Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it gently to cover as much surface area as possible without mixing it into the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it to cover the cream cheese filling.
- Finally, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake batter. If you prefer a thicker cherry topping, you can mix the pie filling with cornstarch before adding it.
5. Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the cherry topping will bubble slightly.
6. Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If you prefer fresh cherries, you can use them instead of cherry pie filling. Just pit and slice the cherries, and toss them with a bit of sugar before adding them on top.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat individual servings in the microwave for a warm treat.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve the cake with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it a standout addition to any table. With its moist cake, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to please. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this delectable coffee cake today!
