This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a refreshing twist on the classic coffee cake, featuring a rich and tangy cream cheese layer complemented by a delicate lemony flavor throughout. The light and fluffy cake, paired with the creamy, citrusy filling and a crunchy crumb topping, make for the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack. The balance of sweetness and tartness from the lemon combined with the smoothness of the cream cheese makes this cake both comforting and refreshing, sure to be a favorite for any occasion.

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with straightforward steps that yield a beautifully moist and flavorful cake. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet and citrusy, this coffee cake is bound to impress. The cream cheese filling adds an indulgent richness, while the lemon zest and juice bring a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire cake. Topped with a buttery crumb topping, each bite is a perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a versatile dessert that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from a casual family breakfast to an elegant afternoon tea. The cake has a perfect balance of richness from the cream cheese filling and tangy, bright lemon flavor that’s refreshing without being overly sweet. The combination of the smooth cream cheese layer, the soft and tender cake, and the crumbly topping creates a satisfying and delicious treat. Additionally, this recipe is easy to prepare, and it can be made ahead of time for convenience.

The lemon flavor is light but noticeable, and the cream cheese layer provides a rich contrast to the cake, making this coffee cake not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply enjoying a sweet snack, this cake is bound to be a hit.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Layer

Cream cheese
Sugar
Large egg
Lemon juice

Crumb Topping

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Butter

Cake Layer

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Vegetable oil
Sugar
Large egg
Plain Greek yogurt
Fresh lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice

Variations

Add Blueberries: For a fruity twist, add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter. The sweet blueberries pair beautifully with the tangy lemon and cream cheese layers.
Add Poppy Seeds: Add poppy seeds to the cake batter for a traditional lemon poppy seed flavor that complements the cream cheese filling.
Use Other Citrus: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime or orange juice and zest for a new variation.
Nuts in the Crumb Topping: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an extra crunch and flavor.
Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top of the cake after it cools for an added burst of citrus sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and lemon juice, mixing until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the topping aside.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, egg, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Then, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining cake batter, smoothing it over the cream cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for the cream cheese layer). The cake should be golden brown on top, and the crumb topping should be slightly crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the cake light and fluffy, mix the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
Test for Doneness: Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Crumb Topping Consistency: For the perfect crumb topping, ensure the butter is cold and cut into small pieces before mixing. This will create the right texture.
Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the cake a richer, more tender texture, but low-fat yogurt can be used as a substitute if necessary.

How to Serve

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade. The cake also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether casual or more formal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake is best enjoyed within the first couple of days, but it will stay fresh and moist for longer.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices.

Reheating

To reheat the cake, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm it up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use non-fat Greek yogurt?

Yes, non-fat Greek yogurt can be used, though it may result in a slightly less moist cake.

2. Can I make this cake without the cream cheese layer?

Yes, you can omit the cream cheese layer for a simpler lemon cake, but the cream cheese adds a wonderful richness to the cake.

3. How can I make the crumb topping more buttery?

If you want a richer crumb topping, add a bit more butter—about 1 tablespoon at a time—until the crumbs reach your desired consistency.

4. Can I use a different citrus fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange zest and juice to create a different citrus flavor.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after about 40-45 minutes.

6. Can I freeze the batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the batter, but you can freeze the cake after it’s baked and cooled.

7. Can I add poppy seeds to the cake?

Yes, adding poppy seeds to the cake batter is a great way to incorporate more texture and flavor. About 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds will work well.

8. How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.

9. How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?

Ensure that the cream cheese mixture is evenly spread and the cake batter is thick enough to hold it in place. The crumb topping also helps stabilize the layers.

10. Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a perfect combination of rich cream cheese, fresh lemon, and a tender, moist cake. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a dessert, or at a brunch gathering, this cake will be the star of the show. With its refreshing lemony flavor and indulgent cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet treat that everyone will love. Simple to make and full of flavor, this coffee cake is a delightful addition to any occasion.