Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Indulge in a delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat. This cake combines a rich cream cheese layer with sweet cherry pie filling, all enveloped in a soft, crumbly batter. It’s a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup cherry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and softened butter, mixing until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for the topping later.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the remaining crumb mixture until well combined. Spread half of this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan, followed by the cherry pie filling.
5. Spread the remaining batter over the cherries, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9

Variations

• Fruit Filling: Substitute cherry pie filling with other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches for a different flavor.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumb topping for added texture.
• Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
   Yes, you can use fresh cherries; just make sure to sweeten them to taste.
2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
   You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk.
3. Can this cake be frozen?
   Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
4. How do I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before serving.
6. What can I serve with this coffee cake?
   This cake pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
7. Can I add more cream cheese?
   You can increase the cream cheese to 12 oz for a richer filling.
8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
   A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
9. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Cream cheese is ideal, but mascarpone can be a delicious alternative for a different flavor.
10. What’s the best way to cut the coffee cake?
    Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.

Conclusion

This Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a dessert, this cake is sure to please everyone. Its creamy filling and sweet cherry topping will leave you coming back for seconds!

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