Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe: How 5 Ingredients Make Magic

Have you ever wished you could enjoy two amazing desserts at once? With this Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe, you don’t have to choose! This magical combination brings together the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of coffee cake. The best part? You only need 5 key ingredients to create this show-stopping dessert. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions that guarantee perfect results every time you make this coffee cake cheesecake recipe.

The Magic of Coffee Cake Cheesecake

What makes this dessert so special? It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved classics. Coffee cake has been warming hearts since the 17th century when Europeans enjoyed sweet breads with their morning coffee. Cheesecake goes back even further to ancient Greece! Now, we’ve combined these time-honored treats into one amazing Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe.

The creamy, smooth texture of cheesecake pairs perfectly with the moist, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that balances the silky cheesecake layer. This recipe stands out because it’s easier than you might think – no fancy techniques required, just simple steps that lead to amazing results.

The 5 Magical Ingredients

Ingredient #1: Cream Cheese

The foundation of any good Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe is quality cream cheese. Philadelphia cream cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, providing that perfect creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature before using for the smoothest results.

Ingredient #2: Coffee

Real brewed coffee gives this dessert its distinctive flavor. For the best results, use freshly brewed, strong coffee that has cooled to room temperature. The coffee flavor adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Ingredient #3: Cinnamon Streusel Components

The magic of coffee cake lies in its streusel topping. You’ll need brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. When combined, these simple ingredients create that irresistible crumbly layer that makes coffee cake so special.

Ingredient #4: Graham Cracker Crust

A good cheesecake starts with a great crust. Crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter form the perfect base for your Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe, adding a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that complements both the coffee and cheese elements.

Ingredient #5: Vanilla Extract

This may seem simple, but vanilla extract is the secret flavor enhancer that ties everything together. Just a teaspoon brings out the best in both the cheesecake and coffee cake layers.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe, you’ll need:

A 9-inch springform pan (this makes removing the cake much easier)
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Large mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Cooling rack

Pro tip: Wrap the outside of your springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking. This is essential if you’re using a water bath method.

Step-by-Step Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Preparing the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
Mix 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ⅓ cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool

The pre-baking step gives you a firmer crust that won’t get soggy under the wet cheesecake batter.

Creating the Cheesecake Layer

Beat 3 packages (24 oz) room-temperature cream cheese until smooth
Add 1 cup sugar and beat until well combined
Mix in 3 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition
Add ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour half of this batter over the cooled crust

For the creamiest texture, don’t overmix after adding the eggs. Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.

Making the Coffee Cake Layer

In a separate bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cut in ½ cup cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for topping
To the remaining mixture, add 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup milk, and 1 egg
Mix until just combined to create your coffee cake batter

Assembly and Layering Technique

Pour the coffee cake batter over the cheesecake layer in the pan
Add the remaining cheesecake batter on top
Using a knife, gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect
Sprinkle the reserved streusel mixture on top

The order of layers is important for this Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe. Having cheesecake on the bottom and top with coffee cake in the middle creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Baking Process

Place your springform pan on a baking sheet or in a larger pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water (water bath)
Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour
Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating overnight

The water bath creates a humid environment that helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecake develops cracks, don’t worry! You can cover them with a thin layer of sweetened sour cream or extra streusel topping. For the best texture, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

If you have an older oven that runs hot, lower the temperature by 25 degrees and check your Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe earlier to prevent overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

This Coffee Cake Cheesecake is best served chilled but not cold – remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

It pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh coffee or espresso
Hot chocolate
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time since it needs to chill overnight anyway. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when properly stored.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without toppings) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations of the Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Seasonal Adaptations

Fall: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the cheesecake layer
Summer: Include fresh berries between the layers
Winter: Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes on top

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour
Lower sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ and use a sugar substitute in the cheesecake layer
No-bake option: Try a coffee cake cheesecake no bake version by setting the cheesecake with gelatin

Flavor Variations

Mocha: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cheesecake mixture
Caramel: Swirl caramel sauce through the batters
Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel
Coffee cake cheesecake bars: Use a 9×13 pan and cut into squares for easy serving

Conclusion

This Coffee Cake Cheesecake Recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the comforting warmth of coffee cake with the rich decadence of cheesecake. With just 5 main ingredients and these easy steps, you can create a dessert that will impress everyone at your table.

Why not try this recipe this weekend? The combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious. Be sure to let us know how your Coffee Cake Cheesecake turns out in the comments below!

Ready to start baking? Grab your ingredients and enjoy the wonderful process of creating this magical dessert!

FAQ

1. How long is coffee cake cheesecake good for?

Your coffee cake cheesecake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4–5 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it (see below).

2. What does coffee cake cheesecake taste like?

This dessert combines the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of coffee cake (think cinnamon streusel and buttery crumb topping). The coffee flavor is subtle but enhances the overall depth.

3. How do you increase the coffee flavor in the cake?

For a stronger coffee taste:

Add 1–2 tsp instant espresso powder to the cheesecake batter or streusel.
Brush the baked cheesecake layers with coffee syrup (1 tbsp hot water + 1 tsp espresso powder).
Use coffee-infused whipped cream as a topping.

4. How do you describe coffee cake cheesecake?

A decadent hybrid dessert with:

A buttery, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake base (or swirl).
A smooth, creamy cheesecake layer.
A crunchy streusel topping (and sometimes a drizzle of glaze).

5. How do you know when coffee cake cheesecake is done?

Cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly (like Jell-O) when gently shaken. The internal temperature should be 150°F (65°C). Overbaking causes dryness.

6. How do you preserve coffee cake cheesecake?

Fridge: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic + foil (or use airtight containers) for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

7. Is coffee cake cheesecake considered a dessert?

Yes! It’s a rich, sweet dessert perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or after-dinner treats.

8. Why is my coffee cake cheesecake chewy?

Overmixing the batter (develops gluten in the cake layer).
Overbaking the cheesecake (causes dryness and rubberiness).
Incorrect ratios (too much flour or not enough fat in the cake portion).

9. Does coffee cake cheesecake freeze well?

Yes! Freeze unbaked or baked:

Unbaked: Assemble without topping, freeze, then add streusel before baking.
Baked: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

10. How do you soften coffee cake cheesecake?

If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. For dry cake layers, brush with simple syrup or warm milk before assembling.

11. What gives coffee more flavor in baking?

Espresso powder (intense, no liquid added).
Brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate (replaces water/milk in batter).
Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) in glazes or fillings.

12. Why do people put coffee in cake?

Coffee enhances chocolate and spice flavors (like cinnamon in streusel) without making the cake taste like plain coffee. It adds depth and richness.