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Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
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Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a moist and luscious treat combining the bright citrus flavor of fresh lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or coffee breaks, this cake offers a tender crumb and a balance of sweet and tangy notes that make every bite irresistible and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Zest

Optional Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the fresh lemon zest until smooth and creamy to create a tangy filling.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift if desired to ensure no lumps and even rising.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, aerating the mixture for tenderness.
  4. Add Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then mix in fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract for flavor and binding.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture without overdeveloping gluten.
  6. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour half the cake batter into a greased pan, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it, then cover with remaining batter to create creamy pockets inside.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Optional Lemon Glaze: Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the cake for a bright, glossy finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to combine smoothly for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix once flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
  • Fresh lemon zest and juice provide superior flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
  • Check the cake for doneness starting 5 minutes before the end time to prevent overbaking.
  • Using a springform pan makes removing the cake easier and preserves its appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon coffee cake, cream cheese cake, citrus cake, moist cake, breakfast cake, brunch dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/lemon-cream-cheese-coffee-cake/