Luscious Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Luscious Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. A rich, buttery cake is layered with a creamy cream cheese filling and topped with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a beautiful and delicious dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this coffee cake combines the comforting taste of apples with the richness of cream cheese, making every bite a heavenly experience.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
4 cups (peeled and sliced)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (for coating apples)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sugar
1 cup (for batter)
sugar
1/2 cup (for cinnamon mixture)
eggs
2 (large)
almond extract
1 teaspoon
flour
1 3/4 cups
baking powder
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
milk or half-and-half cream
1/4 cup
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
flour
2 tablespoons (for cinnamon mixture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3
In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, ensuring they're evenly coated; set aside to marinate for extra flavor.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
5
Add the sugar gradually and continue beating until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, ensuring they are fully blended into the batter.
6
Mix in the almond extract until evenly distributed.
7
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
8
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, beating well after each addition until smooth and creamy.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it into an even layer.
10
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
11
Toss the apple slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern on top of the batter in the baking pan.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Luscious Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake?
This coffee cake features a rich, buttery base with a creamy cream cheese texture, complemented by sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a hint of almond extract.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunch.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, which should be thoroughly greased before adding the batter.
How long does the coffee cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should the apples be prepared?
You should use 4 cups of apples that have been peeled and sliced.
Why is lemon juice used in this recipe?
The lemon juice is tossed with the apple slices to coat them evenly, which helps prevent browning and adds a layer of flavor.
Should the butter and cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, both the butter and the cream cheese should be softened to ensure they beat together into a light and fluffy mixture.
What kind of extract is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of almond extract to provide a unique and fragrant aroma.
How do I incorporate the eggs into the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended into the creamed mixture.
What dry ingredients are needed for the cake base?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of milk or 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream.
How do I mix the flour and milk into the batter?
You should alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, starting and finishing with the flour, and beating well after each addition.
What goes into the cinnamon-sugar topping?
The topping consists of 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How are the apples placed on the cake?
After tossing the sliced apples in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, arrange them in a decorative pattern on top of the batter before baking.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or a breakfast item?
It is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step after preparing the fruit and pan is beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the instructions recommend sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
How much sugar is used in total for the recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of sugar is used: 1 cup for the batter and 1/2 cup for the cinnamon apple coating.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs.
How much cinnamon is used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the apple topping mixture.
Can I serve the cake immediately after it comes out of the oven?
It is recommended to allow the cake to cool before serving to let the flavors set and the cream cheese layer firm up.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake has a smooth and creamy consistency due to the cream cheese and butter base, topped with tender, spiced apples.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as apple, coffee cake, breads, dessert, brunch, cream cheese, cinnamon, and baking.
Is there a specific way to layer the batter?
Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it into an even layer before placing the cinnamon-coated apples on top.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
It uses both: 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for proper leavening.
How much butter is in the cake?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What should I do if the apples aren't coated well?
Ensure you toss them thoroughly in both the lemon juice initially and the cinnamon-sugar mixture later to guarantee even flavor distribution.
What makes this cake 'luscious'?
The combination of a full 8 ounces of cream cheese and a half cup of butter creates an exceptionally rich and moist crumb.