Imagine starting your day with a slice of Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake, where creamy cheese meets the sweet tartness of cherries, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust. This delightful treat combines the comforting warmth of a coffee cake with the vibrant flavors of cherry pie, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or a sweet end to a meal.
Exquisite Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
This recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures, with its creamy filling and bursts of cherry, enclosed in a golden pastry. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for brunches, gatherings, or simply as a special treat for your family.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Medium mixing bowl
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients:
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 packages (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz.)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling (or any fruit pie filling in syrup)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Set 4 triangles aside for later use. Arrange the remaining 12 triangles on a baking sheet, forming a circle with the pointed ends toward the center (but not touching) and the wider ends outward. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough into a 14-inch circle, ensuring the seams are pressed together. There should be a 3-inch hole in the center.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch at the edges uncovered.
- Add Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
- Arrange Dough Strips: Take the 4 triangles you set aside and cut each into three smaller triangles using a pizza cutter. Start at the wider end for easier handling. Arrange these strips over the filling, creating a lattice effect. Press the ends of each strip to seal them at the center and outer edges of the cake.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Adjust the milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Finish with Glaze: Once the coffee cake is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
This Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake offers a splendid blend of creamy, fruity, and pastry elements, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a sweet treat that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious. Enjoy it warm for an extra touch of coziness!