Nina Johnson
Rich, moist, and full of comforting fall flavors, this Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese is the perfect indulgent slice to pair with your morning cup of coffee or as a decadent dessert. Layers of spiced apple filling are nestled between tender cinnamon cake and creamy cheese filling, topped with more apples for a rustic, bakery-style finish.
This recipe is a cozy hug in cake form—ideal for holiday brunches, crisp autumn gatherings, or just when you’re craving something sweet but not overly heavy. The contrast between the spiced cake, tart apples, and smooth cream cheese brings a balance of flavor that will keep you going back for another slice.
What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese?
Go for apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are excellent choices. They won’t get mushy during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet cake layers.
Ingredients for the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
Apples
The heart of this recipe! Choose firm, slightly tart apples for layers that bake beautifully and provide structure and brightness.
All-purpose flour
This forms the base of the coffee cake, giving it its tender crumb and structure.
Brown sugar
Adds warmth and depth to both the apple filling and the cake layers. It complements cinnamon beautifully.
Granulated sugar
Used in the cream cheese filling and cake for sweetness that balances the tanginess and spices.
Baking powder + Baking soda
These leaveners help the cake rise while maintaining moisture.
Salt
Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and spicy elements.
Ground cinnamon
Essential for that cozy spiced flavor throughout the cake and filling.
Cream cheese
Creates a luscious, tangy middle layer that pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.
Eggs
Provide structure and richness, binding the batter together.
Butter
Adds moisture and flavor. Use unsalted to control the salt level in the recipe.
Vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
Milk or sour cream
Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that pairs well with the apples and cream cheese.
How To Make the Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. Toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Let them sit while you prepare the rest to allow the flavors to meld and juices to release.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, one egg, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or sour cream.
Step 4: Layer the Cake
Grease and line a baking pan. Spread half of the batter on the bottom. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top and spread gently. Arrange a layer of apple slices evenly. Repeat the layers: batter, cream cheese, and apples on top.
Step 5: Bake It Perfectly
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden and the center set. Let it cool in the pan before slicing.
How to Serve and Store Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
This cake is delicious served warm, room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert or brunch centerpiece.
To store, cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cream cheese layer means it needs to be kept chilled. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; just wrap well and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or even peaches can work well, though apples offer the best structure and contrast to the cream cheese layer.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can create uneven texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Should I peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer bite and cleaner texture in the layers, but leaving the peel on is fine if you prefer more texture and fiber.
Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this apple coffee cake with cream cheese, you’ll probably enjoy these other unique desserts from Life with Nina:
- Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for a rich and colorful cookie treat.
- New York Cheesecake if you love smooth, tangy, and indulgent classics.
- Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Wontons for a crispy, gooey spin on apple dessert.
- Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies to combine your love of apples and cream cheese in cookie form.
- No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies for an easy, chewy bite without turning on the oven.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a streusel topping or keep it classic? Did you try pears or stick with apples?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
Description
This Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese features soft, cinnamon-spiced cake layers filled with a creamy, tangy cheese filling and sweet-tart apple slices. It’s a bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for brunch or a cozy night in. Each bite blends comforting fall flavors and creamy richness.
Ingredients
3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar (for apples)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
1 large egg (for cream cheese layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (divided)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cake batter)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for cake batter)
2 large eggs (for cake batter)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cake batter)
1/2 cup milk or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan.
- In a bowl, toss apple slices with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add 2 eggs and remaining vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk or sour cream, mixing until combined.
- Spread half the batter into the pan. Top with half the cream cheese mixture, then half the apples. Repeat layers.
- Bake 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pan before slicing.
