Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the tangy flavor of cherries with the creamy richness of cheese, all nestled in a flaky crescent roll crust. This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 packages (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. 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 tsp. milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll one package of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing the perforations to create a solid sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Extract:
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla or almond extract until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Coffee Cake
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling:
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the second package of crescent rolls and lay it over the cherry pie filling, pinching the seams together to form a solid layer.
Step 4: Bake the Coffee Cake
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool:
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk. Mix until smooth and of drizzling consistency. Add more milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle Glaze:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Crescent Rolls: Seal the seams of the crescent rolls well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Variations:
- Different Fillings: You can use any fruit pie filling such as blueberry, apple, or strawberry.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like lemon or orange for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this coffee cake the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next morning as directed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
3. Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze the baked coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. What can I serve with this coffee cake?
Serve this coffee cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet treat anytime. Its combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet-tangy cherries is sure to impress.
Tips for Success
- Ensure Cream Cheese is Soft: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling.
- Seal Crescent Roll Seams Well: Prevent filling leakage by sealing the seams of the crescent rolls properly.
- Let It Cool: Allow the coffee cake to cool before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from melting.
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake and fruity pie filling in a convenient crescent roll crust. Perfect for any occasion, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful treat!