Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of cream cheese, all nestled within layers of tender coffee cake. This flavorful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
To prepare Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake, a buttery and moist coffee cake batter is typically layered with a cream cheese filling and cherry pie filling. The cream cheese layer adds a velvety richness, while the cherry filling contributes a burst of fruity sweetness. These layers are often repeated to create a visually appealing and deliciously textured cake.
The coffee cake is then baked until golden brown, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to achieve the perfect balance between soft cake, creamy cheese, and juicy cherries. Once cooled, the cake is sometimes dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze to add a finishing touch of sweetness.
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions, from casual family breakfasts to more formal gatherings. Its combination of sweet cherries, creamy cheese, and moist cake makes it a delightful choice for those who appreciate the harmonious interplay of flavors and textures in a single, delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 box of cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and granulated sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of this crumbly mixture for garnish.
- Add Leavening Agents: To the reserved 1/2 cup of crumbly mixture, add the baking powder and baking soda. Mix them in.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and almond extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until the ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are some lumps.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread two-thirds of the dough mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of the greased springform pan. Use your fingers or a spoon to create an even layer.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough in the pan, spreading it evenly to form a layer of cherries.
- Add Remaining Dough: Spoon the remaining one-third of the dough mixture over the cherry filling. Do not spread it; it’s okay if it’s in clumps.
- Sprinkle with Almonds: Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, release the sides of the springform pan and allow the cake to cool further on a wire rack.
- Serve: Slice and serve your delicious Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake. Enjoy!
This coffee cake is a delightful treat with a cherry filling and a crumbly almond topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy!