Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Lemon Coffee Cake

This Lemon Coffee Cake with Greek yogurt and cream cheese is bright, moist, and topped with a buttery crumb topping. The creamy lemony center and fluffy base are balanced with a tangy sweetness that makes this the ultimate breakfast cake or afternoon treat.

 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Light and fluffy cake with lemony zing
  • Cream cheese center for extra moisture and richness
  • Crunchy crumble topping for texture
  • Bakes beautifully in an 8×8 pan
  • Ideal for brunch, dessert, or snacking

 


Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Lemon Coffee Cake – Lemony, Creamy, and Incredibly Tender

If you love lemon desserts that aren’t overly sweet — that hit the perfect balance between tangy and rich — this Lemon Coffee Cake will steal your heart. It’s everything a coffee cake should be: moist, tender, and full of layers, but made even better with a bright lemon twist and a creamy center.

The secret? Greek yogurt and lemon juice work together to make the cake fluffy and flavorful, while the cream cheese layer adds richness without being too heavy. It’s like a lemon cheesecake met a bakery-style coffee cake — and decided to collaborate.

Unlike heavier loaf cakes, this one bakes up airy thanks to the oil and yogurt. You’ll taste real lemon in every layer, from zest to juice, but it’s never overpowering.

The crumb topping takes it over the top: buttery, golden, and just the right amount of crunch. It creates that bakery-style finish that makes this cake look and taste like it came from a café.

This cake is made in a simple 8×8 baking dish, making it perfect for a small gathering or a weekend baking session. Serve it warm with tea or coffee, or chill it for an extra refreshing bite.

It also travels well — a great addition to potlucks, brunch spreads, or office treats. Bonus: it stays moist for days.

Whether you’re a citrus lover or just need something cheerful to bake, this coffee cake is pure comfort.

 

 

 

 


Servings

Serves: 9–12 squares

Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes


Ingredients

Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz Greek yogurt cream cheese (or regular), softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Coffee Cake
  • 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
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
Crumb Topping
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Make Cream Cheese Layer:
  1. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
Make Cake Batter:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, mix oil and sugar. Add egg and beat well.
  3. Stir in Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until combined — do not overmix.
Assemble the Cake:
  1. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment (or grease).
  2. Spread cake batter evenly in the dish.
  3. Carefully pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
Make Crumb Topping:
  1. In a bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter with forks or pastry cutter until crumbly.
  2. Sprinkle over cream cheese layer.
Bake:
  1. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until golden and center is set.
  2. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Tips

  • For more lemon flavor, add extra zest or juice.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture.
  • Store in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.
  • This cake freezes well in slices.

 

 

 

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