Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: A Deliciously Decadent Treat
When you think of indulgent baked goods that have the power to wow your friends and family, few desserts can compete with the rich flavors and eye-catching presentation of Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake. This delightful creation is a beloved favorite, known not only for its sweet and tangy cherry topping but also for its creamy cheese filling nestled within a flaky crescent roll crust. With the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of tartness, this coffee cake is destined to become a regular fixture at your gatherings, earning you compliments and requests for the recipe. Let’s dive into the details of creating this sumptuous treat in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 12 servings |
| Category | Breads |
| Keywords | < 60 Mins, Oven |
| Aggregated Rating | 5 stars |
| Review Count | 3 |
| Calories per Serving | 238.8 |
| Fat Content | 9.3 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 55.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 243.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 33.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 10.4 g |
| Protein Content | 5.3 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cream cheese |
| 1/3 cup | Powdered sugar |
| 1 | Egg yolk |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 2 cups | Powdered sugar (for glaze) |
| 1/2 cup | Milk (for glaze) |
| 1 – 2 cans | Cherry pie filling |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is essential to ensure that your coffee cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crust that everyone loves.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the heart of your coffee cake, providing a rich and delightful contrast to the tart cherries.
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Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent rolls and reserve four triangles for decoration later on. Carefully separate the remaining dough into 12 triangles, and then arrange these triangles on a 15-inch round baking sheet or a baking stone, ensuring that the points of the triangles are facing toward the center. This will create a beautiful base for your coffee cake.
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Form the Base: Gently roll the dough into a circle approximately 14 inches in diameter, ensuring to seal the seams where the triangles meet. For added flair, cut out the center of the dough using a glass, discarding the cut-out piece. This step not only allows for more filling but also enhances the presentation.
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Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the prepared dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. This is where the magic happens, as the creaminess of the filling pairs wonderfully with the cherries to create a mouthwatering treat.
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Add the Cherry Pie Filling: Top the cream cheese mixture with your choice of cherry pie filling, ensuring to distribute it evenly. The vibrant red cherries will not only add a burst of flavor but will also make your coffee cake visually stunning.
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Prepare the Decorative Strips: Roll the remaining dough into a rectangle measuring about 6 inches wide and 7 inches long. Cut this rectangle lengthwise into 12 strips. These strips will be twisted and placed over the cherry filling to create a decorative pattern that adds to the cake’s aesthetic appeal.
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Twist and Arrange: Take each strip and twist it gently before placing it in a spoke-like fashion over the cherry filling. Ensure that the ends are pressed down to seal at both the center and the outer edges, creating a beautiful and cohesive design.
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Brush with Egg Wash: For a golden finish, brush the twisted strips with lightly beaten egg white. This step is crucial for achieving that shiny, appetizing look that will have everyone thinking your coffee cake came straight from a bakery.
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Bake the Coffee Cake: Place your assembled coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will be a sure sign that something wonderful is happening.
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Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack. This step helps to set the filling and makes it easier to slice later on.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth. This sweet drizzle will enhance the flavors of your cake and add an elegant finishing touch.
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Drizzle the Glaze: Finally, once the coffee cake has cooled sufficiently, drizzle the glaze over the top in a decorative manner. This not only adds sweetness but also makes your Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake truly irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the coffee cake into generous pieces and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe; it is a statement piece that showcases your baking skills while providing a deliciously satisfying experience for your guests. With its creamy filling, fruity topping, and golden crust, it’s no wonder that this cake has earned a place in the hearts of those who have tasted it. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging yourself, this coffee cake is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking unfold in your kitchen!
By following this detailed recipe, you will not only create a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery but also one that tastes absolutely divine. Happy baking!
