Description
Coffee Cake Cheesecake
Imagine combining your favorite morning coffee cake with a silky cheesecake! This Coffee Cake Cheesecake is the best of both worlds. It has a crisp graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake filling, a cinnamon sugar swirl, and a crumbly streusel topping—all topped off with a drizzle of icing. The streusel topping stays crunchy while the cheesecake remains creamy, giving you a delightful mix of textures. It may take a bit of effort, but the result is a unique and delicious dessert worth every bite!
For the crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ cup melted butter.
For the swirl: ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp cocoa powder.
For the streusel: ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup melted butter.
For the filling: 4 blocks cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp vanilla, 4 large eggs.
For the icing: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk.
Directions:
1. Pre-bake graham crust for 8 mins at 325°F.
2. Add cinnamon swirl & streusel layers.
3. Bake with a water bath below for 70 mins, then remove water bath and bake for another 20-30 mins.
4. Cool and drizzle with icing.
Prep Time: 40 mins
Kcal: 450/slice
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ cup melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Pre-bake at 325°F for 8 minutes, then let cool slightly.
2. Make the Swirl & Streusel: For the cinnamon swirl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tsp cocoa powder. For the streusel, mix ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup melted butter until crumbly.
3. Prepare the Filling: Beat 4 blocks of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar until smooth. Add ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, and 2 tsp vanilla. Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, just until combined.
4. Assemble: Pour half the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining filling. Carefully sprinkle the streusel over the top.
5. Bake: Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake at 325°F for 70 minutes. Remove the water bath and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the center is just set.
6. Cool & Finish: Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked for an hour. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Before serving, whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp milk for the icing and drizzle over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent cheesecake chilled. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cinnamon flavors beautifully. For a coffeehouse experience, pair a slice with a freshly brewed espresso or a cup of cold brew. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few coffee beans for an elegant touch.
How-to Summary
Create a pre-baked graham cracker crust. Prepare a cinnamon sugar swirl and a buttery streusel topping. Make a classic creamy cheesecake batter. Layer half the batter, the swirl, then the remaining batter, and top with streusel. Bake using a water bath for a crack-free, creamy texture. Cool slowly, then chill thoroughly before adding a simple milk icing drizzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely. It needs to chill for at least 6 hours, so making it the day before is ideal. The flavors develop even more overnight.
What’s the purpose of the water bath? The water bath creates a steamy environment, ensuring gentle, even heat. This prevents cracks and delivers an ultra-creamy texture.
Can I use a different crust? Yes. Digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well. You can also add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts to the crust mixture for extra crunch.
How do I store leftovers? Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The streusel will soften over time but will still be delicious.
Why is cocoa powder in the cinnamon swirl? The cocoa powder deepens the color of the swirl, making the layers visually distinct, and adds a subtle, rich background note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs, as this incorporates too much air and can cause cracking. Ensure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature for a smooth filling. Do not skip the water bath, as it is crucial for texture. When cooling, do not rush the process—letting it cool gradually in the turned-off oven prevents drastic temperature changes that lead to sinking or cracks. Finally, don’t slice the cheesecake before it’s completely chilled, or it will not hold its shape.
Conclusion
This Coffee Cake Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines two beloved classics. While the process requires careful steps like the water bath and gradual cooling, the reward is immense: a dessert with perfect texture contrast and deep, comforting flavors. Following this detailed guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a professional-quality result. Perfect for special occasions or whenever a truly exceptional treat is in order.