Name: Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for apples); 1/4 cup brown sugar (for apples); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided); 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for cake); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cake); 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Imagine a cozy autumn morning where the scent of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen—this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese is the heart of that moment. With tender spiced cake layers, velvety cream cheese filling, and caramelized apple slices nestled in between, every bite is a comforting treat. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for sharing over coffee or tea.

The texture is what sets it apart: the moist, warmly spiced cake contrasts beautifully with the rich cream cheese and soft, sweet apples. Whether you’re serving this for brunch, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up, this apple coffee cake is always a hit.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For a cake like this, you’ll want apples that hold their shape well when baked. Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake and cream cheese. Honeycrisp or Braeburn are also great choices if you prefer something slightly sweeter but still firm. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which tend to turn mushy when baked.

Ingredients for the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

Apples – The star of the show. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the spiced cake and creamy layers.

Cream Cheese – Adds richness and a tangy balance to the sweetness of the apples and cake.

Brown Sugar – Offers a deeper molasses flavor that enhances the warmth of the spices and helps caramelize the apples.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic fall spices that elevate the flavor of both the cake and the apples.

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cake layers, giving it structure and softness.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Ensure the cake rises beautifully and remains fluffy.

Butter – For flavor and moisture in the cake and to soften the apples during cooking.

Eggs – Help bind the cake together and add richness.

Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the cake batter while balancing the tang from the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.

How To Make the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Layer

Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. In a skillet, melt some butter and add brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook the apple slices until they soften slightly and start to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Keep this mixture chilled while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Grease and line a baking dish. Spread half of the cake batter evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of cream cheese mixture, then arrange half of the caramelized apples on top. Repeat with the remaining batter, cream cheese, and apples.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the layers to set.

Serving and Storing Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

Serve this luscious coffee cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or spiced chai. A dusting of powdered sugar on top can give it an elegant finish if you’re serving guests.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, allow slices to come to room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Make sure your apple slices are cooked down enough to release excess moisture before layering. Also, allow the cake to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.

Can I use apple pie filling instead?

You can, but it will be much sweeter and softer than fresh caramelized apples. Reduce the added sugar in the cake and expect a softer texture.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors develop even more overnight. Just store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt?

You can substitute with buttermilk or even plain whole milk yogurt. Just avoid low-fat versions for best results.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great crunchy addition either in the batter or sprinkled on top before baking.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you prefer classic nostalgia.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add any spices to the apples? Maybe a dash of clove or allspice? Or did you try adding a drizzle of caramel on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.