Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich taste of cream cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Its soft texture and beautiful layers make it a favorite among family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. Not only is it delicious, but it is also easy to make. The combination of cherries and cream cheese creates a wonderful flavor that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, it is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual coffee gathering or a holiday celebration.

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Making Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a straightforward process. Follow these clear steps to create a delicious coffee cake that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and press it into the prepared pan.
For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this over the cake layer and add 1 cup of cherries on top.
For the crumb topping, mix sugar, salt, and flour. Add the melted butter to form crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheesecake layer and add the remaining cherries.
Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before lifting out of the pan, slice, and enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Serve this coffee cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, you can dust powdered sugar on top before serving or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How to Store Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

To store any leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake if you want to keep it longer. Wrap it well in plastic and then put it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
You can use either fresh or frozen cherries. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them before adding to the cake.
For a richer flavor, try adding some almond extract to the cream cheese layer.

Variation

You can change this recipe by using different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, instead of cherries. This will give you a new flavor while keeping the same delicious cream cheese filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as an alternative, but it may change the texture slightly.

2. How can I tell if my coffee cake is done?
You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve the next day.

Enjoy making and sharing this Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake with everyone you know!