If there’s one dessert that can take me back to my childhood, it’s this Juicy Homemade Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling. Growing up, my grandmother made it every Sunday, filling our house with the tantalizing aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. I’d usually sneak in the kitchen to snag a warm slice before it even hit the table! This cake has a special place in my heart, and every time I whip it up, I feel like I’m channeling my inner grandma, and let me tell you, that feeling is priceless.
This recipe is a delightful blend of moist apple cake, creamy filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. I always joke that it’s totally acceptable to have cake for breakfast if there are apples involved! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Apple Coffee Cake!
What’s in Juicy Homemade Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cake. I usually stick with King Arthur’s for its high quality.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, and it helps to keep our cake moist!
- Unsalted butter: I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter. Whole milk is my go-to for that extra richness.
- Eggs: A couple of large eggs bind everything together and add to the cake’s fluffiness.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives our cake its lovely rise.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this magical extract rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Just a bit to enhance all the sweetness!
- Apples: I love using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for balance and flavor. Peeled and diced ensures they mix well into the batter.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, comforting spice that makes everything feel like a hug.
- Cream cheese: A luscious filling that adds a delightful creamy texture. I opt for Philadelphia, but any good-quality brand will do!
- Brown sugar: For the streusel topping, brown sugar adds caramel notes and depth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens up our icing, making it just right for drizzling! A must-have for the finishing touch.
Is Juicy Homemade Apple Coffee Cake Good for You?
Well, let’s be real, this isn’t a salad! However, it does have some redeeming qualities. The apples provide vitamins and fiber, which is always a good thing in my book. The cream cheese adds a bit of protein but can be a richer option if you’re watching your calorie intake. If you’re looking to lighten things up slightly, you could replace half the sugar with a sugar substitute and use low-fat cream cheese.
That said, this is a treat—so enjoying a slice along with your morning coffee or at the end of a long day is perfectly acceptable. Just remember to balance out those sweet moments with some greens later on!
Ingredients List
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Juicy Homemade Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Apples: Gently fold the diced apples and cinnamon into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Layer the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top, then spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, and finally, top it with the remaining cake batter.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon using a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle it generously over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Sweet Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake
- Serving it warm is a game-changer. If you’ve got ice cream handy, definitely add a scoop on the side!
- If you want to get creative, try adding in nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for added crunch.
- To store, place leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, the refrigerator works like a charm!
There you have it! This delightful Juicy Homemade Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is not just a recipe; it’s a slice of nostalgia. I can’t wait for you to try it out! Share your baking adventures, and don’t forget to enjoy each delicious bite. Happy baking!
