Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake: A Sweet Delight
The Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings together the richness of cheesecake, the tartness of cherry pie filling, and the buttery flakiness of crescent dough. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, brunch, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
2 (8 oz.) packages of crescent rolls
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 (21 oz.) can of cherry pie filling
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures the crescent dough puffs up properly and bakes evenly.
Prepare the Crescent Dough Base:
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into 12 triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on a baking sheet, with the points facing outward and the wider ends slightly overlapping. Roll the dough with a rolling pin into a 14-inch circle, pressing the seams together, leaving a 3-inch hole in the center.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla (or almond) extract until smooth. The cream cheese filling is what elevates this cake, adding rich, creamy flavor to each bite.
Spread the Filling:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of dough, cream cheese, and cherry filling.
Add the Cherry Pie Filling:
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly from the center outwards. The tartness of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and buttery dough.
Create the Decorative Topping:
Cut 4 reserved triangles into thirds diagonally, creating long strips. Use these strips to decorate the top of the cake, placing them over the cherry filling in a crisscross pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps contain the filling during baking.
Bake the Coffee Cake:
Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and firm. The cake should have a slightly crispy top while remaining soft and tender inside.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will ensure the filling sets and the slices come out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
Decoration: For a more festive look, drizzle a simple glaze over the top after the cake has cooled. To make the glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Fruit Variations: You can easily swap out the cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry, apple, or raspberry to suit your taste.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to enjoy warm.
Conclusion:
This Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane, bringing back the familiar tastes of home-baked goods and the richness of traditional cream cheese desserts. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and yields delicious results that everyone will love. Enjoy this cake with a cup of coffee or tea, and share the joy of baking with your loved ones.