Introduction
Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning, signaling the start of a delightful brunch. One dish that perfectly complements this scene is a homemade cream cheese coffee cake. In this recipe guide, we will walk you through the steps to create the best from-scratch coffee cake that will surely become a family favorite. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cream cheese coffee cake tutorial will equip you with the skills to master this delectable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our easy brunch cream cheese coffee cake stands out for its rich flavors, moist texture, and the perfect balance of sweetness. This best from-scratch coffee cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The step-by-step cream cheese coffee cake instructions ensure that you achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. Low competition cream cheese coffee cake recipes like this one are a gem to find, offering a unique twist to the traditional brunch spread.
For those looking to indulge in a delightful brunch without spending hours in the kitchen, this simple cream cheese coffee cake guide is a game-changer. Make cream cheese coffee cake at home effortlessly and impress your loved ones with your baking skills. This beginner’s guide to cream cheese coffee cake is designed to demystify the baking process, making it an enjoyable experience for all.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 1 tsp baking powder – 1/2 tsp baking soda – 1/2 tsp salt – 1 cup sour cream – 2 large eggs – 8 oz cream cheese, softened
For the streusel topping: – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Feel free to customize this cream cheese coffee cake recipe by adding chopped nuts or swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract. The possibilities are endless!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. 4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. 6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
For the cream cheese filling: 7. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. 8. Add in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and a dash of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. 9. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan. 10. Top with the remaining cake batter.
For the streusel topping: 11. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. 12. Sprinkle the streusel over the cake batter. 13. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 14. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure a moist and fluffy coffee cake, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese, will result in a smoother texture.
Common mistakes to avoid include overbaking the cake, which can lead to a dry texture, and skipping the step of greasing the pan properly, causing the cake to stick.
Variations and Substitutions
For a fruity twist, consider adding a layer of fresh berries between the cream cheese filling and the cake batter. You can also experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile of this cream cheese coffee cake.
If you prefer a lighter version, opt for low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. These substitutions will reduce the calorie content without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions
This cream cheese coffee cake is best enjoyed warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. Pair it with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a refreshing mimosa for the ultimate brunch experience. For a complete spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad and whipped cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cream cheese coffee cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat slices in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this coffee cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this perfect cream cheese coffee cake recipe is a delightful addition to any brunch menu. With the right techniques and a few handy tips, you can master the art of baking this decadent treat. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or treating yourself to a leisurely weekend morning, this cream cheese coffee cake is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and embark on a culinary adventure with this DIY cream cheese coffee cake for brunch!
Easy From-Scratch Cream Cheese Coffee Cake for brunch
Indulge in a moist and flavorful cream cheese coffee cake that is perfect for brunch. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a rich and sweet treat with a delightful streusel topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and a dash of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Top with the remaining cake batter.
- Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel over the cake batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Nutrition Facts
