Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Looking for a delectable treat that combines creamy, fruity goodness in one scrumptious bite? Look no further than Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake! This delightful dessert is perfect for brunch, coffee breaks, or even a special family gathering. Picture a velvety cheese filling paired with tangy cherries, nestled in a fluffy cake that simply melts in your mouth. What’s more, this cake is effortless to whip up and has that baking-with-love vibe that makes it a family favorite.
Did you know that coffee cakes have a rich history in German culture? These sweet delights were traditionally enjoyed with coffee and served to guests. Just like our beloved Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes, which highlight regional flavors, Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake offers a sweet twist on classic recipes. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake: this delicious treat awaits!
What is Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake?
Ah, Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake—now there’s a name that tugs at the heartstrings! What exactly does that mean? Well, let’s explore! The “cherry” component offers a burst of fruity flavor in every bite, while the “cheese” refers to the smooth, luxurious cream cheese filling that makes this cake a true standout. It’s like a cozy hug of flavors baked into one delightful treat!
You might be wondering, why the name? Well, it’s all about coming together—just like family and friends do over a slice of cake and a cup of coffee. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and if that’s true, imagine how happy you’ll keep everyone with this cherry-infused delight! Now I’d love for you to give this recipe a try; trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Why should you add Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake to your baking repertoire? Let’s break it down! First and foremost, the highlight of this dish is its irresistible creamy texture paired with the tartness of cherries. Imagine slicing into a cake and seeing that lush cream cheese filling—it’s pure bliss!
Another great reason to make this cake is the cost-saving factor. Baking at home is not just fun; it’s economical too! You can whip up this delicious coffee cake for a fraction of the price of store-bought cakes. Plus, the ingredients are common pantry staples, meaning you won’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store.
Lastly, the flavorful topping—oh, that sweet cherry glaze! It brightens up the cake and adds that extra pop. If you enjoy another classic treat, like a blueberry muffin, you’ll love this cake’s similar approach to combining sweet and tangy flavors. So gather your ingredients and bake this delightful treat today; your family will be raving about it!
How to Make Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Quick Overview
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare! In just under an hour, you can create a delectable dessert that will impress even the pickiest eaters. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy cheese, and sweet cherries creates a well-rounded treat that’s satisfying and delightful. Let’s take a look at how easy it is to make!
Key Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round pan.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until fully combined.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by spooning the cherry pie filling on top. Finally, dollop the remaining cake batter over the cherries.
- Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
What to Serve Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake With
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with complementary dishes. Serve it alongside a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of almond milk for a delightful contrast of flavors.
For additional freshness, consider a light fruit salad on the side—think strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi—to add a pop of color and a variety of textures to your table. Whether it’s brunch, an afternoon coffee break, or a special gathering, this coffee cake is the perfect sweet pairing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
To help you achieve the perfect Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake, here are some invaluable tips:
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Cold cream cheese can create lumps that are hard to mix.
- Mixing Technique: Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy result.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!
- Substitutions: If you don’t have cherry pie filling, feel free to swap it for any other fruit filling you enjoy, like blueberry or peach, for a different twist!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake can be kept for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe container for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to warm it up, restoring its delightful flavors and textures.
There you have it! Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is sure to be your new favorite dessert. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make treat that brings friends and family together, making any gathering a little sweeter. Grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until fully combined.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by the cherry pie filling on top. Finally, dollop the remaining cake batter over the cherries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature, paired with coffee or almond milk, alongside a light fruit salad for freshness.
