Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cake that combines bright, tangy lemon flavor with the luscious creaminess of cheese and the comforting crumbly goodness of coffee cake, then this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderful balance of zesty freshness and rich, tender layers that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Perfect for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or any time you need a little sunshine on your plate, this cake brings together simple pantry staples into an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe plays an essential role in crafting its delightful flavor and heavenly texture. From the creamy tang of softened cream cheese to the bright burst of fresh lemon zest, these ingredients work harmoniously to make a cake that’s light, moist, and bursting with freshness.

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides that rich, tangy base essential for the creamy layer.
• Sugar (¼ cup and ¾ cup): Sweetens both the cream cheese layer and the cake, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
• Large eggs (2 total): Help bind everything together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
• Lemon juice (1 ½ teaspoons and 2 tablespoons): Infuses subtle citrus tang that brightens the entire cake.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups total): The cake’s structure and crumb depend on this staple.
• Cold butter (2 tablespoons, cubed): Creates the crumb topping with a flaky texture.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives the cake a gentle rise.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the cake’s lightness and helps balance acidity.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch to amplify all the flavors.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds tang and richness while making the cake extra tender.
• Fresh lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Packs a fragrant lemon punch that elevates the whole recipe.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, one egg, and 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This luscious layer is what gives the cake its unique richness and tangy contrast.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Combine ½ cup flour with ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl, then cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping adds that classic coffee cake crunch and buttery goodness.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the foundation for a fluffy, well-risen cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, ¾ cup sugar, the remaining egg, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until everything is smooth and well blended. This mixture will keep the cake moist and infuse beautiful citrus flavor.

Step 6: Bring Batter Together

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so go easy for the lightest texture.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 8: Layer and Top

Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer and spread gently to cover. Finally, sprinkle your crumb topping evenly over the surface for that irresistible finishing touch.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the magic bake away as the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering scent of lemon and butter.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes slicing a breeze.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a classic touch, while a few fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest can brighten the presentation and hint at the flavors within. You can even add a drizzle of light lemon glaze for an added sparkle.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a delicate herbal tea for a lovely morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re serving brunch, fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream make for delightful companions alongside the cake’s creamy layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into charming bite-sized squares for a party platter or stacking slices with layers of fresh whipped cream and berries to create an elegant trifecta. Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is another indulgent way to enjoy this Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and flavorful when refrigerated for up to 3 days. This way you can savor every heavenly crumb without rushing.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe around longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It holds beautifully for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness. It tastes just as incredible the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt if Greek yogurt isn’t available. Just be aware that the consistency may be a little thinner, which can slightly affect the cake’s texture, but it will still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.

Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

For dairy-free or vegan versions, you can try plant-based cream cheese and yogurt alternatives, plus an egg substitute such as flax eggs. However, this may alter the texture and flavor somewhat, so some experimentation might be needed.

What is the best way to zest a lemon for this recipe?

The best tool is a microplane grater, which finely shreds the lemon peel without including the bitter white pith underneath. This ensures bright lemon flavor without any unwanted bitterness.

Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping adds a lovely crunch and a complementary nutty flavor that works beautifully with the lemon and cream cheese layers.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe is truly a gem that belongs in every home baker’s repertoire. It strikes the perfect balance between tender, tangy, and sweet, making it an ideal companion for lazy weekend mornings or special gatherings. Give it a try, and you may just find this delicate, zesty cake becoming one of your go-to favorites to brighten any day.

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