Delicious Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe: A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
If you are in search of a delightful recipe that combines the sweetness of cherries with the comforting essence of a coffee cake, look no further. This Cherry Coffee Cake is a splendid choice for brunch, casual gatherings, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with friends and family. With a moist and fluffy texture, this cake showcases a rich filling of tart cherries, which beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cake itself. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this coffee cake is bound to become a favorite at any occasion.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Cherry Coffee Cake |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Breads |
| Recipe Servings | 20 servings |
| Calories per Serving | 244.3 calories |
| Keywords | Cherries, Fruit, Low Protein, Brunch, For Large Groups, < 4 Hours |
Ingredients
To create this delightful Cherry Coffee Cake, gather the following ingredients. Each ingredient plays a significant role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Shortening | ⅔ cup |
| Milk | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar (for filling) | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour (for topping) | 1½ cups |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Margarine | ¼ cup |
| Granulated sugar (for topping) | ¼ cup |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Salt (for filling) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Tart cherries (pitted) | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information
This coffee cake offers a balance of calories and macronutrients, making it an enjoyable treat without overwhelming your diet.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 244.3 |
| Total Fat | 9.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.4 mg |
| Sodium | 224.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 23.5 g |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
Instructions
Creating the Cherry Coffee Cake is an enjoyable and straightforward process that results in a moist, flavorful dessert that everyone will love. Follow these detailed steps for a successful bake:
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Begin by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This helps to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly and ensures a light texture in the final cake. -
Incorporate the Shortening:
Once the dry ingredients are well combined, place the mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening to the flour mixture, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. -
Add the Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk while gently mixing until the dough forms a soft, cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake. Once combined, spread the dough evenly into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, ensuring a smooth and even layer. Set aside while preparing the cherry filling. -
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt for the filling. Drain the tart cherries, reserving the juice. Add the juice to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the almond extract. Then, gently fold in the pitted cherries and allow the filling to cool slightly. -
Spread the Cherry Filling:
Carefully spread the cherry filling over the prepared dough in the baking pan, ensuring even coverage. The cherries will provide a burst of flavor in every bite, so don’t be shy about getting it spread out nicely. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon to create the topping. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping generously over the cherry filling, creating a delightful, crunchy layer that complements the soft cake. -
Bake the Coffee Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the coffee cake for 50–55 minutes, or until the cake is bubbly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of the baking cake will fill your kitchen and is sure to excite your family or guests. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked to perfection, remove the cherry coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After cooling slightly, cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake is perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or as a delightful treat any time of day.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Cherry Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. You can also freeze portions of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Conclusion
This Cherry Coffee Cake recipe is not only simple to make but also yields a deliciously sweet and tart dessert that is sure to please a crowd. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat any time of the day, it combines the delightful flavors of cherries with a moist cake base, making it a versatile and enjoyable option for any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in the delightful process of creating this fantastic Cherry Coffee Cake; you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy your baking!
