Coffee Cake with Streusel and Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this cake balances crumbly, sweet streusel and rich glaze with a light, fluffy cake. The lemon-cream cheese topping adds a fresh zing that lifts the flavors. It looks impressive but is easy enough to bake mid-week—and it fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake

• all-purpose flour

• granulated sugar

• baking powder

• baking soda

• salt

• unsalted butter, softened

• eggs

• whole milk or buttermilk

• vanilla extract

• lemon zest

Streusel

• all-purpose flour

• light brown sugar

• ground cinnamon

• cold unsalted butter, cubed

• a pinch of salt

Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

• cream cheese, softened

• powdered sugar

• fresh lemon juice

• lemon zest

• a splash of milk (optional, for consistency)

directions

1. Preheat & prepare pan: I set the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9-inch springform or square baking pan; I line the bottom if needed.

2. Make the streusel: I combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. I cut in cold butter with a fork until the mixture holds together in coarse crumbs and set it aside.

3. Mix dry cake ingredients: I whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

4. Cream butter & eggs: I beat softened butter with eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.

5. Combine wet and dry: I alternate adding milk and dry mix to the butter-egg mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Assemble the cake: I pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the streusel, top with the rest of the batter, then finish with the remaining streusel.

7. Bake: I bake 35–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. I let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

8. Make the glaze: I beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and a little milk if needed; I adjust to a pourable consistency.

9. Glaze & serve: I drizzle the lemon cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake, letting it gently drip down the sides. I slice and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 9–12 generous slices

• Prep Time: ~20 minutes

• Bake Time: 35–45 minutes

• Cool + Glaze Time: ~20 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Berry swirl: Dollop raspberry or blueberry jam across the batter before baking, and swirl with a toothpick.

• Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for extra texture.

• Citrus twist: Replace lemon zest with orange or lime for a new flavor profile.

• Gluten‑free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

• Mini muffins: Bake in a muffin tin—adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes.

storage/reheating

I store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days (especially to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh). To warm a slice, I pop it into the microwave for 10–15 seconds so the glaze softens and the cake feels warm again.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for guests?

Yes! I bake it the day before, store it in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

I skip the glaze and dust the top with powdered sugar—still delicious!

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

I make sure the cake is fully cooled before glazing, and I line the pan to make removing it easier.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, I reduce brown sugar in the streusel by up to 25%, or swap half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar—flavor and texture stay great.

Does the glaze need refrigeration?

Because of the cream cheese, I store the glazed cake in the fridge. It stays flavorful, and I let it sit 10 minutes before serving so it’s not too firm.

Conclusion

This Coffee Cake with Streusel and Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful blend of soft cake, crunchy topping, and bright glaze—a comforting yet elegant treat anytime. It works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and I’m excited for you to fall in love with its flavors as much as I have.

Print