This isn't just any cherry coffee cake recipe; it's a journey to baking bliss! We've combined the comforting warmth of a classic coffee cake with the juicy burst of fresh cherries to create a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious cake. This recipe answers many frequently asked questions about making the perfect cherry coffee cake, ensuring your baking success.
What Makes This Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe Special?
This recipe distinguishes itself through several key elements:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the cake perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
- Moist and Tender Crumb: We've included techniques to ensure a moist and tender crumb, avoiding a dry cake that can often be a problem with coffee cakes.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: The recipe is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginner bakers. We've broken down the steps into simple, manageable parts.
- Stunning Presentation: The combination of the streusel topping and the vibrant red cherries creates a visually appealing cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the cherries.
- Make the Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cherries! Just make sure they are pitted and do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. The cold cherries will help keep the cake moist.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the cake and streusel topping. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly depending on the flour blend you use.
Can I use different types of cherries?
While fresh or frozen cherries are ideal, you can experiment with other varieties like Bing cherries or Rainier cherries. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How do I store leftover cherry coffee cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What kind of pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe. However, you could potentially use a bundt pan if you prefer, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
This cherry coffee cake recipe is a surefire way to brighten any day. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect dessert for brunch, afternoon tea, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Enjoy!
