Indulge in a delicious Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake where tart Granny Smith apples meet a silky cream cheese layer and a crunchy cinnamon streusel. This moist coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon with coffee or tea.
The Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake balances tart apple, rich cream cheese, and a tender crumb made with avocado oil. It’s an easy way to bring seasonal flavor to your morning or to serve for guests.
What do you need for Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake?
- Granny Smith Apples: Their bright tartness cuts through the sweetness and becomes slightly mellowed when baked.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, rich layer that keeps the cake moist and indulgent.
- Cinnamon and Warm Spices: Ground cinnamon (and a touch of nutmeg) add warmth and depth to the batter and the streusel.
Substitutions & Variations
Nutty Twist: Stir chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the streusel or the batter for extra crunch.
Berries: Add fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed-fruit version.
Citrus Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the batter or the cream cheese filling for a bright, aromatic lift.
Caramel Drizzle: After the cake is slightly cooled, drizzle with caramel for a decadent finish.
Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips or scatter a few on top for a chocolatey contrast.
How to soften cream cheese
If you need quick methods to soften cream cheese, search for the guide titled “How to Soften Cream Cheese – 4 Ways” for safe, simple techniques to bring cream cheese to the ideal texture for baking.
FAQs
Yes. Granny Smith provides a tart contrast, but any baking apple will work. Sweeter apples will make the cake sweeter overall, so adjust sugar to taste if desired.
Can this coffee cake be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store at room temperature for short-term storage. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will also pull slightly away from the pan when the cake is fully baked.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezer Directions
Once completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs nicely with savory breakfast dishes such as bagel breakfast sandwiches, crepes with goat cheese, ham and cheese quiche, cheese soufflé, breakfast pizza with hashbrown crust, or an asiago bagel.
Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 45 mins • Total: 1 hr • Servings: 12
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup whole milk (any milk will work)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced Granny Smith apples (~½” pieces)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a mixer bowl, combine the avocado oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until combined, about 1 minute.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- For the cream cheese filling, beat together softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently spread or swirl with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- To make the streusel, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs and the edges have slightly pulled away from the pan.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Notes
- Vegetable oil can be substituted for avocado oil if needed.
- Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used; choose your preferred flavor and richness.
- Adjust sugar slightly if you use sweeter apple varieties.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze as described above.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 443 kcal • Carbohydrates: 55 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 23 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 34 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.