Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
This delectable Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake has become a cherished favorite among my family, and it’s easy to see why. Originally crafted with evaporated milk and a touch of lemon juice, this version elevates the flavor and texture to new heights by incorporating sour cream alongside milk, resulting in an incredibly moist, tender, and utterly delicious cake that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, it’s perfect for serving guests or gifting to friends and family. I love to prepare it on Saturday nights, allowing the enticing aroma to fill the kitchen, while a light towel covers the cake, keeping it fresh for the Sunday morning delight.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake |
| Cook Time | 53 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 13 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Rating | 5/5 (19 reviews) |
| Description | Moist, tender coffee cake with cherry filling |
| Keywords | Breakfast, Cherries, Fruit, Brunch, Oven, < 4 Hours |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 487.1 |
| Total Fat | 21.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 72.5 mg |
| Sodium | 275 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 19.6 g |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 1/4 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 3/4 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Unsalted butter, softened |
| 1/2 tablespoon | Baking powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Baking soda |
| 1/2 cup | Sour cream |
| 1/4 cup | Milk |
| 1 | Large egg |
| 1 can (21 oz) | Cherry pie filling |
| Optional | Sliced almonds (for topping) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by combining the flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl, ensuring that they are thoroughly mixed together to create a uniform base for the batter.
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Incorporate the Butter: Next, cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, working the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it adds richness to the cake.
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Reserve Some Crumb Mixture: Set aside 1/2 cup of this crumbly mixture; it will be used later for the streusel topping.
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Mix in the Leavening Agents: Add the baking powder and baking soda to the remaining flour mixture, stirring gently to combine. This step ensures that your coffee cake rises beautifully in the oven.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate ‘liquid’ measuring cup, pour approximately 1/2 cup of sour cream (I prefer using Breakstone Fat Free for a lighter option) and then add enough milk to make a total of 3/4 cup of liquid. Blend these two ingredients together thoroughly until smooth.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the sour cream and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Stir gently just until the ingredients are moistened; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
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Create the Cake Base: Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Spread 2/3 of the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan, extending it about 1 inch up the sides to form a shell that will hold the cherry filling.
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Add the Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling into the center of the batter shell, spreading it evenly. The tartness of the cherries perfectly complements the sweet, tender cake.
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Top with Remaining Batter: Using small spoonfuls, drop the remaining batter over the cherry filling. This will create a delightful layer of cake on top.
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Prepare the Streusel Topping: Stir sliced almonds into the reserved crumb mixture you set aside earlier. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake, adding a nutty crunch that enhances the overall texture.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared cake in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Allow the cake to cool further on a wire rack before slicing.
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Enjoy: Serve your Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake warm or at room temperature, either plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. It’s the perfect complement to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
This Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake not only promises delightful flavor and moistness, but also offers an opportunity to gather loved ones around the table, sharing in the joy of a homemade treat that is sure to leave lasting memories. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend brunch, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any kitchen repertoire. Enjoy!
