Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my cherry cheese coffee cake! It’s this delightful blend of sweet cherries and creamy cheese that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a superstar! The best part? It’s super versatile. You can enjoy it warm for breakfast, paired with a cup of coffee, or serve it as a stunning dessert after dinner. Trust me, it’s the kind of treat that brings everyone together, and I always find myself making it again and again. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your cherry cheese coffee cake! You’ll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour for that perfect base, and don’t forget 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten things up a bit. Make sure your 1/2 cup of butter is softened – this helps create that creamy texture! For the star of the show, grab 1 cup of cream cheese, and be sure to have 1 cup of cherries, pitted and halved, ready to fold in. You’ll also need 2 large eggs to bind everything together, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor, and a touch of baking powder (1 teaspoon) and salt (1/4 teaspoon) to help it rise beautifully. That’s it—let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious cherry cheese coffee cake! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot when your batter goes in. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; it really helps create that dreamy texture!
Next, add in the cream cheese and mix until everything is wonderfully smooth. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract too. Now, in another bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamy concoction, mixing just until combined—no overmixing here, we want it tender!
Now, gently fold in those gorgeous cherries, and pour your luscious batter into a greased baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, let it cool for a bit before serving, and then enjoy the compliments!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the pitted and halved cherries gently.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving and savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously sweet with the perfect balance of creamy cheese and tart cherries.
- Great for sharing; it’s always a crowd-pleaser at brunches or potlucks!
- Versatile enough to enjoy any time of day—breakfast, snack, or dessert!
- It fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Tips for Success
To make your cherry cheese coffee cake truly shine, I’ve got a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This means fresh cherries if you can get them, and make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. It really makes a difference in texture!
When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—don’t rush this step. You want it to be light and fluffy, which gives your cake that lovely lift. Also, be gentle when folding in the cherries; you don’t want to break them apart too much. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stunning cake that’s sure to impress!
Variations of Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this cherry cheese coffee cake! For a tropical twist, try adding some crushed pineapple or diced mango instead of cherries—talk about a flavor explosion! If you love nuts, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Feeling extra indulgent? You could swirl in some chocolate chips or a ribbon of Nutella before baking for a rich, chocolatey experience. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more citrusy, add in some lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing note. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own charm to this classic recipe. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, so these are just estimates. Each slice of this delicious cherry cheese coffee cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Enjoy this cake knowing it’s a treat worth savoring, balanced with a hint of indulgence!
FAQ About Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
If you’re wondering about some common questions regarding my cherry cheese coffee cake, I’ve got you covered! First off, can you use frozen cherries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before folding them into the batter for the best results. And what if you don’t have cream cheese on hand? You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Another question I often get is, can this cake be made ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to bake it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Lastly, if you have leftovers, how should you store them? Keep your cherry cheese coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy every last crumb!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this cherry cheesecake recipe that is sure to impress!
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Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: 10 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 50 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 granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light.
- Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in cherries gently.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cherry cheese coffee cake
