Delicious Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping
Ah, coffee. The magic in a cup that jumpstarts my day. As a barista, I’ve tasted different types of coffee, and I know how it pairs well with different flavors, especially those in pastries. One of my recent favorites is Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake.
The distinct aroma of the tart cherry pie filling combined with sweet streusel perfectly balances the bitterness from your favorite coffee blend. What could be better than popping up that first bite and getting the immediate taste of cinnamon, oats, and pecans in the cake topping? It’s like dancing on your taste buds!
But creating and perfecting this heavenly cake wasn’t easy. With multiple tests, ingredient combinations, and time spent in the kitchen, I’ve come up with a recipe that would make your mouth water even before tasting it. So put on an apron, grab your baking equipment, and let us make Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a sweet and indulgent treat to enjoy alongside your morning coffee? Look no further than this Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe! This recipe features a delectable cherry pie filling paired with a streusel topping that will leave you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
One of the main reasons why I am confident that you will love this recipe is the balance of flavors. The tartness of the cherries is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the streusel. The ground cinnamon also adds a warm and inviting aroma that will have your whole kitchen smelling like a coffeehouse.
But what sets this recipe apart from other coffee cakes is the texture. The cake itself is soft and fluffy, yet the streusel topping creates a satisfying crunch. It’s like having two delightful desserts in one!
And don’t just take my word for it – this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Want to switch up the fruits? Use sour cherries or fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling. Prefer a creamier texture? Add in some cream cheese or sour cream to the batter.
Overall, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. So why not give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge?
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list for this delectable Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake recipe:
Dry Ingredients
2 cupsall-purpose flour1/2 cupgranulated sugar2 teaspoonsbaking powder1/2 teaspoonsalt
Wet Ingredients
1/2 cupbutter, softened1/2 cupmilk2 eggs1 tablespoonvanilla extract
Cherry Streusel Topping
1 can (21 oz)cherry pie filling (For a tart twist, use fresh or canned sour cherries)3/4 cupall-purpose flour # Flour 11/4 cupunsalted butter, melted # Butter 11 teaspoonbaking powder # Powder 11 teaspoonground cinnamon # Cinnamon 1
Crumb Topping
3/4 cupall-purpose flour # Flour 23/4 cupold-fashioned oats3/4 cupbrown sugar, packed1 teaspoonground cinnamon # Cinnamon 21/2 cupsoftened butter or margarine
These are the ingredients you need to create the perfect Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to bake this delicious Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake! Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Streusel Topping, you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter or margarine, cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the cherry pie filling with a spoon.
Step 5: Make the streusel topping
For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans (optional), and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in the cold, unsalted butter or margarine with your fingertips until the mixture looks like course crumbs.
Step 6: Assemble the cake
Pour half of the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel topping. Add the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Cool for 10 minutes before serving. This Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake can be enjoyed as is or with a cup of coffee – it’s up to you!
Substitutions and Variations
As a barista, I love to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique coffee drinks. The same goes for this cherry streusel coffee cake recipe. While the original recipe is delicious, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
For starters, you can change up the fruit filling. Instead of cherry pie filling, try using peach, blueberry, or apple pie filling for a different flavor profile. You can also use fresh cherries or sour cherries if they’re in season. Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the batter.
If you prefer a less sweet coffee cake, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, you can add more brown sugar to the crumb topping for a richer flavor.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make some adjustments as well. If you’re vegan, substitute the butter and eggs for vegan-friendly options such as coconut oil and flax eggs. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
If you want to get creative with the streusel topping, try adding other ingredients such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. You could also make a German Streusel or Cherry Crumble Cake by increasing the amount of crumb topping on top of the cake mix.
In terms of serving and pairing, this coffee cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee (of course!) as well as black tea or hot cocoa. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Remember, making substitutions and variations is all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. So go ahead and try some new flavors and ingredients to make this cherry streusel coffee cake truly your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once this cherry streusel coffee cake is ready, you can choose to serve it hot or cold. My favorite way to enjoy this cake is to have it warm, straight out of the oven. As you slice through the thick layer of streusel topping and soft, moist cake, the aroma of cinnamon and cherry wafts through the air, making it irresistible.
This coffee cake complements perfectly with a cup of hot coffee. Whether it’s a plain cup of joe or a flavored latte, coffee helps boost the flavor notes of the cake without overpowering its taste. If you’re not a fan of coffee, try pairing it with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The richness of dairy products balances the tartness of cherry filling.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent or celebratory, serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting on top or with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You can also sprinkle the top with some powdered sugar before serving to give it that extra holiday touch.
This cherry streusel coffee cake recipe is perfect for brunches, breakfasts, or even as an after-dinner dessert. However, I think it tastes extra special when shared with loved ones in a cozy atmosphere where stories are shared and laughs are exchanged over slices of coffee cake and cups of steaming hot beverage.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to preparing this scrumptious cherry streusel coffee cake, the last thing you want is to rush through the process. That’s why I’m thrilled to provide tips on how to make-ahead, store and reheat this delightful recipe.
