Why the Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake Is a Must-make
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your morning, the Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake is a must-make. This cake combines rich cream cheese and the nutty flavor of almonds, creating a perfect harmony that makes every bite special.
I love how it’s both moist and fluffy, making it a joy to slice. Plus, the hint of cherries adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness.
Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, this cake never fails to impress. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients of Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, having the right ingredients is key. This delightful cake is all about that creamy, rich texture combined with the nutty goodness of almonds and a pop of tart cherries.
You’ll want to make sure you gather everything you need before diving in, so you can keep that baking momentum going. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than starting a recipe only to realize you’re missing a vital ingredient.
So, let’s get right into what you’ll need to create this tasty treat.
Ingredients for Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup dried cherries (or other dried fruit)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1/3 cup flour (for topping)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 3/8 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Now, while you’re rummaging through your pantry and fridge, keep a few things in mind. First, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This little detail makes a big difference in getting that smooth, creamy batter.
If you forget and take them straight from the fridge, you might end up with lumps—and nobody wants that.
Also, feel free to get creative with the dried fruit. Dried cherries are a classic choice, but you could swap in cranberries, raisins, or even apricots if you’re feeling adventurous. Just imagine the flavor explosion!
How to Make Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake
Making the Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful adventure, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, take a 9 x 13 cake pan and give it a good spray with cooking spray. You don’t want your beautiful cake to stick, right?
Now, in a large mixing bowl, you’re going to cream together 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 1/4 cups of sugar, and 8 ounces of cream cheese. You want this mixture to be super smooth and creamy—like a cloud, really. So, mix it well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. It’s like giving your batter a little spa day.
Once you’ve achieved that dreamy texture, it’s time to add in the fun stuff: two eggs (make sure they’re also at room temperature), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix these in one at a time, because, let’s face it, we want to be gentle with our cake.
Now, sift together 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl. This is where the magic happens. Gradually mix those dry ingredients into your creamy concoction, alternating with 1/4 cup of room temperature milk. When it’s all combined, fold in 3/4 cup of dried cherries. Yes, please.
Now, you’ll gently spread that luscious batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. But wait, we can’t forget the topping; it’s what makes this cake sing. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of flour, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. It should form a crumbly mixture.
Sprinkle that over your cake batter and don’t forget to add 3/8 cup of sliced almonds on top. Give it a light press—just to make sure they stick. Pop it in the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s for dessert?”
Enjoy every bite of this moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion—or just because you deserve a treat.
Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
While you might love the classic flavor of the Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate this recipe to suit your taste.
For a fruity twist, try swapping cherries for cranberries or blueberries. If you’re not a fan of almonds, pecans or walnuts work beautifully too.
You can also replace the cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter texture. Want a gluten-free option? Use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Finally, experiment with different extracts like hazelnut or vanilla to give it your unique flair. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Almond Coffee Cake
What pairs perfectly with a slice of Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake? I love serving it with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea.
The rich creaminess of the cake complements the bold flavors of coffee beautifully. For something invigorating, a glass of cold milk or a fruity smoothie works wonders too.
If you’re in the mood for a brunch spread, add some fresh berries or a simple fruit salad on the side. These options enhance the coffee cake experience, making it a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Cherry-Almond Cream Cheese Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring all your ingredients accurately before you start.
Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth batter. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar slightly.
For added flavor, consider toasting the almonds before sprinkling them on top. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens vary.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps it set. Enjoy your delicious creation with a cup of coffee or tea!