Irresistible Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
Dear food lovers and baking enthusiasts,
Allow me to introduce you to a delectable delight that will tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your palate – the Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe.
Imagine biting into a moist, fluffy cake with sweet bursts of juicy cherries in every bite, topped off with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that perfectly complements the flavors of the cake. This divine treat is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and pairs exceptionally well with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
But why settle for an ordinary coffee cake when you can have a healthier version made with whole wheat flour? The nutty flavor and wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour add depth and texture to the cake, while providing essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
And let’s not forget the star ingredient – Door County cherries. These luscious sweet cherries are grown in Wisconsin’s cherry capital, known for producing some of the finest cherries in the world. Adding these ruby-red gems to the cake not only imparts their natural sweetness but also infuses it with their distinctive tartness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
So come on, don’t be shy. Indulge in this guilt-free pleasure and treat yourself to a slice of hearty goodness that is sure to lift your mood and brighten your day.
Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulging in a slice of Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel is simply delightful! It’s the perfect breakfast or afternoon treat that embodies a balance of wholesome ingredients and luscious flavors. Trust me; this coffee cake recipe will instantly brighten up your day.
First and foremost, it’s made with natural ingredients like white whole wheat flour, fresh cherries, and brown sugar. These essential components provide necessary nutrients that your body requires to stay healthy. Moreover, using whole wheat flour makes this cake a great choice if you are looking for some fiber in your diet.
The cinnamon streusel topping adds texture and the right amount of sweetness to the coffee cake. It’s made with melted butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon, making every bite crunchy and irresistible.
Lastly, the Door County Cherry Coffee Cake is just easy to make!. You don’t need any fancy equipment or too much time to prepare it. Whether you are having weekend brunch at home or going on a picnic with friends, this cherry coffee cake will have everyone asking for more.
To sum it up, you’ll love this recipe because it’s versatile, healthy, tasty, and effortless to make! Also, nothing beats the combination of sweet cherries and crunchy cinnamon streusel baked together in a mouthwatering cake.
Ingredient List
Wheat Flour – You will need 2 cups of whole wheat flour for this recipe.
Baking Powder, Salt and Ground Cinnamon – To add flavor and help the cake rise, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Sugar – You will need a total of 1 1/2 cups of sugar for this recipe. Divide it: 1 cup for the cake mix and 1/2 cup for the cherry streusel.
Butter – Use 1/2 cup (or stick) of butter at room temperature.
Egg – This recipe requires one egg.
Milk and Vanilla Extract – For added flavor, use 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Fresh Cherries or Cherry Pie Filling – If you are using fresh cherries, pit and chop them into small pieces. Otherwise, use Door County Cherry Pie Filling to add sweetness to your coffee cake.
White Whole Wheat Flour and Brown Sugar – Use these ingredients to make cinnamon streusel. Mix together until crumbly: 1 cup White Whole Wheat Flour, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, ¼ cup Chopped Pecans, ½ cup Brown Sugar, and 6 tbsp Cold Butter.
With all these ingredients combined, you’ll be able to produce a fantastic wheat cherry coffee cake with cinnamon streusel topping that is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
The Recipe How-To
To start making this Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe, I first preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, in a medium bowl, I prepare the wet ingredients by whisking together 1 egg, ¾ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
In another bowl, I combine the dry ingredients – 1 ½ cups of white whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Then, I add ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar to the dry mixture and mix it together.
Next, I add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir it up until fully combined. To finish off the batter, I fold in a cup of cherries (either fresh or frozen) that have been pitted and halved.
Making the cinnamon streusel
The next part is to make the cinnamon streusel which will go on top of the cake.
In a small bowl, I combine 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped pecans, and half a stick (4 tbsp) of melted butter. Using a fork or my fingers, I mix it until it forms a coarse meal.
Assembling and baking
With my two mixtures ready – batter and cinnamon streusel – I’m now ready to assemble them into this delectable cake.
I begin by placing half the batter into an eight-inch round cake pan that has been greased or lined with parchment paper. Then, I sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel over the top of the batter. Next, I spoon in the remaining batter and smooth it out evenly. Finally, I sprinkle on top the rest of my delicious cinnamon streusel.
The coffee cake goes into my preheated oven to bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted at the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cooling and slicing
Once cooked, I remove the delicious smelling cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Then, I transfer the Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing it into wedges.
Serving suggestion
This delicious whole wheat cherry coffee cake is best served fresh on the day you baked it. Serve it for breakfast or as a snack with a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa for a delightful start to your day.
