Cherry Coffee Cake: A Sweet Delight
Indulging in a slice of Cherry Coffee Cake is like taking a journey into a world of sweetness and warmth. This delectable treat combines the comfort of a classic coffee cake with the burst of fruity goodness that only cherries can offer. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, with a crumbly topping, moist cake, and pockets of juicy cherries.
A Brief History of Cherry Coffee Cake
The history of Cherry Coffee Cake traces back to early European baking traditions. Cherries, readily available in many regions, found their way into various pastries and cakes. The concept of coffee cake itself is closely tied to social gatherings and coffeehouses in Europe, where friends and acquaintances would gather for coffee and cake, fostering a sense of community. Over the years, the marriage of cherries and coffee cake became a beloved classic, with regional variations emerging across the globe.
Why We Adore Cherry Coffee Cake
People adore Cherry Coffee Cake for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a versatile treat that suits various occasions – from lazy weekend brunches to elegant dessert tables. Secondly, the tartness of cherries perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Furthermore, the crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Lastly, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for home bakers.
Baking Cherry Coffee Cake at Home
Baking Cherry Coffee Cake at home is a rewarding experience. Begin with a basic coffee cake batter, then gently fold in cherries – fresh or canned – before topping it with a buttery streusel mixture. The magic happens in the oven, as the cake bakes to golden perfection, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you enjoy it with a steaming cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, Cherry Coffee Cake has the power to create moments of pure delight and warmth in your life. Try baking it yourself to experience the joy it brings!
Ingredients for Cherry Coffee Cake
Cherry Filling
⦁ – 3 cups (414 g) dark sweet cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
⦁ – ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
⦁ – 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, from about ½ medium lemon
⦁ – 3 tablespoons (44 ml) cornstarch
⦁ – ½ teaspoon (2 ml) almond extract
⦁ – ⅛ teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
⦁ – ¼ cup (59 g) water, if using fresh cherries
Almond Streusel Topping
⦁ – ⅔ cup (147 g) light brown sugar, packed
⦁ – ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
⦁ – 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
⦁ – ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) salt
⦁ – ½ cup (114 g) unsalted butter, cold; cut into cubes
⦁ – ½ cup (118 g) sliced almonds
Sour Cream Cake
⦁ – Baking spray
⦁ – ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
⦁ – ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
⦁ – ½ cup (114 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⦁ – 3 large eggs, room temperature
⦁ – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
⦁ – ½ teaspoon (2 ml) almond extract
⦁ – 3 tablespoons (44 ml) vegetable oil, canola used
⦁ – ¾ cup (173 g) sour cream, room temperature
⦁ – 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
⦁ – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
⦁ – ½ teaspoon (2 ml) baking soda
⦁ – ½ teaspoon (2 ml) salt
⦁ – Powdered sugar, optional
Cherry Filling:
– Dark Sweet Cherries (3 cups, fresh or frozen, pitted): The star of the filling, these cherries provide a burst of fruity sweetness and tartness to the cake, creating a luscious cherry layer.
– Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sugar sweetens the cherries and helps create a thick, gooey filling when combined with other ingredients.
– Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons, from about ½ medium lemon): Lemon juice adds a hint of brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness of the cherries.
– Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the cherry filling isn’t too runny.
– Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): Almond extract infuses a subtle nutty flavor that compliments the cherries exceptionally well.
– Ground Cinnamon (⅛ teaspoon): A touch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
– Water (¼ cup, if using fresh cherries): Water is used to create a syrupy consistency when making the filling with fresh cherries.
Almond Streusel Topping:
– Light Brown Sugar (⅔ cup, packed): Brown sugar, when mixed with butter and flour, creates a sweet, crumbly topping with a caramel-like flavor.
– Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Granulated sugar adds extra sweetness to the streusel.
– All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Flour is the main component of the streusel, forming the crumbly texture.
– Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
– Unsalted Butter (½ cup, cold; cut into cubes): Cold butter is essential for creating the crumbly streusel texture when combined with flour and sugar.
– Sliced Almonds (½ cup): Sliced almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the streusel.
Sour Cream Cake:
– Baking Spray: Baking spray is used to grease the baking pan, ensuring the cake doesn’t stick.
– Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sugar sweetens the cake batter.
– Light Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
– Unsalted Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Butter provides moisture and richness to the cake.
– Large Eggs (3, room temperature): Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the cake.
– Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla extract adds a pleasant aroma and flavor to the cake.
– Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): Almond extract enhances the cake’s almond flavor.
– Vegetable Oil (3 tablespoons, canola used): Vegetable oil contributes to the cake’s moisture and texture.
– Sour Cream (¾ cup, room temperature): Sour cream makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
– All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Flour is the primary dry ingredient, providing structure.
– Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) and Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): These leavening agents help the cake rise and become fluffy.
– Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
– Powdered Sugar (Optional): Powdered sugar can be used for dusting the finished cake, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Steps to make Cherry Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, gather all the cherry filling ingredients – dark sweet cherries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and water. As they warm up, stir them together. This mixture will soon become the delightful cherry filling for your cake.
Step 2: Simmering the Filling
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil while continuing to stir. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to perfection. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool gracefully.
Step 3: Crafting the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine cold, cubed unsalted butter with light brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Blend these ingredients using a fork, pastry cutter, or even your hands, until they resemble delightful, crumbly goodness. Don’t forget to mix in those sliced almonds for that extra crunch. This topping is going to add a layer of texture to your cake.
Step 4: Prepping the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F. Then, prepare your baking pan – whether it’s a 9-inch springform pan or a 9×9 square baking pan – with a generous coat of baking spray and a lining of parchment paper. If you’re using a square pan, leave a bit of an overhang for easy cake removal later.
Step 5: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a roomy stand mixer or a large bowl with a trusty hand mixer, let’s start by creaming together your unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until they become delightfully fluffy.
Step 6: Incorporating the Eggs and Extracts
One at a time, introduce those eggs into the mix, and follow them up with the pure vanilla and almond extracts. This combo will infuse your cake with delicious flavor.
Step 7: Embracing the Oil and Sour Cream
Time to mix in some vegetable oil, followed by the velvety goodness of sour cream. These ingredients will keep your cake moist and tender.
Step 8: Adding the Dry Ingredients
Sift in your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a touch of salt. Gently fold them in until they’re just combined into a smooth batter.
Step 9: Preparing the Cake Pan
Scoop about a third of your cake batter into your prepared pan and set it aside for a moment.
Step 10: Layering with Cherry Filling
Now, spread your cooled cherry filling evenly over the center of the batter in the pan. Leave about an inch of border around the edges; we’re creating a fruity surprise.
Step 11: Topping with Cake Batter and Crumbs
Return to the remaining cake batter and spread it over the cherry filling, making sure everything’s beautifully covered. Sprinkle your crumb topping on the cake; it’s going to bake into a golden treasure.
Step 12: Baking and Cooling
Pop your cake into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. Once a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and those crumbs on top are gloriously golden brown, your cake is ready. Allow it to cool in the pan for around 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for the grand finale of cooling. If you’d like, dust it with a gentle layer of powdered sugar before indulging in your homemade Cherry Coffee Cake.
Nutrition Facts
⦁ – Calories: 500 kcal
⦁ – Fat: 28 g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 15 g
⦁ – Trans Fat: 1 g
⦁ – Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
⦁ – Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g
⦁ – Carbohydrates: 72 g
⦁ – Fiber: 3 g
⦁ – Sugar: 43 g
⦁ – Protein: 8 g
⦁ – Cholesterol: 95 mg
⦁ – Sodium: 265 mg
⦁ – Potassium: 254 mg
⦁ – Vitamin A: 652 IU
⦁ – Vitamin C: 4 mg
⦁ – Calcium: 101 mg
⦁ – Iron: 2 mg
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Ingredients
Ingredients for Cherry Coffee Cake
Cherry Filling
- ⦁ - 3 cups 414 g dark sweet cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
- ⦁ - ½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
- ⦁ - 2 tablespoons 30 ml fresh lemon juice, from about ½ medium lemon
- ⦁ - 3 tablespoons 44 ml cornstarch
- ⦁ - ½ teaspoon 2 ml almond extract
- ⦁ - ⅛ teaspoon 1 ml ground cinnamon
- ⦁ - ¼ cup 59 g water, if using fresh cherries
Almond Streusel Topping
- ⦁ - ⅔ cup 147 g light brown sugar, packed
- ⦁ - ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
- ⦁ - 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
- ⦁ - ¼ teaspoon 1 ml salt
- ⦁ - ½ cup 114 g unsalted butter, cold; cut into cubes
- ⦁ - ½ cup 118 g sliced almonds
Sour Cream Cake
- ⦁ - Baking spray
- ⦁ - ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
- ⦁ - ½ cup 110 g light brown sugar
- ⦁ - ½ cup 114 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⦁ - 3 large eggs room temperature
- ⦁ - 1 teaspoon 5 ml pure vanilla extract
- ⦁ - ½ teaspoon 2 ml almond extract
- ⦁ - 3 tablespoons 44 ml vegetable oil, canola used
- ⦁ - ¾ cup 173 g sour cream, room temperature
- ⦁ - 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- ⦁ - 1 teaspoon 5 ml baking powder
- ⦁ - ½ teaspoon 2 ml baking soda
- ⦁ - ½ teaspoon 2 ml salt
- ⦁ - Powdered sugar optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Filling
- 🍒 In a saucepan, combine dark sweet cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, cinnamon, and water. 🍋🍒 Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and cool. 🍒🔥
Step 2: Crafting the Crumb Topping