If you are short on time in the morning or want to serve this cake for a special event, my suggestion is to prepare it the previous night. Once you have baked and cooled the cherry streusel coffee cake, use a plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover it up tightly and keep it at room temperature. You can store it for up to 3 days.
But what if you have leftovers? Whether you had a big party or were too excited about eating the cake, storing this sweet treat appropriately is key. Afterall, you don’t want the topping or cake to become dry or mushy.
Here’s how:
– For storage purposes, just like making-ahead, wrap your cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.
– Keep it in a cool, dry spot such as the pantry for up to 4 days.
– Be sure not to store any other moist items around your wrapped cake as it can easily pick up odours.
And when the time has come to enjoy some more of that delicious cherry streusel coffee cake — reheating may feel like a daunting task. But fret not – this recipe does allow for reheating without losing its texture.
Here’s my advice on how:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Unwrap your stored coffee cake from its packaging and place your desired portion-size onto an oven-proof dish.
– Cover with aluminum foil and reheat the coffee cake until warmed through – typically 10-15 minutes should suffice.
By following these straightforward tips for making-ahead, storing and reheating, I’m confident that your leftover cherry streusel coffee cake experience will be just as enjoyable as the first bite.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking a cherry streusel coffee cake, there are a few tips that can make all the difference in achieving perfect results. As a barista and baker myself, I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade that I’d love to share with you.
First and foremost, make sure to measure all ingredients accurately. Baking is an exact science, and even the slightest difference in measurement can throw off the entire recipe. I recommend using a kitchen scale for more precise measurements.
Secondly, don’t rush the crumb topping. To achieve a perfect streusel, make sure your butter is cold and cut it into small pieces before mixing it together with the sugar and flour. Work the mixture with your fingertips until large crumbs form.
When mixing your cake batter, be sure not to overmix or undermix. Overmixing will result in a tough cake while undermixing will result in uneven baking. Mix the batter until it is just combined.
For an extra flavor boost, I suggest using tart cherries or fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling if they are available. You may also want to try adding some cream cheese to the batter to give it an even richer flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget to let your cake rest before serving it. Allowing your coffee cake to sit for at least half an hour after baking will help it to set and make it easier to slice.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress with your cherry streusel coffee cake skills. Happy baking!
FAQ
As a barista, I’ve had the chance to taste many variants and combinations of coffee drinks. I understand the importance of following a recipe but also recognize that readers may have specific questions in mind when looking for recommendations on how to achieve their desired flavors. To address these questions, let’s explore some FAQs about Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
When it comes to cakes, the amount of streusel topping used is what distinguishes a crumb cake from a coffee cake. Typically, a crumb cake has a thicker layer of streusel topping while coffee cake can be made without the addition of streusel.
What is the difference between coffee cake and crumble cake?
When it comes to cake choices, there are two popular ones that might confuse you. These are the crumb cake and coffee cake. The prime variation between these two is the amount of streusel topping they possess. A crumb cake usually has a heftier layer of streusel topping than a coffee cake. In addition, you may opt to make a coffee cake without any streusel topping present. Additionally, for crumb cakes, you may come across a New York-style variant, with bigger crumb toppings.
Can you add coffee to box cake mix?
Hey, have you ever tried making your cake mix with something other than hot water? Trust me, you should give it a go! One of my favorite substitutes is using strong brewed coffee instead. The pairing of coffee and chocolate is simply perfect and really elevates the chocolate flavor in the mix. It’s a combination that you simply can’t resist!
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
What sets coffee cakes apart from other cakes is their unique streusel topping and absence of frosting. While some coffee cakes have a swirl of streusel inside, others incorporate fillings such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate. Although they may have a light glaze drizzle, the highlight of a coffee cake is the crumbly layer on top.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cherry streusel coffee cake recipe is a must-try for any coffee lover out there. The combination of the sweet cherry filling and the crumbly streusel topping married with the aroma and flavor of a good cup of coffee is bound to transport you to a state of pure bliss.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, even those who are new to baking can successfully make this cake. Plus, with potential variations such as using fresh cherries or sour cherries, this recipe can become your go-to for any occasion throughout the year.
So let’s grab our aprons and start baking! Trust me, in no time you’ll be enjoying a warm slice of delicious cherry streusel coffee cake paired with a steaming hot cup of coffee – a perfect indulgence for any day.
Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Topping
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup oats, uncooked (quick or old fashioned)
- 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine, softened
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Remaining Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray 9 inch square pan with vegetable pan spray. In small bowl, combine topping ingredients; mix well until crumbly. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat granulated sugar and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extracts; beat until combined. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture; mix just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared pan; spread evenly. Top evenly with cherry pie filling; gently press cherries into batter. Sprinkle with topping mixture.
- Bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
