Delicious Pecan-Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe

Greetings, coffee lovers!

I have a treat for you today that will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and indulgent. I’m excited to share my recipe for a delicious Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

Picture fluffy, moist cake with bursts of juicy cherries and crunchy pecans, all complemented by a subtle coffee flavor. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s breakfast with friends, an afternoon coffee break or a holiday brunch. It’s easy to make and can be adapted to different dietary needs, such as making it gluten-free or dairy-free.

As a barista and pastry chef, I know the power of coffee and how it can elevate certain flavors. That’s why I’ve included a twist of coffee in this classic cherry coffee cake recipe to give it an added dimension. My recipe uses maraschino cherries and chopped pecans mixed into soft, tender cake batter. It then gets topped with buttery crumbly streusel, baked to perfection and drizzled with a vanilla glaze on top.

So grab your mug of steaming hot coffee or tea, get cozy and let’s dive into this scrumptious Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake
Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake

My dear coffee lovers, allow me to introduce you to the Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe – a decadent and delicious confection that will have your taste buds singing from the first bite.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect marriage of cherries and pecans, combined with a warm and inviting cinnamon aroma. The brown sugar and buttery streusel topping, with bits of chopped walnuts, brings a crunchy texture to the soft and moist cake.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether indulging in an afternoon coffee break or impressing guests at a brunch gathering. It’s easy to make, saving you precious time and effort while delivering an impressive result.

But what I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch out the cherries for fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries or substitute pecans for almonds or hazelnuts. The possibilities are endless, and each variation promises to satisfy your taste buds in unique ways.

So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this delectable Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe? Trust me when I say that once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredient List

 Indulge in the sweetness of our Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake!
Indulge in the sweetness of our Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake!

Gather Your Ingredients!

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s get all our ingredients lined up on the counter. Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe:

  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • 1 cup of maraschino cherries, drained
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of flax seed meal
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of plain yogurt
  • ½ cup of sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup of brown sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter or margarine, at room temperature

Optional: If you want to give a hint of cinnamon flavor to the coffee cake batter and streusel, add a dash or two of ground cinnamon to your ingredients list.

Don’t forget that you’ll also need cherry pie filling and a prepared pecan streusel for topping. You can make these from scratch or use store-bought versions. Whatever you choose, make sure you have 4 cups cherry pie filling and 1¼ cups pecan streusel ready to go.

Now that everything is prepped and ready, let’s move on to “The Recipe How-To” section!

The Recipe How-To

 Satisfy your cravings with this heavenly dessert.
Satisfy your cravings with this heavenly dessert.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part of this recipe article- the actual recipe how-to for Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake! Are you ready to create a delicious dessert that is as beautiful to look at as it is scrumptious to eat? Then, let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the cake:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of margarine
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream

For the pecan streusel topping:
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons of cold margarine or unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans

For the cherry filling:
– One can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
– 10 maraschino cherries, drained and coarsely chopped

Instructions:

(Preheat oven to 350°F)

Step One: Make The Pecan Streusel Topping

To make the streusel topping, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix the dry ingredients until they are blended together. Cut in small pieces of margarine with two knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans and set it aside.

Step Two: Make The Cherry Filling

To create the cherry filling, spread a layer of cherry pie filling across the bottom of a greased pan (9-inch square). Next, sprinkle chopped maraschino cherries evenly over the top of the cherry pie filling.

Step Three: Prepare The Coffee Cake Batter

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Blend margarine and granulated sugar together in another bowl with an electric mixer until it becomes creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Alternately add flour mixture and yogurt, mixing after each addition. End with flour mixture.

Step Four: Spread The Batter In Your Pan

Pour half of the batter over the cherry filling in the greased pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle with half of the pecan streusel over the top of the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer, making sure to cover it completely. Lastly, sprinkle the rest of the pecan streusel on top of that layer.

Step Five: Bake And Serve

Bake in preheated 350°F oven until golden brown around edges and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean- it usually takes

Substitutions and Variations

 A match made in heaven: cherries and pecans!
A match made in heaven: cherries and pecans!

My dear coffee enthusiasts, if you’re looking to add some extra oomph to this recipe or experiment with some alternatives to the ingredients, I’ve got you covered. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that can take your cherry pecan coffee cake to the next level.

Firstly, if walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for chopped pecans. These will provide a complementary nuttiness while still keeping with the warm and autumnal feel of the recipe.

For those who want a little bit of tang, try using cherry orange pie filling instead of just cherry. This combination adds a slight citrus note that can help lighten up the cake’s overall flavour profile.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding in some browned butter for an enhanced nutty taste? Simply melt two sticks of unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty. It can take your cake from ordinary to extraordinary!

For those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour for almond flour or another gluten-free flour mix, and add half a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.

Lastly, if you’re looking for an indulgent twist on this classic coffee cake recipe, I recommend trying out this maple pecan version. Simply substitute out the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries or maple syrup instead. Add in additional brown sugar and cinnamon to satisfied your sweet tooth cravings.

Regardless of what substitutions or variations you choose, make sure to keep in mind that the trickiest part is ensuring that the batter is mixed well and the cake is baked to perfection. Remember my tips from earlier so that you can have an incredible cherry pecan coffee cake every time!

