusel topping is golden brown. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the cake.

Crunch Factor

The streusel topping provides a delightful crunch to the coffee cake. To enhance this texture, make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour and sugar, and don’t overmix. If you’re using walnuts, toast them lightly in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant, before chopping them for an added depth of flavor and crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a professional finish, once the cake is completely cool, you can drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
• To make the cake more visually appealing, arrange sliced apples on top of the batter before adding the streusel topping.
• Consider using different types of apples to find your favorite combination of sweetness and tartness.

Storage Tips

• The coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Reheating tips: Slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This apple coffee cake with cream cheese filling makes a wonderful gift, especially during the fall season. Consider packaging it in a decorative tin or a wooden crate filled with fall leaves and twine. You can also wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a gift basket filled with other fall treats like cider, donuts, or pumpkin bread.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the cake batter for unique flavor profiles.
• Creative toppings: Instead of the streusel topping, try a crumb made with oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts, or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace some of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper flavor, or use almond milk instead of regular milk for a non-dairy version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
• Over/undercooking signs: The cake is done when it’s golden brown, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the cake dry.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the coffee cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly and thaw at room temperature or reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have a big enough baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This apple coffee cake with cream cheese filling is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of fall, a symbol of warmth and comfort, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. With its ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and delicious flavor, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with your loved ones or to share with friends and neighbors. So, go ahead, take a bite, and let the cozy feelings of fall envelop you. Share your experiences, adaptations, and favorite fall recipes in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts so we can see your creations!