Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe: Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch
Savour the delightful flavours of a homemade cherry coffee cake. This moist, buttery treat boasts tart Bing cherries and a crunchy sugar-butter streusel topping. With a 4.82 rating from 128 votes, it’s sure to impress.
This versatile cherry coffee cake is baked in a 10-inch springform pan. It requires 1 1/2 lbs of fresh Bing cherries.
Bake the cake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 70-85 minutes. Each serving contains about 639 calories, making it a scrumptious addition to your meal.
Introduction to This Delightful Cherry-Studded Treat
This cherry coffee cake recipe is a unique and irresistible dessert. It’s moist, flavourful, and bursting with fresh cherries and tangy buttermilk. Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Fresh cherries and buttermilk make this cherry coffee cake special. They create a moist, tender crumb with a summery flavour. This unique dessert takes the classic coffee cake to new heights.
Perfect for Any Time of Day
This all-day treat is incredibly versatile. Have it for breakfast with a hot coffee. Or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with vanilla ice cream.
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Brief History of Coffee Cakes
Coffee cakes originated in 17th century Europe as sweet treats for coffee. They became popular for breakfast and brunch, featuring various flavours and toppings.
This cherry coffee cake recipe honours tradition with a seasonal twist. It’s a delightful spin on the classic coffee cake.
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
The perfect cherry coffee cake needs a mix of key ingredients. All-purpose flour, sugar, and cinnamon form the base. Butter and vanilla add richness, while baking powder and soda provide structure.
Buttermilk is the secret star. It adds tang and keeps the cake moist. Fresh bing cherries bring juicy sweetness to complement other flavours.
The streusel topping needs flour, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla. This crumbly layer adds texture and sweetness to the cake.
No buttermilk? Mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice. This homemade version will give the same tangy taste and moist texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter, unsalted | 1/2 cup (113g) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Bing Cherries, pitted and halved | 2 cups |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Baking a delightful cherry coffee cake requires some key baking equipment. You’ll need a 10-inch springform pan for the cake. This pan allows for easy removal of the baked cake.
You’ll also need mixing bowls and a stand or handheld electric mixer. A pastry brush is useful for greasing the pan before pouring the batter. A cherry pitter can be a time-saver if using fresh cherries.
Optional but Helpful Equipment
A cherry pitter can quickly remove pits from fresh cherries. This tool saves time and effort in the baking process. A pastry brush ensures even coating of butter or non-stick spray on the pan.
Pan Selection Tips
Choose a 10-inch springform pan for your cherry coffee cake. This size ensures even baking and perfect texture. A non-stick surface makes removing the cake easier, resulting in a lovely presentation.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Get your kitchen ready for baking! Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the centre. Grab a large mixing bowl for the cherries.
Remove cherry stems and pits, then halve or quarter them. Set these aside. Butter and flour your baking pan thoroughly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each one fully before adding the next.
- Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Spread the thick, luscious cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Gently press the cherries into the batter, ensuring they are distributed throughout.
- Top the cake with the delicious streusel mixture, distributing it evenly over the surface.
Bake the cherry coffee cake for 70 to 85 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool fully. Your tasty cherry coffee cake is now ready to enjoy!
The Perfect Streusel Topping
A delicious streusel topping can take your cherry coffee cake to new heights. This crumbly, cinnamon-laced crown pairs perfectly with juicy cherries and moist cake. Let’s uncover the secrets to making the best streusel topping.
Creating the Crumbly Texture
The perfect streusel has a delightful crumb texture. Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Use your fingertips to combine the ingredients into pea-sized crumbles.
Melted butter is the secret ingredient. It binds everything together while keeping that lovely crumbly texture.
Proper Storage of Streusel
Keep your streusel fresh by storing it in the freezer. This helps maintain its crumbly texture until you’re ready to use it. The cold temperature stops the streusel from melting or becoming too soft.
Application Techniques
When baking, sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over your cherry-studded batter. The cold streusel will keep its shape and texture as the cake bakes. This creates a delightful crunch on top of your moist, fruity coffee cake.
Follow these tips to create an irresistible cherry coffee cake. Your perfect streusel topping will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Working with Fresh Cherries
Fresh cherries need gentle handling to keep their shape and flavour. Use a cherry pitter for quick pit removal. If you don’t have one, slice around each cherry carefully.
After pitting, halve or quarter the cherries based on their size. Be careful with cherry juice as it can stain. Avoid overworking the cherries to maintain their quality.
Gently press the cherries into the batter before adding the streusel topping. This ensures they stay moist and tasty during baking.
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a cherry pitter | This tool makes the pitting process quick and efficient, preserving the shape of the cherries. |
| Halve or quarter cherries | Adjust the size based on the desired texture and appearance in the final cake. |
| Avoid overworking cherries | Gently press the cherries into the batter to prevent them from drying out during baking. |
These simple tips will make your cherry coffee cake shine. The fresh cherries will add a burst of flavour and visual appeal to your treat.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Learn how to store and serve your cherry coffee cake properly. These tips will keep your treat fresh and tasty for days.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This stops the cake from drying out. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Instructions
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Or, heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the cake’s soft, moist texture.
Serving Recommendations
The cherry coffee cake goes well with coffee, tea, or cold milk. For a fancy dessert, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. Or, top it with fresh whipped cream.
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Potassium | Fiber | Sugar | Vitamin A | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 374 cal | 37g | 4g | 24g | 13g | 90mg | 337mg | 168mg | 1g | 18g | 845IU | 1.9mg | 67mg | 0.8mg |
These storage and serving tips help you enjoy your homemade cherry coffee cake longer. Treat yourself to this yummy dessert and relish every bite!
Conclusion
This homemade cherry coffee cake blends summer’s bounty with a classic breakfast treat. Its moist crumb, tart cherries, and crunchy streusel topping create a versatile delight. Enjoy it for brunch, dessert, or whenever you fancy a seasonal baking indulgence.
The recipe’s balance of flavours and textures makes it truly outstanding. It showcases the best of seasonal baking, perfect for gatherings or solo enjoyment. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a satisfying treat.
Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven. This irresistible cherry coffee cake awaits your creation. It’s a brilliant way to embrace the warmer months and savour seasonal fruits.
FAQ
What makes this cherry coffee cake recipe stand out?
This cherry coffee cake shines with fresh cherries and buttermilk. These ingredients create a moist, flavourful cake that’s hard to resist.
What times of day is this cherry coffee cake suitable for?
This versatile cherry coffee cake suits any time of day. Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert.
What is the origin of coffee cakes?
Coffee cakes began as sweet treats to pair with coffee. They’ve since become a popular choice for breakfast and brunch.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, sugar, and cinnamon. You’ll also need butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Other essentials include baking soda, buttermilk, eggs, and fresh bing cherries.
What essential tools are needed to make this cherry coffee cake?
You’ll need a 10-inch springform pan and mixing bowls. A stand mixer or hand mixer is also crucial. A pastry brush helps grease the pan effectively.
What is the recommended method for preparing the cherries?
Use a cherry pitter if you have one. Otherwise, carefully slice around each cherry to remove the pit. Halve or quarter the cherries based on their size.
How should the leftover cherry coffee cake be stored?
Keep leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven.
