Coffee Cake Cheesecake: The Perfect Blend of Sweet Layers

When it comes to dessert, there’s nothing quite like a creation that brings together the best of both worlds. Imagine the smooth, velvety richness of cheesecake paired with the warm, spiced layers of coffee cake. That’s exactly what this Coffee Cake Cheesecake delivers—a decadent, creamy cheesecake with a delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl, buttery streusel topping, and a crisp graham cracker crust.

Print

If you’re a fan of both coffee cake and cheesecake, you’ll quickly find that this dessert is the perfect fusion of flavors and textures. The graham cracker crust provides a crisp foundation, while the cheesecake filling is smooth, creamy, and rich. And let’s not forget the touch of cinnamon swirl running through the center, which brings a comforting spiced flavor that’s signature to coffee cake. The streusel topping adds a perfect crunch to contrast the creamy cheesecake, and a final drizzle of sweet icing gives it that extra special touch.

Why is this Coffee Cake Cheesecake Perfect for Beginners?

As a beginner cook, you might feel a bit intimidated by the idea of making a cheesecake. However, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for those who are new to the kitchen. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find. In fact, you probably already have most of the pantry staples on hand, making it a great option for a last-minute baking project.

This cheesecake also doesn’t require any special techniques or fancy equipment. If you have a springform pan, an electric mixer, and a few basic baking tools, you’re good to go! Plus, the water bath technique used in this recipe helps ensure a creamy, crack-free cheesecake without the need for any advanced skills. You’ll end up with a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for each component of this coffee cake cheesecake. The list may seem long, but it’s simply a breakdown of different elements that come together to create the layers of this delicious dessert.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups (210g) graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for added depth of flavor)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
• ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8oz) blocks cream cheese (32oz / 900g total, at room temperature)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)

For the Icing:

• ½ cup (70g) powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have all your ingredients ready, the next step is to assemble this coffee cake cheesecake. Below, I’ll walk you through each step with easy-to-follow instructions, along with some helpful tips to ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust:

Begin by positioning an oven rack in the center of your oven and another rack at the bottom. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is perfect for baking a cheesecake without causing it to crack or overcook.

Next, make the graham cracker crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add the melted butter and mix it until the crumbs are completely coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to pack it tightly to create a sturdy base for the cheesecake.

Bake the crust for 8 minutes. This will help it set and become crisp while you prepare the other components. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder (if using). Stir them together until well-mixed. Set this cinnamon swirl mixture aside for later.

3. Make the Streusel Topping:

For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl. Add the melted butter and mix everything together until the mixture forms a crumbly, moist texture. Set this aside as well.

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer (or hand mixer) on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can do this by hand with a wooden spoon, though it will require more effort.

Add the sour cream, flour, salt, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix until everything is well combined. This will help make the cheesecake filling smooth and creamy.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition to incorporate the egg into the batter before adding the next egg. Be sure not to overmix. Just mix until the egg is fully incorporated into the batter, and then move on to the next one.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake:

Once your cheesecake filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the layers. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Now, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake filling. Carefully drizzle the remaining cheesecake filling over the cinnamon swirl mixture. The easiest way to do this is by dolloping the filling on top and then gently spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.

Once you’ve spread the top layer, take a skewer or knife and run it through the cheesecake filling in a swirling motion to create a marble effect. Be gentle—don’t press too hard, or you may disrupt the crust beneath.

Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cheesecake. This will bake up golden and crisp, adding a delightful crunch to your cheesecake.

6. Bake the Cheesecake:

To ensure your cheesecake bakes evenly and remains creamy, you’ll need a water bath. Fill a large pan with 2 cups of boiling water and place it on the bottom rack of your preheated oven. The steam will help create a moist environment, preventing cracks in the cheesecake.

Place your cheesecake pan on the center rack above the water-filled pan. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 70 minutes. After this, carefully remove the water-filled pan from the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. The top of the cheesecake should be slightly puffed, and the streusel should be golden and crisp. Gently shake the pan; the cheesecake should jiggle in the center, but the edges should be firm.

7. Cool and Set the Cheesecake:

Once the cheesecake is done, leave it in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 2 hours to cool gradually. This gradual cooling process will help prevent cracking. After 30 minutes, run a thin knife along the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan, preventing any sticking as it cools.

After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely.

8. Make the Icing:

Once your cheesecake is fully chilled and set, it’s time to make the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. The icing should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to pour easily.

9. Drizzle and Serve:

Take the chilled cheesecake out of the springform pan. Drizzle the icing over the top, letting it gently flow over the edges. Once you’ve added the icing, slice the cheesecake into generous pieces and serve.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and prevents the cheesecake from cracking.
2. Avoid Overmixing: When adding eggs, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can cause air bubbles in the cheesecake, which may lead to cracks.
3. Water Bath Technique: The water bath helps to regulate the temperature and moisture levels in the oven, creating a creamy cheesecake without cracks. Don’t skip this step!
4. Cooling and Setting: The cheesecake will deflate slightly as it cools. This is normal. Be patient and let it chill completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Icing Variations: Feel free to get creative with the icing! You can add a little vanilla extract, caramel, or chocolate to the icing to change things up.

Serving Suggestions

This Coffee Cake Cheesecake is perfect as a standalone dessert, but you can serve it alongside a warm beverage like coffee or tea to complement its flavors. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added indulgence.

For a festive touch, top the cheesecake with fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. The tartness of the berries balances the richness of the cheesecake and adds a pop of color.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Coffee Cake Cheesecake is a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the creamy texture of cheesecake with the spiced goodness of coffee cake. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cheesecake is sure to impress. The layers of graham cracker crust, cinnamon swirl, creamy cheesecake filling, and streusel topping come together to create a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

Enjoy baking this coffee cake cheesecake, and don’t forget to share the joy with friends and family—because desserts like this are meant to be shared!