Coffee Cake Cheesecake

Coffee Cake Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds—a rich, creamy cheesecake and a crumbly, cinnamon-swirled coffee cake. This dessert layers silky smooth cheesecake over a tender cake base, topped with a buttery streusel crumble and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for any occasion, this show-stopping treat pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunch, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.

The marriage of textures in this recipe is simply irresistible: the moist cake layer contrasts perfectly with the velvety cheesecake, while the crunchy streusel adds a delightful bite. If you’re a fan of comforting coffee cake and indulgent cheesecake, this dessert is destined to become a favorite.

With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can easily recreate this bakery-quality dessert at home. Serve it at your next brunch, dinner party, or special event, and prepare to impress everyone with this stunning and delicious creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Desserts in One: Enjoy the classic flavors of coffee cake and cheesecake in every decadent bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunch, holidays, birthdays, or even an indulgent weekend treat.
• Texture Heaven: The combination of creamy cheesecake, tender cake, and crunchy streusel creates a satisfying and irresistible dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be made in advance, saving you time while ensuring a stress-free celebration.
• Customizable: Adjust the streusel, add a fruit swirl, or drizzle with glaze to make this dessert uniquely yours.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cooling and Chilling Time: 4–6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 35g

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sour cream

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Cinnamon drizzle or glaze (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.
4. Spread the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
3. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cake layer in the springform pan, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
3. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Before serving, dust the cheesecake with powdered sugar for a classic coffee cake look. Add a drizzle of cinnamon glaze if desired.
2. Slice and enjoy your Coffee Cake Cheesecake!

Ingredient Background

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the foundation of the cheesecake layer, providing its iconic velvety smoothness and rich flavor. Its high fat content allows for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes cheesecake so irresistible. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best results, as lower-fat versions can compromise the creamy consistency. To ensure a perfectly smooth filling, always bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. Originating in the United States, cream cheese has been a key ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes since the late 1800s, making it a classic choice for this dessert.

Sour Cream
Sour cream plays a dual role in this recipe. It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake and cheesecake layers while contributing moisture to both components. Its acidic nature also helps tenderize the cake layer, ensuring a soft and delicate crumb. Additionally, a small amount of sour cream in the cheesecake layer prevents it from feeling too dense, giving it a lighter, smoother texture. For an alternative, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, offering a similar tang and creaminess.

Brown Sugar
The streusel topping’s deep, caramel-like sweetness comes from brown sugar, which is granulated sugar with molasses. This addition not only imparts a rich flavor but also keeps the topping moist and crumbly. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses and results in an even deeper flavor, while light brown sugar gives a more subtle sweetness. For this recipe, either can be used based on your flavor preference. The molasses in brown sugar pairs beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting aroma.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the hallmark spice of traditional coffee cake, delivering warmth, depth, and a nostalgic flavor that ties the layers together. Its aromatic qualities are especially enhanced in the streusel topping, where it blends with the buttery, sugary crumble to create an irresistible texture and flavor. Cinnamon not only contributes flavor but also has subtle antioxidant properties. Freshly ground cinnamon from sticks offers the most robust taste, but store-bought ground cinnamon works perfectly for convenience.

Technique Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature cream cheese, butter, eggs, and sour cream ensures they blend smoothly without forming lumps. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or result in uneven mixing. To quickly bring cream cheese to room temperature, cut it into cubes and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Eggs can be placed in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes to gently warm them.

Avoid Overmixing
When combining the cake batter and cheesecake filling, mix only until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing introduces excess air, which can cause the cake layer to become tough and dense or lead to cracks in the cheesecake layer. Use a gentle folding technique or low-speed mixing to maintain a light and tender texture.

Water Bath Tip
While not strictly necessary, placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven adds steam to the baking environment. This helps prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking, as it reduces the chance of the edges cooking faster than the center. If using this method, ensure your oven is preheated and the water is hot to maintain even baking temperatures throughout.

Cooling Properly
Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually is crucial for avoiding cracks and sinking. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake rest inside for about an hour. This gradual cooling stabilizes the structure. Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack before refrigerating to fully set. Patience during this step yields a perfectly smooth cheesecake layer every time.

Recipe Variations

Blueberry Coffee Cake Cheesecake
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter before spreading it into the pan. The burst of berries adds a fruity twist, complementing the cinnamon and cheesecake layers. Top with a few extra blueberries for decoration before serving.

Chocolate Chip Delight
Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for a chocolatey upgrade. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the streusel topping for an extra indulgent touch. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers and adds a rich flavor to the creamy layers.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl
Sauté 1 cup of diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of sugar until tender. Spread the sautéed apples evenly between the cake batter and cheesecake layers. The warm, caramelized apples enhance the classic coffee cake flavors and make this version perfect for fall.

Nutty Streusel
Mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor. The nuts toast beautifully during baking, adding a nutty aroma and texture that pairs perfectly with the soft cake and creamy cheesecake.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration
Store leftover Coffee Cake Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep the texture intact, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent it from absorbing any refrigerator odors. For best results, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Freezing
Freeze the cheesecake whole or in individual slices for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating Tip
Coffee Cake Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, but you can allow slices to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to enhance the softness and creaminess of the cheesecake layer. Avoid reheating in the oven or microwave, as it can compromise the texture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Brunch Showstopper
Add this decadent Coffee Cake Cheesecake to your brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, mimosas, and pastries. Its combination of cake and cheesecake makes it an ideal centerpiece for late-morning celebrations.

Holiday Dessert
Serve this cheesecake as part of a festive dessert table alongside holiday classics like pecan pie and gingerbread cookies. Garnish with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a snow-dusted effect that’s perfect for the season.

Family Gatherings
Slice the cheesecake into small squares for easy sharing during family dinners or potlucks. Pair with hot coffee or tea to enhance the comforting flavors.

Birthday Alternative
Skip the traditional birthday cake and serve this cheesecake topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and candles. It’s a unique and memorable dessert for celebrations.

Special Equipment

Springform Pan
A springform pan is essential for easy removal and a perfectly shaped cheesecake. The removable sides allow you to present the cheesecake beautifully without damaging its layers.

Mixing Bowls
Separate bowls for the cake batter, cheesecake filling, and streusel topping help streamline preparation and ensure smooth mixing.

Electric Mixer
An electric mixer ensures the cream cheese blends smoothly into a creamy, lump-free filling. Use a low setting to avoid overmixing.

Offset Spatula
An offset spatula helps spread each layer evenly in the pan for a clean, professional finish. It’s also useful for smoothing the top of the cheesecake before adding the streusel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is best made a day ahead to allow it to set properly in the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze Coffee Cake Cheesecake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months.

3. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracking can occur if the cheesecake cools too quickly or the oven temperature fluctuates. Let it cool gradually and avoid overbaking.

4. Can I use a boxed cake mix for the base?
Yes! A vanilla or cinnamon-flavored boxed mix can save time if you’re in a hurry.

5. What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream.

6. How do I know the cheesecake is done?
The center should be set but slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

7. Can I skip the streusel topping?
While it adds texture and flavor, you can skip it or replace it with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

8. What’s the best way to serve this cheesecake?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with cinnamon glaze.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert, combining the comforting flavors of a cinnamon-spiced coffee cake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or any celebration, this dessert is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying cheesecake for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof, delivering bakery-quality results every time. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering.

Give this Coffee Cake Cheesecake a try and watch it become a favorite among friends and family. With its delicious layers and versatile serving options, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more!

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