Name: Cherry Almond Streusel Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup sour cream; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved; Streusel topping:; ½ cup sliced almonds; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

Enjoy a slice of this delightful Cherry Almond Streusel Coffee Cake, a tender, moist cake studded with juicy cherries and topped with a sweet, crunchy almond streusel. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea, this cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Almond Streusel Coffee Cake is not only easy to prepare, but also incredibly satisfying with its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The soft, buttery cake, filled with vibrant cherries, complemented by a crunchy, almond-infused topping, makes it an irresistible treat for special occasions or a cozy weekend morning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Large eggs
Pure almond extract
Pure vanilla extract
Sour cream
Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved)

For the Streusel Topping:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Sliced almonds
Ground cinnamon
Salt

For the Glaze (optional):

Powdered sugar
Milk or heavy cream
Almond extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter. Cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sliced almonds and set aside.
Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in almond and vanilla extracts.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
Fold in cherries gently.
Pour batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Fruit alternatives: Substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches.
Nut substitutions: Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
Flavor enhancements: Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus note or chocolate chips for added indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the coffee cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Reheating:
To serve warm, reheat slices briefly in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, or wrap slices in foil and warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Ensure they are thawed and drained before folding them into the batter.

Can almond flour be used in place of regular flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added flavor and moisture, but a complete substitution may alter the texture significantly.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or buttermilk are suitable alternatives to sour cream in this recipe.

Can this coffee cake be frozen?

Yes, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How can I ensure the streusel stays crispy?

Allow the cake to cool completely before covering to prevent the streusel from softening.

Can I omit the almond extract?

Yes, you can omit almond extract, but it does add a distinct flavor. You can replace it with additional vanilla extract if preferred.

What is the purpose of using both baking powder and baking soda?

Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly, while baking soda reacts with the acidity of sour cream, giving the cake additional lift and tenderness.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, you can bake this coffee cake in a bundt pan, loaf pan, or muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional but adds sweetness and visual appeal. The cake is delicious even without the glaze.

Why is my coffee cake dense?

Overmixing the batter or adding too much flour can result in a dense texture. Mix just until combined and measure ingredients carefully.

Conclusion

This Cherry Almond Streusel Coffee Cake, with its moist texture, juicy cherries, and crunchy almond topping, offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make it ideal for entertaining or leisurely weekends. Easy to customize and store, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.