There’s just something magical about the smell of a fresh cake baking in the oven, isn’t there? I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement every time I whip up my beloved cherry cheese coffee cake! This delightful treat is not just for dessert; it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or that sweet afternoon pick-me-up. I love serving it at family gatherings or cozy weekend get-togethers with friends. Trust me, the vibrant cherry filling paired with the creamy cheese layer creates a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again! So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my delicious cherry cheese coffee cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature; this really helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that luscious texture we all love! Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part: baking!
How to Prepare the Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious cherry cheese coffee cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to impress your family and friends.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises just right. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than an undercooked center!
Prepare the Cake Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is blended well. Then, add in the softened butter and egg. Mix it all together until everything is just combined—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a nice, thick batter that’s ready to be spread in your baking pan.
Spread the Cake Mixture
Now, grab a greased baking pan. I usually use an 8-inch square pan, but whatever you have will work! Spoon the cake mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly. A spatula works wonders here. You want to make sure it’s nice and flat so it bakes evenly!
Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy—about 3 minutes should do the trick. Using softened cream cheese is key here; it makes for a silky texture that’s just divine!
Assemble the Cake
Once your cream cheese mixture is ready, gently spread it over the cake base, making sure to cover it all the way to the edges. Then, take your cherry pie filling and dollop it on top of the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or spatula to swirl it in if you’d like—it adds a lovely marbled effect!
Baking Instructions
Pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; every oven is a little different!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step helps set the layers perfectly! You can serve it warm for a cozy treat or let it chill in the fridge for a refreshing dessert. Either way, it pairs beautifully with a nice cup of coffee!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Deliciously rich flavor combining the tangy cream cheese with sweet cherry filling—truly a match made in heaven!
- Versatile enough to serve at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
- Perfectly pairs with coffee or tea, making it a great addition to any gathering with friends or family.
- Moist and fluffy texture that keeps well, so you can enjoy it for days (if it lasts that long!).
- Customizable! Feel free to swap out the cherry filling for your favorite fruit or mix things up with nuts and spices.
Tips for Success
Ready to take your cherry cheese coffee cake to the next level? Here are some pro tips that I swear by to ensure your cake comes out perfectly every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, giving you that creamy texture we all love. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. A good rule of thumb is to start checking around the 30-minute mark. Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Cool Properly: Allow your cake to cool for a bit in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings—blueberries, peaches, or even a mix! You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of nuts to the cream cheese layer for an extra twist.
- Store Wisely: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for a few days, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of cherry cheese coffee cake! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my cherry cheese coffee cake, it’s always good to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things, even though it’s the taste that really matters, right? Just remember, the following values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or brands you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown per slice (assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
So, while you savor each bite of this delightful cake, you can also feel a little better knowing what you’re indulging in. Enjoy every delicious moment!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my cherry cheese coffee cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers to help you out.
How should I store leftover cherry cheese coffee cake?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up. It’s just as delicious cold, but you can also pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy it warm!
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Absolutely! If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
For sure! While cherry is my favorite, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, or even mixed berries. They all add a unique twist and are equally delicious!
What can I serve with this coffee cake?
This cherry cheese coffee cake is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You could also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience!
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s suitable for baking, and you should be good to go!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you find yourself without cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake keeps well, so you can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the oven for a cozy treat!
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out! I love sharing tips and helping fellow bakers create this scrumptious cherry cheese coffee cake! Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cherry cheese coffee cake perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add softened butter and egg, mix until combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
- Add cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled.
- This cake pairs well with coffee.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cherry cheese coffee cake
