Delicious Cherry Almond Muffins: A Perfect Morning Treat
As a barista, I have always experimented with different coffee and pastry combinations, and a cherry almond coffee cake is one of my absolute favorites. The combination of juicy cherries and nutty almonds in the moist almond-infused cake creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
In this recipe article, I will be sharing my secret recipe for cherry almond muffins or coffee cake that you can easily make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having friends over for coffee or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this recipe is quick and easy to follow.
Follow along as I walk you through each step of the recipe, share some helpful tips and tricks for perfecting your bake, and suggest some variations to make it your own. Trust me when I say that once you try these cherry almond treats, there will be no turning back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all coffee and cake lovers! Have you been searching for the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings? Look no further, because I have a treat that will tickle your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. This recipe is guaranteed to transport you to a world of pure bliss and coffee-induced happiness.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy muffin infused with the rich flavors of cherry and almond, bursting with moist crumbles on top of every bite. Or, perhaps a slice of our delectable coffee cake, layered with a luscious cream cheese filling, creating the ultimate blend of sweetness and tanginess. Sounds divine, right?
Not only is this recipe simple to make but it’s also versatile with plenty of substitution options allowing you to personalize it according to your taste preferences. From swapping out sour cherries for dried ones or incorporating gluten-free flour options or even opting for a vegan version which uses almond paste instead of cream cheese – the possibilities are endless!
Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for all occasions whether you’re hosting a brunch get together with family and friends or just treating yourself to dessert after dinner. Its sweet aroma and irresistible texture will surely leave everyone wanting more.
So what are you waiting for? Follow this recipe guide step-by-step and create your own magical masterpiece! Whether it’s eaten fresh from the oven or reheated days later – it’s worth taking the time to indulge yourself in these heavenly cherry almond muffins or coffee cake recipe that will melt in your mouth and warm your soul.
Ingredient List
|For the Muffins| Quantity | For the Coffee Cake | Quantity |
|— | — | — | — |
|All-purpose flour | 2 cups | All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups |
|Sugar | ¾ cup | Sugar | 1 cup|
|Baking powder | 2 tsp. | Baking powder | 1 tsp.|
|Salt | ½ tsp. | Baking soda | ½ tsp.|
|Egg, beaten lightly | 1 pc. |
|Sour cream | ¾ cup |
|Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly | 4 tbsp. |
|Vanilla extract | 1 tsp. |
|Cherry pie filling (optional) | ¾ cup |
|Ground almonds or almond meal (optional) | ¼ cup |
For the Almond Streusel Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|————– |——————- |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar |\ |/2 cup |
| Ground cinnamon |\ |/4 tsp. |
| Unsalted butter, softened |\ |/2 oz. |
For the Cake Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|—————- |———————-|
| All-purpose flour |/4 cups |
| Granulated sugar |\ |/2 cup |
| Baking powder |\ |/4 tsp. |
| Salt |\ |/4 tsp. |
| Unsalted butter, softened |\ |/4 oz. |
| Egg, beaten lightly |1 pc. |
| Milk |3/4 cup |
| Almond extract |\ |/4 tsp. |
| Fresh cherries, pitted and halved (optional) |2 cups|
Ingredient Notes:
- If you do not have almond meal or ground almonds, you can substitute up to ¼ cup of the flour called for with additional all-purpose flour.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour (or a mixture of almond and rice flours).
- For Vegan Cherry Almond Muffins or Coffee Cake Recipe, use vegan butter, soy milk (or any vegan milk), and substitute eggs with aquafaba (chickpea brine), apple sauce, mashed bananas or chia seeds mixed with water.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin or a cake pan, depending on whether you’d like to make muffins or a coffee cake.
Making the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually stir this mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
Stir in 3/4 cup of sour cream and mix thoroughly.
Cherry Almond Muffins
If you’re making cherry almond muffins, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh cherries that have been pitted and quartered. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Coffee Cake
If you’re making a cherry almond coffee cake, spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Top with sliced almonds and then spoon over 3/4 cup of cherry pie filling. Spoon the rest of the batter over the cherry filling.
Streusel Topping
If you’d like to make an almond streusel topping for your coffee cake or muffins, combine 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed), 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of your coffee cake or muffins before baking.
Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins or coffee cake to cool before serving.
Enjoy your freshly made cherry almond muffins or a delicious coffee cake with your favorite cup of coffee!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the fun part of cooking where you can play around with ingredients and make the recipe your own. Let me walk you through some substitutions and variations that you can try out for this cherry almond muffins or coffee cake recipe.
First off, let’s tackle the cherries. If fresh cherries are not in season, you can use frozen cherries instead, but make sure to thaw them first and blot any excess moisture. Alternatively, you can skip the cherries altogether and use cherry pie filling for a sweeter taste.
For those who have a gluten allergy or are going gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add some ground almonds or almond meal to enhance that moist almond flavor.
If you’re looking for a vegan option, switch out the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives. Instead of egg, you can use flaxseed or chia seed mixed with water to act as a vegan egg substitute. And if almond extract is not available in your pantry, vanilla extract is a great alternative.
If almonds aren’t your thing, you can switch things up by adding in other nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also substitute the cherry flavoring with other fruits like dried cranberries or blueberries.
Another fun variation to try out is turning this recipe into a streusel muffin or coffee cake by adding an almond streusel topping made with brown sugar, butter, and ground almonds.
There are endless ways to switch up this recipe according to your preferences! It’s all about getting creative and having fun in the kitchen.
