This cherry crumb coffee cake recipe offers a delightful twist on classic coffee cake recipes, perfect for any morning or as a sweet treat. You’ll love its tender cake base, juicy cherry filling, and buttery crumb topping.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor in the crumb topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or plant-based butter alternatives work well.
- Fresh Cherries: Frozen cherries (thawed and drained) are a great substitute.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used in its place for moisture.
Ingredients:
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Coffee Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9×9 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan. This ensures your cherry crumb coffee cake won’t stick.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until moist crumbs form. Set this aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling
In another bowl, gently mix the pitted and halved cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting these aside separately helps ensure even distribution.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or by hand, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a light base for your coffee cake recipes.
6. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
7. Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Spoon the cherry filling over this first layer of batter. Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherries and gently spread.
8. Add Crumb Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the top of the cake. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crumb: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Almond Flavor: Substitute almond extract for vanilla in the cake batter for a complementary taste with the cherries.
- Mixed Berry: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and cherries for a colorful and flavorful filling.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover cherry crumb coffee cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can warm individual slices slightly in the microwave before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen cherries thoroughly before using them in the filling.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Ensure your crumb topping is mixed well and evenly distributed. Baking thoroughly also helps.
What if my coffee cake sinks in the middle?
This often happens from opening the oven door too early or underbaking. Make sure the skewer comes out clean.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cherry crumb coffee cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature.
Why is it called “coffee cake” if it doesn’t have coffee?
Coffee cake recipes are traditionally served *with* coffee, not necessarily made *with* coffee as an ingredient.
Can I use a different size pan?
A 9-inch round pan can also work, but baking times may vary slightly. Watch for the skewer test.