Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: 7 Magical Layers of Flavor

Name: Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: 7 Magical Layers of Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cherry pie filling

octobre 6, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: cherry cheese coffee cake! This delightful treat is a heavenly blend of sweet cherries, creamy cheese filling, and a crumbly topping that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made it for a brunch with friends—everyone was practically swooning over the flavors! The way the tart cherries play off the rich cream cheese is nothing short of magic. And don’t even get me started on that buttery crumb topping! It adds the perfect crunch to balance out the creaminess. Trust me, this cherry cheese coffee cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. You’ll want to make it again and again, whether for a cozy family gathering or a fancy get-together. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

cherry cheese coffee cake - detail 1

Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s really soft for easy mixing!)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk (I like to use whole milk for a richer flavor)
1 egg (beaten, for that lovely binding)
1 cup cream cheese, softened (don’t skip this step—softened is key for the creaminess)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for that sweet, sweet cream cheese layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better!)
1 cup cherry pie filling (feel free to use fresh cherries if you have them, just pit and chop them up!)

How to Prepare Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to end up with a soggy bottom while the top is perfectly golden!

Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, baking powder, and salt. Using a fork or a whisk, mix these dry ingredients until they’re well combined. Now, add in the milk and beaten egg. Stir everything together until the batter is nice and smooth. You want it to be thick but pourable—kind of like a pancake batter. If it’s too thick, you can always add a splash more milk! Once it’s combined, pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Now, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese layer! In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth. You’re aiming for a nice, spreadable texture—think frosting consistency. If you find any lumps, just keep mixing until it’s beautifully creamy.

Assemble the Cake

Here comes the fun part! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter in your baking pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it will all blend together in the oven! Next, take spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling and drop them on top of the cream cheese layer. You can swirl them a bit if you like, but I usually let them sit on top for that gorgeous cherry pop!

Baking Instructions

Pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, that smell wafting through your kitchen is going to be heavenly! Once it’s done, be sure to let it cool in the pan before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutritional Information for Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake

Now, let’s talk about what you’re really getting in each delicious slice of this cherry cheese coffee cake. Of course, I believe in indulging a little, but it’s always nice to know what’s going into your treats! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving (that’s one slice, if you can manage to cut it that small!):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, life’s too short to skip dessert, right? Enjoy every bite of this delightful cake!

Tips for Success

Now, let’s make sure your cherry cheese coffee cake turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve got a few handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, they’ll help you avoid any mishaps and enhance that delicious flavor!

Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale if you have one—it’s a game-changer for consistency!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, creating that luscious filling you crave.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.
Check for Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, look for a golden top and a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up as it cools!
Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to cut clean pieces.
Add a Sprinkle: For an extra pop of flavor, consider sprinkling some almond extract into the batter or cream cheese mixture. It pairs beautifully with the cherries!
Store Wisely: If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for a few days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a cherry cheese coffee cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now, let’s get to it!

Variations of Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake

Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just one version of cherry cheese coffee cake! There are so many delightful twists you can try to make this dessert uniquely yours. Let’s get creative!

Fresh Cherry Delight: Instead of cherry pie filling, use fresh cherries! Just pit and chop them up, then sprinkle them over the cream cheese layer for a burst of fresh flavor. The taste is simply divine!
Berry Mix: Feeling adventurous? Swap in a mix of berries—like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—for a colorful and tangy twist. They pair beautifully with the cream cheese.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a decadent chocolate-cherry combo. It’s like a little surprise in every bite!
Nutty Crumble: For an extra crunch, mix some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the crumb topping. It adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
Different Cheese: Try swapping out the cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter, creamier filling. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor profile!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy spice that complements the cherries wonderfully. It’s perfect for fall gatherings!
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences. The beauty of this cherry cheese coffee cake is how versatile it is—each version is a delicious new experience waiting to happen. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep this cherry cheese coffee cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big « if » because it’s so good!), here’s what you need to do.

First, make sure to let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to storage. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, you can either keep it in the pan covered with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Either way, it’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out!

Now, if you want to enjoy your cherry cheese coffee cake a little later, you can freeze it! I like to slice it up first for easy access later. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just take a slice out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you enjoy it chilled, but if you prefer it warm, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Yum!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your cherry cheese coffee cake, even days after baking it. Enjoy every delicious moment!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful substitute for cherry pie filling. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding them to your cake. I love using fresh cherries because they add a burst of real fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. You might want to sprinkle a little sugar over them if they’re not super sweet, just to enhance that lovely cherry taste!

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Great question! You’ll know your cherry cheese coffee cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Also, the edges should be set and pulling slightly away from the pan. If it jiggles too much in the middle, give it a few more minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake!

Can I freeze the cherry cheese coffee cake?

Yes, you can definitely freeze this cake! It’s super easy! I recommend slicing it first for convenient portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you prefer it warm, a quick zap in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds will do the trick. Enjoy every bite just like it was fresh out of the oven!

For more tips on baking with cherries, check out this cherry baking guide.

For a delicious cream cheese recipe, visit Food Network’s cream cheese frosting recipe.

And if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out BBC Good Food’s dessert collection.

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.