Serving and Pairing
Once the batter is baked to perfection, these delicious Cherry Almond muffins or Coffee Cake can be served in a variety of ways. For a morning treat, pair it with your favorite cup of coffee, whether it’s an American-style coffee or a British-style one. These muffins also have a delicate almond and cherry flavor that goes well with warm tea or a glass of cold milk.
If you’re serving these Cherry Almond Muffins or Coffee Cake for friends, consider whipping up some almond whipped cream to serve on the side. Spread some cream cheese on top of the muffins, and sprinkle with sliced almonds and fresh cherries to turn it into an elegant dessert.
For those looking for a more savory option, consider pairing them with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon slices. The sweetness of the Cherry Almond Muffins complements savory dishes perfectly and provides a delicious balance of flavors.
Alternatively, why not serve the Coffee Cake as an afternoon snack? It works wonderfully alongside a pot of afternoon tea or as an after-dinner treat. Top it with crumbled streusel or dusted powdered sugar for added sweetness.
With their soft texture and delicious cherry almond taste, these muffins are perfect for special occasions or everyday moments. Whether you’re pairing them with your favorite beverage or serving them as dessert – they’re sure to bring lots of joy and happiness to friend and family alike!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear coffee cake enthusiasts, this section is for the planners among us. You know who you are – those that love to prepare in advance, whether it be for a special occasion or simply a busy day ahead. Well, I’ve got some good news for you – this cherry almond coffee cake recipe can be prepared in advance and stored for later!
To make ahead, simply prepare the batter according to the recipe instructions and transfer it into your desired baking dish. Without baking it, cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. The next morning when you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your oven is ready, pop the cake into the oven and bake as directed.
But what if you’ve already baked your delicious creation and have some leftovers? No worries! Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.
If you prefer your coffee cake warmed up, reheating is quite simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap a slice of cake in aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for about 30 seconds on high or until warmed to your liking.
And there you have it folks – my tips and tricks for making ahead, storing, and reheating this cherry almond coffee cake recipe. Now go ahead and impress your family and friends with your organizational skills, all while treating their taste buds to something delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, even the slightest mistake can be crucial to the outcome of the recipe. So, to make sure your cherry almond muffins or coffee cake turns out perfectly delicious, I have some essential tips for you to follow.
Firstly, it is important to measure your ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons rather than eyeballing it, as this could affect the texture and taste of the final product. Additionally, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This creates a uniform consistency in the batter and allows for easy mixing.
Secondly, don’t over-mix the batter! Mixing too much may lead to tough and chewy muffins or a dense coffee cake that lacks air pockets. Instead, mix until just combined, ensuring there are no dry spots left in the batter.
Baking powder and baking soda are essential for rising of the batter. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh as they lose their potency over time which can result in flat or sunken baked goods.
For cherry almond muffins or coffeecake recipe add a moist almond topping of butter, sugar, almond meal and almond extract is added to sprinkle over top before baking.
Lastly, don’t forget that good baking really comes down to how well you know your oven. Keep a close eye on it during the bake time and if you’re still unsure if it’s cooked through – insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean then your baked goods are done.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time – tender and fluffy muffins or scrumptious coffee cake with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Get ready for compliments galore!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this recipe article, I’ll provide you with some frequently asked questions about the Cherry Almond Muffins or Coffee Cake recipe. These are some common queries that might have crossed your mind while reading through the other sections, so make sure to go through them for a perfect result every time you make it.
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
Coffee cakes are distinguishable from other cakes due to their crumbly topping of streusel and the fact that they are typically not coated in frosting. They can vary in their fillings, ranging from fruity and nutty to chocolaty, and may also have pockets of streusel throughout the cake.
What is the difference between American and British coffee cake?
The term “coffee cake” can have different meanings depending on the region. In Britain, it refers to a cake that has a coffee flavour, while in America, it typically refers to a type of cake that is enjoyed alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Why is it called a coffee cake muffin?
The scrumptious coffee cake muffins draw their name from their perfect coupling with a cup of coffee or latte, but contrary to their name, they do not contain any coffee. Instead, these muffins are a flavorful combination of pound cake, streusel, and cinnamon, serving as the ideal treat for your mid-morning pick-me-up.
How do you make a Mary Berry coffee cake?
In this recipe, we will be making a flavorful coffee and walnut cake. To prepare this delectable treat, we will need 100g of softened unsalted butter and a bit extra for smoothing on the baking dish. Additionally, we will require 100g of caster sugar, two large free-range eggs, 100g of self-raising flour, one level tsp of baking powder, 50g of chopped walnuts, and one tablespoon of coffee essence.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cherry almond muffins or coffee cake recipe is perfect for any coffee lover out there! The combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds is a match made in heaven, making it an ideal indulgence for your morning cup of Joe. With a light and moist texture, this recipe is sure to impress you and your loved ones.
Whether you prefer the classic coffee cake or the indulgent almond cherry muffins, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste buds. By swapping out a couple of ingredients or adding some extra flair with toppings, you can create an entirely new brunch experience every time.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a storm! Try out this easy-to-follow recipe with its incredible taste and impressive presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these delicious creations, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to make them again and again. Now, go on and put on that apron!
Cherry Almond Muffins or Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, cold
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, cold
- 1/3 cup almonds, sliced, chopped
Filling
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup cherry preserves, warmed
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg, sour cream and extract until smooth; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (batter will be thick).
- Combine flour and sugar in a small bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in almonds: set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill greased jumbo muffin cups half full with batter.
- Divide cream cheese filling and preserves evenly between muffin cups; swirl gently. Cover with remaining batter. Sprinkle with topping.
- Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
- Editor's Note: If using regular-size muffin cups, bake for 20-25 minutes.
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