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Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake That Brightens Your Day

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines zesty lemon flavor with a creamy filling, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider using cake flour for an even lighter texture.
  • 1 cups Granulated Sugar Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Essential for adding that fresh lemon flavor.
  • 0.25 cups Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) Keeping it cold is key for the best texture.
  • 1 large Eggs No substitutes recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh juice is best, about 3 tablespoons per lemon.
  • 0.5 cups Milk Almond milk works well for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Check it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
  • 0.5 teaspoons Salt Balances the sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) Let it reach room temperature for easy mixing.
For the Topping
  • 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar Feel free to use brown sugar for added depth.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Ties beautifully with the cake.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
  1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Cut in 1/4 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the cake and filling.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, mixing well.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, alternating with the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup of milk.
  4. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter and then use the remaining batter to top it.
  5. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving either warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Use fresh lemons for vibrant flavor. Allow cream cheese to soften for smooth mixing. Dollop batter gently to avoid mixing layers. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

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