Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Slices

This delectable Coffee Cake recipe with a rich cream cheese filling and sweet glaze is perfect for indulging in a delightful morning treat or serving at special occasions. The soft and tender dough, combined with the creamy and sweet cream cheese filling, makes it an irresistible delight. The recipe yields three 12-inch coffee cakes, each sliced into about 10 pieces, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 8-ounce carton sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼-ounce packages active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (not warmer than 105–110°F)
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 4 cups flour

FOR THE FILLING:

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat sour cream in a saucepan until it bubbles.
2. Remove from heat and add butter, sugar, and salt.
3. Dissolve yeast in water. Stir in the sour cream mixture after it has cooled slightly. Transfer the sour cream mixture to a mixing bowl. Add eggs.
4. Mix in flour, a bit at a time, to make a soft dough.
5. Cover and chill the dough overnight or for at least 5 to 6 hours.
6. When ready to assemble, combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla and set aside. The filling can be made in a food processor or with a mixer. It should be smooth.
7. After the overnight chill, divide the dough into three portions. Knead each portion just four to five times on a lightly floured surface, then roll into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
8. Spread one-third of the filling on each rectangle, staying within ½ inch of the edge. Roll from the long side and pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Using a clean kitchen scissor or a serrated knife, cut/snip four to five slashes or X’s across the top.
10. Allow the coffee cakes to rise for about 1 hour (until doubled) in a warm place.
11. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
12. While the pastry is baking, prepare the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until very smooth.
13. Drizzle the glaze over the warm coffee cakes. The glaze will run over the edges and puddle around the cakes. Once the glaze has set, slice the coffee cakes into long slices on the diagonal and serve.

TIPS:

• Preparation Time: While this recipe is straightforward, it requires some planning due to the chilling time. It’s best to prepare the dough the night before or at least 5 to 6 hours in advance to allow for proper chilling.
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough enhances its texture and makes it easier to work with. After kneading, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.
• Softening Cream Cheese: To ensure a smooth and creamy filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened before preparing the filling. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or use a microwave at low power for a few seconds.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk quantity when preparing the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk, and for a runnier glaze, add a bit more milk.

Enjoy this delightful Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Glaze with your loved ones as a special treat or a comforting morning delight. The creamy and sweet flavors will surely make it a favorite for any occasion!