It’s perfect to share with friends and family on any occasion or when entertaining guests. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch. You can also swap out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced apples or peaches.
For a gluten-free version of this coffee cake recipe, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the white whole wheat flour. You can also make it vegan by using non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
To add more flavor to the cake itself, try mixing in some grated carrot or apple for a deliciously moist and fruity twist. Or, you can even add a swirl of cream cheese throughout the batter for an extra touch of richness and tanginess.
For those who prefer a crumble topping over a streusel topping, simply mix together some brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon with melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the top of the cake before baking.
No cherry pie filling on hand? No problem! Simply use fresh cherries that have been pitted and chopped up into small pieces for that same sweet burst of flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try using Door County apple or cherry pie filling instead for an extra-special touch.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked this decadent Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This cherry coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch, but it’s also great as a dessert.
To serve, simply cut the cake into slices and place them onto plates. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the cake slice or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy and rich toppings will balance out the sweetness and tartness of the cherries in the cake.
If you prefer to pair this cherry coffee cake with a drink, there are several options to choose from. For a classic pairing, have it with coffee or black tea. The bitterness of coffee and the tannins in tea will compliment the sweetness of the cherries and cinnamon streusel topping.
For those who want something more refreshing, pair this cake with a glass of cold milk or almond milk. The coolness will contrast with the warmth of the cake and make for an enjoyable eating experience. If you’re feeling festive, try pairing it with a Door County Cherry Coffee, which is made from cherries locally grown in Wisconsin.
You can also get creative and pair this classic recipe with other non-alcoholic drinks, such as hot chocolate or chai latte. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up a cocktail that includes cherry juice or brandy – it’ll be sure to add an extra level of holiday cheer!
Whatever you choose to pair it with, this Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel is bound to delight your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is perfect for make-ahead, storing and reheating. You can certainly bake it in advance for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a dessert.
To make ahead: You can prepare this coffee cake a day ahead and store it properly in the fridge or at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge overnight, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to preserve its flavor and moisture.
To store: If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent the cake from drying out and keep it fresh for you to enjoy later.
To reheat: To reheat this cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cold cake on a baking sheet. Loosely cover the cake with foil to prevent further browning and heat it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can also heat individual slices of this coffee cake in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
One thing to keep in mind is that this coffee cake has a streusel topping that can become soggy if left sitting around too long. So make sure you only add the topping right before serving or storing it, so that it stays nice and crunchy.
Whether you’re making this Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe for breakfast or dessert, rest assured that it will stay moist and flavorful even after being stored, making it perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends or as an afternoon tea time treat.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome of this whole wheat cherry coffee cake, there are a few tips worth considering.
Firstly, it is important to make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin baking. The butter should be soft and pliable, and the eggs should also be at room temperature. This will help everything to mix together properly and give your cake a perfect consistency.
Secondly, pay attention to how much flour you add. Measuring flour accurately is crucial in baking. Use a weighing scale or the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour instead of scooping it out of the container directly with a measuring cup which can result in using too much flour unintentionally.
Lastly, don’t forget to let the coffee cake cool completely before cutting it into slices for serving. Trying to cut warm cake can cause it to crumble and lose its shape. Allow it some time to set and become firm enough for slicing.
Follow these simple yet crucial tips, and you will surely end up with a delectable whole wheat cherry coffee cake that will impress your guests or satisfy a craving for something sweet and delightful.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel recipe is simply irresistible. With its perfect combination of sweet cherries, crunchy cinnamon streusel, and wholesome whole wheat, this cake will become a family favorite in no time. The streusel topping adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates this coffee cake to something truly special.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make substitutions or variations to meet your dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for an alternative to Door County cherry filling, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients or steps. This recipe is simple and straightforward, even for novice bakers. Plus, with the added tips and tricks for perfect results and make-ahead options, you can impress your guests without breaking a sweat.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the heavenly aroma of freshly-baked Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel. Your taste buds will thank you.
Whole Wheat Cherry Coffee Cake With Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cherries (fresh, jarred or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 9-inch square cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light. Beat in 1 cup of the flour, just until mixture resembles very coarse sand. Remove 1 cup of mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
- Beat baking powder and salt into the remaining flour mixture (in the large bowl). Add in milk, egg and vanilla and stir well, then mix in remaining flour until mixture is well-combined. Stir in cherries. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
- Add ground cinnamon to the flour mixture in the small bowl. Grab small handfuls of the cinnamon mixture and squeeze, allowing the mixture to clump slightly. Sprinkle the clumps over the cake batter in an even layer.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack.