Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake

Cherry cheese coffee cake is a treat that marries the richness of cream cheese with the fruity sweetness of cherry pie filling, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. This recipe is perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade delight. Let’s delve into creating this scrumptious cherry cheese coffee cake step by step.

INGREDIENTS:

Prepare these ingredients to make your cherry cheese coffee cake:

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 in syrup)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 to 3 teaspoons milk

DIRECTIONS:

Follow these detailed steps to create your cherry cheese coffee cake masterpiece:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Prepare the Crescent Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles. Set aside 4 triangles for decoration later.

Form the Base:

On a baking sheet, arrange the 12 triangles in a circle with the points facing outward and the wider ends overlapping slightly. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a 14-inch circle, pressing the seams together to seal. Leave about a 3-inch hole in the center.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla or almond extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Spread the Filling:

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough circle, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered at both the inner and outer edges.

Add the Cherry Pie Filling:

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.

Prepare the Decoration:

Take the 4 triangles of dough set aside earlier and cut each into thirds using a pizza cutter, starting from the wider end. This will create strips for decoration.

Arrange and Seal:

Arrange the dough strips evenly over the cherry pie filling. Press the ends of the strips to seal them at both the center and outer edges of the dough circle.

Bake the Coffee Cake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the coffee cake is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Prepare the Glaze:

While the coffee cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzling consistency.

Finish with Glaze:

Once the coffee cake is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cherry cheese coffee cake into portions and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cheese, sweet cherry filling, and flaky crescent dough.

Tips for Success:

Sealing the Dough: Ensure the seams and ends of the dough strips are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Decorating Creatively: Feel free to get creative with the arrangement of dough strips on top of the coffee cake for a visually appealing finish.

Adjusting Filling: Customize the filling by using your favorite fruit pie filling, such as blueberry or apple, to suit your taste preferences.

Why Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is Irresistible:

Cherry cheese coffee cake combines the comforting elements of a classic coffee cake with the richness of cream cheese and the fruity burst of cherry pie filling. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert. With its impressive appearance and delicious flavors, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to savor the delightful flavors of homemade cherry cheese coffee cake. Whether shared with family or served to guests, this treat promises to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite.