Enjoy the Indulgent Sour Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of coffee and cake, then you’re going to want to try this sour cherry coffee cake recipe. Sure, you could just settle for a plain piece of pound cake to go with your morning cup of joe, but why not take things up a notch? This recipe takes the classic coffee cake and gives it a tart twist by adding sour pitted cherries.
The combination of fluffy cake, buttery crumb topping, and juicy cherries makes this coffee cake perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. So whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new weekend project in the kitchen, this sour cherry coffee cake is sure to be a winner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sour cherry coffee cake recipe is not your typical boring coffee cake. It has a burst of cherry flavor in every bite, and the crumbly topping adds the perfect texture to each slice. If you love cherries, then this is the perfect recipe for you.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s not overly sweet. The sour pitted cherries have a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It pairs well with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of red wine after dinner. This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a relaxing weekend at home.
This sour cherry coffee cake recipe is also easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade cake in under an hour. The bread machine yeast makes rising the dough simple and easy, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
Finally, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations, making it adaptable to your preferences and dietary restrictions. You can use fresh or frozen cherries or even cherry pie filling in place of the sour pitted cherries. Additionally, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and replace sour cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut yogurt.
Overall, this sour cherry coffee cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves cherries and wants a delicious and versatile cake that’s easy to make. Try it today and discover why this recipe is so beloved by everyone who tries it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful sour cherry coffee cake recipe:
For the cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 stick (4 ounces) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sour pitted cherries
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
This list of ingredients might seem long, but they all come together perfectly to create a deliciously flavored coffee cake. Make sure you have everything on hand before beginning your recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how to make this delicious sour cherry coffee cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cake
In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another larger bowl, cream together 1 stick of unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well. Alternately add the dry ingredients and two cups of sour cream in batches until all is combined.
Step 3: Add Sour Cherries
Fold in roughly 4 cups of chopped sour cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together with your fingers totally ten tablespoons softened unsalted butter, half a cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 cups all-purpose flour until textures become crumbly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the greased baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the crumb topping mixture. Layer on top with remaining batter, then top with remaining crumb topping.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pan on rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Sour Cherry Coffee Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
The sour cherry coffee cake recipe is quite versatile, and you can customize it according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:
– Fruit variations: Instead of sour cherries, you can use other fruit fillings such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or sliced apples. You can also use canned pie fillings or preserves such as cherry preserves, apricot preserves or strawberry jam.
– Streusel topping: For a crunchy topping, you can add a streusel consisting of flour, sugar, and butter. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans / walnuts or oats for some extra bite.
– Cream cheese filling: If you want your coffee cake to have an extra creamy texture, you can add a layer of cream cheese filling. Mix together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract and gently spread over the cake batter before adding the cherry filling.
– Chocolate twist: To add a Christmasy twist to your sour cherry cake variation, add some dark chocolate chunks into your batter or sprinkle the top with cocoa powder to create a cocoa seasoning effect.
– Gluten-free version: If you have gluten intolerance or just prefer consuming gluten-free products for health reasons, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Overall, make sure to experiment making different versions with combinations that sound appealing to you!
Serving and Pairing
This scrumptious sour cherry coffee cake recipe makes for an excellent breakfast or brunch item. I would recommend brewing a fresh pot of coffee to pair with this delightful cake. The tartness of the cherries complements the richness of the coffee, making for a delicious and hearty combination.
Moreover, this cake can also be served as a dessert after dinner, especially when you have guests over. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance out the tanginess of the cherries.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some extra flavors to your serving, you can experiment with different toppings or pairings. For example, if you’re serving it during winter, top it off with cinnamon or nutmeg to create an inviting aroma and flavor. Alternatively, serve it up with homemade sour cherry preserves for that extra cherry goodness.
This versatile sour cherry coffee cake pairs well with just about anything, from a refreshing glass of milk to a hot cup of tea. It’s also great with fruit juices like grapefruit or orange juice. It’s an excellent treat that caters to various palates and preferences.
Overall, this sour cherry coffee cake recipe is an ideal choice for those who want a versatile and delicious baked good that can be adapted to various occasions and contexts. So why not give it a try today?
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make this sour cherry coffee cake recipe ahead of time, there are a few options. You can make the cake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for up to three months.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few different methods. The easiest way is to simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat the cake in the oven by preheating it to 350°F (175°C), wrapping the cake in foil, and baking it for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
If you have leftover slices of cake, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the longer the cake sits, the more likely it is to dry out. To keep the cake moist and delicious, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for making ahead or storing for later. So go ahead and make an extra batch – you never know when a craving for delicious cherry coffee cake will strike!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to have the best sour cherry coffee cake, you need to ensure you follow a few tips. These tips include adjusting the recipe according to your needs and preferences, using high-quality ingredients, and properly preparing the dough.
Firstly, make sure to adjust the recipe to your preferences by adjusting the sweetness, sourness, or texture. You can do this by adding more or less sugar or sour cherries, or changing the proportion of flour in the recipe. This will help you customize the recipe to better match your taste and preferences.
Secondly, use high-quality ingredients. For example, use unsalted butter instead of margarine, and avoid using low-fat substitutes whenever possible, as they can greatly affect the overall flavor and texture of your cake. When selecting sour cherries for your recipe, opt for fresh or frozen ones instead of canned varieties, which are often too sweet and syrupy.
Thirdly, when preparing your dough, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Be careful not to overmix your batter or it will become tough and dense. Also, be sure not to overbake your cake as it may dry out or become burnt around the edges.
Lastly, make sure to let your cake cool completely before slicing it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and enhance its taste overall. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra luxurious touch.
Following these tips will ensure that you produce a moist and flavorful sour cherry coffee cake that is perfect every time. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a delicious start to your day or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making a sour cherry coffee cake may seem daunting at first glance, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. This sweet and tangy cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee. With the right ingredients and following this recipe step by step, you’re sure to create an irresistible treat that’ll be the talk of any gathering.
By substituting or varying some ingredients, you can add your own unique flavor and twist on this classic recipe. And don’t forget that a slice of this cake pairs well with a variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, or even milk!
Finally, practice makes perfect – keep in mind these tips for perfect results that we’ve provided and experiment with different variations to find your signature sour cherry coffee cake recipe. Whether it’s for a winter evening dessert or an afternoon potluck gathering, this delightful dessert will have everyone coming back for more.
So get the oven ready, gather the ingredients and roll up your sleeves – it’s time to bake the best sour cherry coffee cake from scratch!
Sour Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water, room temp
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
CHERRY LAYER
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 (16 ounce) cans unsweetened sour pitted cherries, drained well (fresh pitted cherries can be used if you have them, approx. 2 cups)
TOPPING
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons chilled butter, cut in pieces
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for cherry layer EXCEPT cherries. Cover and refrigerate.
- In another small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon for topping. Cut in butter until mixture becomes coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate.
- Place all ingredients for dough in bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Program for dough cycle and start.
- Just before dough is complete, grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a 10-inch pie plate.
- Once dough is complete (it will be quite soft and sticky), scrape dough into prepared pan. Dust hands with flour and press dough into pan evenly.
- Carefully spread sour cream mixture over dough, then distribute cherries over sour cream. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over cherries.
- Place pan on rack in center of cold oven. Turn oven on to 375 degrees F, and bake until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (approximately 35 minutes).
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Serve warm.
- MORE NOTES: this coffeecake freezes well. Place in refrigerator overnight or on countertop, unwrapped. Reheat for 12 minutes in a 300 degree F oven.