Serving and Pairing

 Add a slice of joy to your day with this cake.
Add a slice of joy to your day with this cake.

Serving and pairing the cherry pecan coffee cake is a delightful experience, and everyone enjoys it in their own way. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this cake recipe has something to offer for everyone.

If you’re a coffee person, you’ll love pairing it with a hot cup of joe. Brew a smooth medium roast or dark roast coffee, and enjoy the nutty flavors of this cake with every sip. It is the perfect accompaniment to get your morning ritual started on a high note.

For tea lovers, I recommend brewing up some chamomile tea to match the flavors of the cherries and pecans in the cake. The soothing aroma will give you comfort and help ease built-up tension.

This cake can also be served as an after-dinner dessert. Top this delicious creation with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a richer flavor experience. The options are endless and the cake can be enjoyed at any time of day; it’s that versatile!

To prepare for guests, serve slices on individual plates or pass around platters if you’re feeling family-style dinner vibes. This made-from-scratch cherry pecan coffee cake is impressive and sure to leave your guests praising your baking expertise.

Overall, this delightful recipe is versatile and can be served at any time of day or with any beverage – personal preference is key!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly-baked coffee cake.
Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly-baked coffee cake.

Dear coffee cake lovers,

Once you’ve made and enjoyed this delightful pecan cherry coffee cake, you may wonder how best to store any leftovers or prepare it ahead of time. Here’s what I suggest.

To make things easier, you can assemble the entire baking pan with the streusel and cherry pie filling the night before, and only bake it in the morning. Or if you baked it ahead of time but still want to enjoy that fresh out-of-the-oven taste, just pop it in the microwave or oven to reheat slightly.

If you’re not going to serve your coffee cake right away, leave it on a cooling rack to cool completely. Wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, making sure each piece is fully covered. It can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

When reheating the coffee cake, be sure to unwrap it partially, so that it can breathe properly. If heating in an oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes (or until warm). If microwaving, put on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 20-30 seconds per slice.

This coffee cake keeps well when stored correctly and tastes amazing even days later. You won’t regret making an extra batch! Enjoy.

Warm regards,

Your barista

Tips for Perfect Results

 Our Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
Our Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.

If you want your pecan cherry coffee cake recipe to turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips that I have learned as a seasoned barista.

1. Add Flax Seed Meal

For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding flax seed meal to your coffee cake batter. Flax seed is high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans which can help ensure a healthy gut and reduce inflammation. Substitute one-fourth cup of AP flour with the same measurement of ground flax seed meal.

2. Avoid Overmixing

When preparing the pecan streusel or cake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing results in tough, rubbery cake texture instead of the desired fluffy and moist one. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and then stop.

3. Use Fresh Pecans

Ensure that the pecans used in the recipe are fresh and non-rancid. If you’re not sure if they’re still fresh, give them a sniff. Fresh pecans should have a sweet nutty aroma that is pleasing to the nose.

4. Invest in High-Quality Vanilla Extract

For an elevated flavor profile in your pecan cherry coffee cake, use high-quality vanilla extract instead of artificial vanilla flavorings. Vanilla extract made from premium vanilla beans adds depth and nuance to every bite.

5. Don’t Overbake the Cake

Over-baking the cake will cause it to dry out- so watch it like a hawk during cooking! A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

6. Store Cautiously

Store leftover pecan cherry coffee cake tightly covered or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to two months for optimal freshness preservation.

By following these tips, your pecan cherry coffee cake will come out great every time!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, preparing the Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe is an excellent way of sweetening your mornings, adding some excitement to your boring breakfast routine, or providing a delightful dessert for your dinner guests. This recipe embodies a unique blend of flavors that will leave you yearning for more. With its crumbly pecan streusel and luscious cherry pie filling, this coffee cake is undoubtedly a winner.

The recipe calls for basic ingredients that any home cook would have in their pantry. With simple instructions that are easy to follow, you can create a moist and delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion. For those who might have allergies, this recipe provides substitution options, including gluten-free substitutes.

One tip I would like to give is to ensure that you get high-quality ingredients as they have an immense impact on the final outcome of the cake. Another suggestion for perfect results is using plain yogurt or sour cream as they add moisture to the cake and give it an irresistibly creamy texture.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the ingredients needed, follow the simple recipe steps, and watch as the magic unfolds in your kitchen. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for preparing this scrumptious Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe.

Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake

Pecan Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe

The sour cream and yogurt make this cake moist. Sprinkle with powder sugar on top when it has cooled
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cake
Calories 473.2 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup crushed flax seed meal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, cherry's chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine margarine and sugar and beat until creamy.
  • Whisk in eggs and sour cream and yogurt.
  • Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream mixture.
  • Beat well after each addition. Add vanilla.
  • Pour the batter into a prepared 13x9 inch greased and floured pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Serves 8.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 473.2kcalCarbohydrates: 62.1gProtein: 7.4gFat: 22.8gSaturated Fat: 5.2gCholesterol: 61.2mgSodium: 465.8mgFiber: 3.4gSugar: 38g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Breads, Grains
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