Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a beautiful and delicious pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. This coffee cake combines flaky crescent dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy cherry pie filling, all topped with a light glaze. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat.
This versatile recipe can be adapted with your favorite fruit pie filling, and it’s simple enough to whip up for family or guests. The crescent dough makes preparation easy, while the finished product has a bakery-quality appearance and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy to Make: Crescent roll dough simplifies the process while delivering a flaky, buttery base.
• Versatile: Swap out the cherry filling for your favorite fruit or pie filling.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The decorative dough strips make this coffee cake look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Cake:
• 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or any fruit pie filling)
For the Glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Set 4 triangles aside for decoration.
Step 2: Form the Base
1. On a baking sheet, arrange the remaining 12 triangles into a circle with the longer points facing inward. Leave about a 3-inch hole in the center.
2. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 14-inch circle, pressing the seams together to form a continuous base.
Step 3: Make the Filling
1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the prepared dough base, leaving about ½ inch of dough uncovered at the edges.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Filling
1. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly but leaving some of the cream cheese visible for a layered look.
Step 5: Create the Decorative Topping
1. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the 4 reserved dough triangles into thirds, starting at the wider end.
2. Arrange these strips evenly over the filling, pressing the ends to seal at the center and the outer edges of the coffee cake.
Step 6: Bake the Coffee Cake
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency—it should be pourable but not too runny.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
1. Drizzle the glaze over the warm coffee cake for a sweet finish.
2. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips
• Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Customize the Filling: Try blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling for a new twist on this recipe.
• Seal the Dough: Pressing the seams firmly ensures the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed coffee cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze before serving.
Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
