A Personal Touch: I fondly remember the first time I made Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake. It was a lazy Saturday morning, and I had decided to try something new for breakfast. I had a can of cherry pie filling sitting in the pantry and some refrigerated crescent rolls in the fridge, and the idea of combining these ingredients into a delectable coffee cake seemed like a perfect plan. As the cake baked, the house was filled with an intoxicating aroma of buttery dough and sweet cherries. When I finally cut into it, the crispy, golden crust and creamy, fruity filling made for a memorable breakfast that quickly became a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Cake:
2 packages (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling (or any fruit pie filling, as long as it’s in syrup!)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking your coffee cake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make cleaning up easier and ensure that your coffee cake comes off the pan smoothly.
2. Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the Dough: Open the packages of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll them carefully. Separate the dough into 16 individual triangles.
Arrange the Dough: Set aside 4 of the triangles for decoration. Arrange the remaining 12 triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet. Place the wider ends of the triangles towards the center and leave a 3-inch hole in the center. This will create a base for your coffee cake.
Form the Base: Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough into a 14-inch circle. Press the seams together to form a cohesive base, but be careful not to stretch the dough too thin.
3. Prepare the Filling
Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 package of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered along the edges. This will help seal the filling inside.
Add the Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Make sure to spread it out evenly, but avoid overfilling to prevent it from spilling out during baking.
4. Add Decorative Strips
Prepare the Decorative Dough: Take the 4 reserved triangles of dough and cut each one into 3 even strips using a pizza cutter or knife.
Arrange the Strips: Lay the strips of dough over the pie filling in a crisscross pattern. Start at the wider end of the triangles for easier cutting. Arrange the strips evenly over the filling and press the ends to seal them at the center and outer edges of the coffee cake.
5. Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The coffee cake should be golden brown and the dough should be cooked through. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut.
6. Prepare and Add the Glaze
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired glaze consistency—thicker for a drizzle, or thinner for a more liquid glaze.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the coffee cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a small piping bag to create a beautiful, even drizzle.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Pie Fillings: While cherry pie filling is classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach. Each fruit filling will offer a unique flavor profile and complement the cream cheese beautifully.
Dough Variations: If you prefer a homemade approach, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even puff pastry as a substitute for the refrigerated crescent rolls. Just be sure to adjust baking times as needed.
Cream Cheese Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. These alternatives will alter the texture slightly but still provide a creamy filling.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top of the filling before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a versatile and delightful recipe that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of fruit pie filling, all nestled within a golden, flaky crust. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat any time of the day. The simplicity of the recipe, paired with the impressive result, makes it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
The process of preparing this coffee cake is straightforward, yet the end result is both elegant and satisfying. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the buttery dough to the creamy filling and juicy fruit. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this timeless treat that brings a touch of sweetness and a lot of joy to any occasion.