- 🧈 In a separate bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, and add sliced almonds for extra crunch. 💪🌰
Step 3: Prepping the Pan and Oven
- 🍰 Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your pan with baking spray and parchment paper for easy removal. 🍽️🔥
Step 4: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
- 🧁 In a mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy. 🧈🍬
Step 5: Incorporating the Eggs and Extracts
- 🥚 Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts for delightful flavor. 🌼🍨
Step 6: Embracing the Oil and Sour Cream
- 🍶 Blend in vegetable oil and sour cream for a moist and tender cake. 🌿🍰
Step 7: Adding the Dry Ingredients
- 🍞 Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold until combined into a smooth batter. 🍞🥄
Step 8: Preparing the Cake Pan
- 🍰 Scoop a third of the batter into your prepared pan and set it aside. 🍮
Step 9: Layering with Cherry Filling
- 🍒 Spread cooled cherry filling evenly over the batter in the pan, leaving an inch border. 🍒🍯
Step 10: Topping with Cake Batter and Crumbs
- 🎂 Cover the cherry filling with the remaining batter and sprinkle crumb topping for a golden finish. 🍒🍮
Step 11: Baking and Cooling
- 🔥 Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before enjoying. 🍰🌬️
Notes
Nutrition Facts
⦁ - Calories: 500 kcal⦁ - Fat: 28 g
⦁ - Saturated Fat: 15 g
⦁ - Trans Fat: 1 g
⦁ - Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
⦁ - Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g
⦁ - Carbohydrates: 72 g
⦁ - Fiber: 3 g
⦁ - Sugar: 43 g
⦁ - Protein: 8 g
⦁ - Cholesterol: 95 mg
⦁ - Sodium: 265 mg
⦁ - Potassium: 254 mg
⦁ - Vitamin A: 652 IU
⦁ - Vitamin C: 4 mg
⦁ - Calcium: 101 mg
⦁ - Iron: 2 mg
Steps to avoid while preparing Cherry Coffee Cake
1. Not Properly Draining Cherries: Failing to drain cherries properly before using them in the recipe can result in excess moisture, making the cake too wet and affecting its texture. Always ensure that the cherries are drained thoroughly.
2. Overmixing the Cake Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
3. Neglecting to Cool the Cherry Filling: After cooking the cherry filling, it’s crucial to allow it to cool before adding it to the cake batter. Adding hot filling to the batter can alter the cake’s consistency and affect its rise.
4. Skipping the Crumb Topping Chilling: The crumb topping should be chilled in the refrigerator before adding it to the cake. Skipping this step may result in the topping melting too quickly in the oven, and it won’t provide the desired crumbly texture.
5. Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Using ingredients that are too cold, especially eggs and sour cream, can lead to uneven mixing and affect the cake’s texture. Ensure that these ingredients are at room temperature before using them.
6. Underbaking or Overbaking: Be vigilant with the baking time. Underbaking the cake may result in a gooey, undercooked center, while overbaking can lead to a dry and crumbly texture. Use a toothpick test to determine doneness.
7. Not Allowing the Cake to Cool Properly: After removing the cake from the oven, it’s essential to let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Rushing this step can cause the cake to fall apart.
8. Improper Storage: If you don’t store leftover Cherry Coffee Cake properly, it may become stale or lose its moisture. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
FAQ
1. Question: What is Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Cherry Coffee Cake is a delightful dessert made with a moist and tender cake base, layered with a sweet and tart cherry filling, and often topped with a crumbly streusel topping.
2. Question: How do you make Cherry Coffee Cake from scratch?
Answer: To make Cherry Coffee Cake from scratch, you’ll need ingredients like flour, sugar, cherries, and more. Mix the cake batter, layer it with cherry filling, and bake until golden brown.
3. Question: Can I use frozen cherries in Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Yes, you can use frozen cherries in Cherry Coffee Cake. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before incorporating them into the recipe.
4. Question: What is the role of almond extract in Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Almond extract adds a delightful nutty flavor that compliments the cherries beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
5. Question: How do I prevent my Cherry Coffee Cake from becoming too soggy?
Answer: To prevent your Cherry Coffee Cake from becoming soggy, make sure to drain the cherries thoroughly and cool the cherry filling before adding it to the cake batter.
6. Question: Can I make Cherry Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can make Cherry Coffee Cake ahead of time. It keeps well for a day or two when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
7. Question: Is there a gluten-free version of Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Cherry Coffee Cake by using gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour.
8. Question: What variations can I try with Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: You can experiment with Cherry Coffee Cake by adding nuts, different types of fruit fillings, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist.
9. Question: Can I freeze Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze Cherry Coffee Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw before serving.
10. Question: What’s the best way to serve Cherry Coffee Cake?
Answer: Cherry Coffee Cake is best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.