Cream cheese if it is baked into a coffee cake can you leave out on the counter?

It's not recommended to leave baked coffee cake containing cream cheese out on the counter for extended periods, even if it's been baked. Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Cream cheese, even when baked, can still harbor bacteria. Leaving it at room temperature for too long increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can cause food poisoning.

* Spoilage: Cream cheese can spoil more quickly at room temperature, becoming moldy or developing an off-flavor.

Here's a safer approach:

* Refrigerate promptly: After baking, let the coffee cake cool slightly, then refrigerate it within 2 hours.

* Room temperature serving: If you want to serve it at room temperature, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.

* Safety guidelines: Always follow proper food safety guidelines and refrigerate any leftover coffee cake within 2 hours of baking.

Remember: It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety.