Can a luscious, fruit-filled coffee cake really come together in under an hour? According to baking enthusiasts and long-standing family traditions, the answer is a resounding yes. This Quick Cherry Coffee Cake is not just a time-saver—it’s a legacy of homemade comfort baked into every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a rich cherry flavor that tastes like you spent all day baking, this dessert challenges everything you thought you knew about easy recipes. It’s the perfect go-to for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you’re craving a fruity, buttery treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy yet Scrumptious: From start to finish in just 50 minutes.
- Family-Approved: A time-tested recipe passed down through generations.
- Simple Pantry Staples: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacking.
- Beautiful Presentation: Streusel topping and icing drizzle make it look bakery-perfect.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1 cup milk
- 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter (cold)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon milk
How to Make Quick Cherry Coffee Cake
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening, then add milk and mix until the dough reaches a sticky biscuit-like consistency.
- Prepare the Pan: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, gently pressing some up the sides to form a slight edge.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, keeping it away from the edges.
- Create the Streusel: In the same bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the edges are set.
- Cool and Ice: Allow the cake to cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a drizzle and spread over the cooled cake.
Helpful Tips
- Cold Butter Works Best: For a crumbly streusel, use cold butter and work quickly.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Even Layers: Spread the cherry filling evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
Substitutions And Variations
- Fruit Fillings: Try blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling instead of cherry.
- Butter for Shortening: Substitute unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and drizzle the icing just before serving.
Can I use fresh cherries? Absolutely. Cook them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to mimic the texture of canned filling.
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, freeze baked and cooled coffee cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5-6 days when covered tightly.
- Freezer: Securely wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Quick Cherry Coffee Cake delivers on every front—fast, flavorful, and full of charm. It’s a treasured recipe made for modern kitchens, proving that speed and tradition can coexist beautifully. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want a sweet escape with your coffee, this cake will become your go-to. Ready to wow your taste buds? Try this recipe today, share your results in the comments, and check out more of our sweet, simple bakes!
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Cherry Coffee Cake – An Easy Family-Favorite Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Quick Cherry Coffee Cake is an easy, family-loved recipe featuring layers of soft cake, sweet cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping—ready in under an hour. Try it now and impress everyone at brunch!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup milk
2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup cold butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
Icing:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening, then add milk and mix until the dough reaches a sticky biscuit-like consistency.
- Prepare the Pan: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, gently pressing some up the sides to form a slight edge.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the dough, keeping it away from the edges.
- Create the Streusel: In the same bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the edges are set.
- Cool and Ice: Allow the cake to cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a drizzle and spread over the cooled cake.
Notes
Best served fresh, but flavors deepen overnight.
For added crunch, stir chopped nuts into the streusel.
Let cool before icing to avoid melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes