Taste the Oregon Sunshine: Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Photo bydalle 3

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and lush forests, Oregon is known for its vibrant local produce and love of all things fresh and flavorful. One of the best ways to bring a taste of the Oregon sunshine into your kitchen is with a delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a fusion of fluffy cake, tangy cream cheese, and a crispy crumb topping that perfectly captures the essence of Oregon's culinary spirit. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or sharing a special moment with friends, this coffee cake is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

The Fresh Flavors of Oregon

Imagine biting into a soft, moist cake with a burst of lemony freshness that instantly brightens your palate. The Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is layered with a creamy, tangy filling that adds a luxurious texture, while the crumbly topping gives a satisfying crunch. This cake is inspired by the bounty of Oregon, where lemons are cherished for their bright flavor and ability to elevate any dish. It’s a testament to the region’s love for fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• For the Cake Layer:
• • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup sugar
• For the Crumb Topping:
• • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and lemon juice until smooth and set aside. This filling will add a delicious creamy layer to your coffee cake.
3. Prepare the Cake Layer: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside. This dry mix forms the base of your cake.
4. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, blend the vegetable oil and sugar for about two minutes until well combined. Add the egg and continue mixing until smooth.
5. Incorporate Lemon and Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and juice to the mixture, beating until everything is well incorporated. The Greek yogurt and lemon give the cake a moist texture and a refreshing flavor.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing gently to avoid overmixing and ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
7. Assemble the Cake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Carefully layer the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
8. Prepare the Crumb Topping: For the crumb topping, combine the flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Use a fork to blend until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake.
9. Bake: Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cake into 16 squares. Enjoy your delicious slice of Oregon sunshine!

A Sweet Taste of Oregon

This Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake brings together the vibrant flavors of lemon with the rich creaminess of cheese, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a special dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this delightful coffee cake that captures the heart and soul of Oregon in every bite.

To make a delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, you can follow a few key steps to create a moist, flavorful cake with a creamy layer and a crumbly topping. The cake combines a lemon-flavored batter with a smooth cream cheese filling and a buttery crumb topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

For the full recipe, including detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions, check out these resources from Taste of Home and other variations like an Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake from Taste of Home. These recipes offer great tips on how to bake the cake perfectly and how to modify it with different flavors and ingredients.

Feel free to explore these links for more detailed instructions and to discover other exciting coffee cake variations!