If you have a soft spot for cozy, flavorful desserts that bring a touch of homemade magic to your kitchen, this Cream Cheese Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender cake layers enveloped by a cinnamon swirl, with a luscious cream cheese filling nestled inside and topped off with a perfectly crumbly streusel. This coffee cake hits all the right notes—moist, rich, and just enough sweet crumbly texture to make every bite a delight. Whether it’s a weekend brunch centerpiece or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square piece of layered cake sits on a white plate with a black rim, placed on a white marbled surface covered partially by a white cloth with blue floral patterns. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is yellow and looks soft, the middle layer is light brown and smooth, and the top layer is crumbly with a beige color, drizzled with thin white icing. A silver fork is placed next to the cake on the plate. In the blurred background, more pieces of the same cake and a glass baking dish with the same layered dessert are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cream Cheese Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, classic ingredients that work in harmony to bring incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery crumble to the creamy filling, ensuring your cake is moist, tender, and layered with delicious contrasts.

Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds rich moisture and helps create the perfect buttery crumb in both the cake and streusel.
Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and moisture, especially critical in the crumble and cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice, elevating every bite with its familiar, comforting aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that builds the cake’s tender crumb and the crumbly toppings.
Cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that makes this coffee cake truly special.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and cake batter without overpowering.
Eggs: Responsible for structure, richness, and a tender crumb in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds depth and a lovely fragrant finish to the batter and glaze.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake a perfect rise and light texture.
Milk or buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a touch of tangy richness.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth, sweet glaze that adds a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Cream Cheese Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface, ensuring your coffee cake will come out of the pan easily once baked and cooled.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter, then fold in the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. This streusel will provide that classic, irresistibly crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s softness.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Filling

In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until soft crumbs form. This layer will add a sweet, spiced surprise inside the cake, giving every bite an extra dimension of flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then mix in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs, and vanilla. This creamy layer will be rich and velvety, perfectly balancing the sweet cinnamon swirl and cake.

Step 5: Mix the Cake Batter

Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat in softened butter until the mixture becomes evenly crumbly. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and milk, mixing just until smooth. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Next, layer the cinnamon filling over the batter, spreading it carefully so it covers the surface. Spoon and gently spread the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon layer, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly on top. This assembly ensures every slice has a bit of everything—crumbly topping, creamy cheesecake, and spiced cinnamon.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the coffee cake for 60 to 75 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it nears the end.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. This chilling step helps the cheesecake layer to set firmly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture.

Step 9: Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to get your desired thickness. Drizzle the glaze over the chilled cake right before serving for an elegant final touch that ties all the flavors together.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with a dessert that has two main layers visible from the top: a golden brown crumbly layer covering the surface and a generous drizzle of white icing forming irregular lines across the crumb layer. The crumb topping has a rough, textured look with small clumps spread evenly, while the white icing adds a smooth, shiny contrast. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a soft blue floral patterned fabric slightly visible on the side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh berries can make this coffee cake feel even more special. Chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts scatter lovely texture on top if you want an extra crunch. A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs marvelously with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. If you want to turn it into a more substantial brunch offering, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it into dessert territory with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into smaller squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for an inviting brunch spread. You can also layer small pieces in mason jars with extra cinnamon sugar or cream cheese frosting for a trendy grab-and-go treat. For fêtes and gatherings, adorning plates with edible flowers is a beautiful way to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, this coffee cake stays fresh stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the cheesecake layer’s texture and prevents the streusel from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the glaze. Freezing preserves all those delicious layers while allowing you to enjoy this treat whenever you want.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warmed through, but avoid overheating to keep the cheesecake filling from becoming too soft. For a crispier topping, you can warm the slices briefly in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

While reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, the full-fat version provides the rich, creamy texture essential to the classic cheesecake layer. Using reduced-fat may result in a less creamy filling but the cake will still turn out tasty.

Is it necessary to chill the cake before glazing?

Chilling the cake allows the cheesecake layer to set and firm up, making it easier to slice without losing its shape. It also prevents the glaze from melting immediately, so chilling before glazing is highly recommended.

Can this coffee cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

What is the best way to store leftover glaze?

Leftover glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using again, whisk it to restore smoothness or add a few drops of milk to adjust the consistency if it thickened.

Can I prepare the streusel and cinnamon filling in advance?

Absolutely! Both the streusel and cinnamon filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in separate airtight containers. This makes assembly quicker and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with every bite. From the layered textures to the rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for it whenever you want something special to share or enjoy with a quiet cup of coffee. Happy baking!