Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

When it comes to baking, few combinations are as delightful as the marriage of lemon and cream cheese. This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is not just a recipe; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor. The moment the cake begins to bake, your kitchen fills with the zesty aroma of fresh lemons, promising a sweet yet tangy treat that’s perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. With a soft, fluffy cake layered with a creamy filling, each bite presents a perfect blend of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a coffee cake that’ll impress your friends and family, making any gathering feel special.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
• Ingredients
• Making the Crumble Topping
• Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
• Whisking the Dry Ingredients
• Creaming the Butter and Sugar
• Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
• Mixing the Milk and Lemon Juice
• Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Assembling the Cake
• Adding the Crumble Topping
• Baking
• Cooling the Cake
• Making the Glaze
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Desserts Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake combines fluffy cake layers with a creamy filling, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The zing from freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest enhances the cake’s flavor, while the cream cheese adds richness, ensuring that each bite is both satisfying and refreshing. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making it a perfect complement to the soft cake.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of fresh lemon in your kitchen. This coffee cake isn’t just a morning starter; it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort. With its perfect blend of sweet and tangy, this cake makes for an ideal companion with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Plus, it’s simple to make, and its stunning presentation will have friends and family admiring your baking skills.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cold & cubed Butter
• 3/4 cup all-purpose Flour (for topping)
• 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar (for topping)
• 8 oz softened Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated Sugar (for filling)
• 2 cups all-purpose Flour (for batter)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 cup softened Butter (for batter)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Zest
• 3/4 cup granulated Sugar (for batter)
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tbsp Milk (for glaze)

Making the Crumble Topping

Start by combining the cold cubed butter, flour, and powdered sugar in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you continue with the other components.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will be your filling. Set it aside while you focus on creating the cake batter.

Whisking the Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a separate bowl to whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, setting you up for success with your batter.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, lemon zest, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s delightful fluffiness.

Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture, mixing until well combined. The eggs bind everything, adding moisture and enhancing the cake’s richness.

Mixing the Milk and Lemon Juice

In a small cup, whisk together the milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow this mixture to sit for a couple of minutes. The slight curdling that occurs will enhance the cake’s moisture, giving it that perfect crumb.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, slowly pour in that lovely milk and lemon juice combination, beating it all together without overmixing.

Assembling the Cake

Now, pour your cake batter into the prepared 9×9 pan and smooth it out evenly. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the top, spreading it gently across the batter. Don’t worry if it mixes slightly; that’s part of the charm!

Adding the Crumble Topping

Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the cream cheese layer. This delightful crunch creates an exciting contrast to the soft cake, making each slice even more irresistible.

Baking

Pop that cake into your preheated oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The gentle baking melds the flavors beautifully while maintaining the cake’s moisture.

Cooling the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan. This cooling period is essential for setting the layers and making slicing a breeze.

Making the Glaze

While your cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl to create a smooth glaze. You want a consistency that’s pourable yet not too runny. Drizzle this sweet mixture over the cooled coffee cake, giving it a lovely finish.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your experience, pair this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It also makes for a delightful dessert when served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing for easy incorporation.
• Avoid overmixing the batter; leaving it slightly lumpy provides the best texture.
• Feel free to adjust the lemon juice and zest to suit your taste; more zing means more fun!

Variations

For a little creativity, consider substituting orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist. Alternatively, adding fresh blueberries to the batter adds a delightful burst of fruitiness.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover coffee cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it. If you need to store it longer, tightly wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze.

FAQs

1. Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar according to your preference. Just keep in mind that this may alter the cake’s sweetness and texture.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.

3. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it at room temperature, covered. Just glaze it right before serving to keep it fresh.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake will appear golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done.

5. Can this be frozen?
Yes! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing taste.

With every bite of this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, you’ll discover layers of flavor coming together perfectly. Whether for a cozy brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a special gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy richness and refreshing lemon essence in each slice, making any occasion sweeter!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Lemon Raspberry No Bake Pie
• Brazilian Carrot Cake with Chocolate Frosting
• Rocky Road Cake
• Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Split Bites

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