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Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake

Cream cheese apple coffee cake with a tender crumb, a smooth cream cheese layer, and cinnamon apples baked under a golden streusel topping. Bakes in a 9x13 pan for easy slicing and a caramelized, crumbly finish.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
For cream cheese layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
For apple layer
  • 2 cup apples, diced
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
For streusel
  • 0.5 cup flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and make the streusel
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Keep it ready so the batter can go in right after mixing.
  2. Combine streusel flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside as a topping.
Make layers
  1. Beat the cream cheese layer ingredients together until smooth, then set aside. Aim for no lumps so it spreads easily.
  2. Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon, then set aside. Coat the pieces evenly so each bite tastes like cinnamon apples.
  3. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the cake for a softer crumb.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. Scrape the sides to fully incorporate.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream, mixing just until incorporated. Stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour.
Assemble and bake
  1. Spread the cake batter in the prepared pan, then dollop the cream cheese mixture over the top and spread gently. Leave some streaks for a marbled look.
  2. Top with the cinnamon apples, then sprinkle streusel over everything. Make sure the streusel covers the surface for crisp edges.
  3. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350F, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing so the layers set.

Notes

For the smoothest cream cheese layer, soften the cream cheese and butter until pliable, not melted. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; rewarm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 25 seconds. Freezing is yes: wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. For a lighter option, use low-fat or light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream (texture may be slightly softer).