The Ultimate Homemade Cherry Coffee Cake with Irresistible Crumb Topping

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your kitchen. This dream becomes a reality with our exquisite Cherry Coffee Cake. More than just a breakfast pastry, this is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring a rich, buttery cake base, a luscious layer of sweet cherry pie filling, and crowned with the most delightful, crisp crumb topping. Perfect for brightening even the cloudiest of mornings or elevating any weekend brunch, this easy-to-follow recipe brings the magic of a bakery-quality treat right into your home. Best of all, it’s made entirely from scratch, promising a depth of flavor and a tender crumb that no box mix could ever replicate. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly unforgettable coffee cake.

Some mornings require a little extra motivation to greet the day, and that’s precisely where this cherry-filled coffee cake steps in. It’s designed to be a ray of sunshine, a sweet indulgence that promises pure comfort with every forkful. The foundation is a supremely buttery cake, creating a moist and tender base that perfectly complements the vibrant fruit. At its heart lies a generous layer of glistening cherry pie filling, bursting with tart-sweet notes. This delightful core is then embraced by more of that rich cake batter, finally culminating in a golden, crunchy streusel crumb topping that adds an irresistible textural contrast. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a sensory experience crafted to awaken your senses and add a touch of joy to your morning routine. While we can’t promise it’ll solve all of life’s daily challenges, it will certainly make those moments of enjoyment a little sweeter.

The Charm of Homemade Cherry Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

This cherry crumb cake recipe embodies the essence of traditional coffee cake, destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. What sets it apart is its thoughtful construction, beginning with a soft, incredibly rich cake batter. This isn’t just any batter; it’s meticulously crafted with real butter for unparalleled flavor, sour cream for incredible moisture and a subtle tang, and a hint of almond extract that beautifully enhances the cherry notes without overpowering them. The star of the show, the cherry pie filling, forms a luscious center, generously layered between two portions of this exquisite batter. Finally, it’s crowned with a buttery, golden streusel topping that bakes to a perfect crisp. Baked in a convenient 9×13-inch pan, it’s ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. Serve it warm with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and experience pure, unadulterated comfort.

If this delightful cherry coffee cake captures your heart, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic coffee cake and fruit-filled recipes. Don’t miss out on our Fresh Rhubarb Cake, a wonderfully tart and sweet seasonal treat. For those who adore warm spices and a satisfying crunch, our Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake is an absolute must-try. And as the seasons change, our recipe for Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze offers a cozy autumnal twist.

Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s an undeniable warmth and nostalgia associated with an old-fashioned cherry coffee cake, especially one adorned with a generous crumb topping. It evokes memories of cozy mornings, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. Perhaps it’s the bright, fruity burst of the cherry pie filling, or the subtle yet distinctive elegance of almond extract that elevates the flavor profile. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the comforting realization that every single bite feels like a warm, tender hug. This is precisely the kind of cake that transitions seamlessly from a festive brunch centerpiece to a welcome addition at potlucks, or simply as a delightful afternoon treat to savor with your favorite hot beverage.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its incredible versatility and ease of preparation ahead of time. It’s a fantastic dessert or breakfast item to prepare in advance, making your entertaining or busy mornings much smoother. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for a couple of days, where it will remain wonderfully fresh and moist. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container or freezer bag. This allows you to enjoy a taste of homemade comfort whenever the craving strikes, preserving its beautiful flavor and texture for weeks to come.

Essential Ingredients for an Irresistible Cherry Coffee Cake

Creating this easy cherry coffee cake from scratch begins with a selection of readily available, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture that defines this delightful treat. For precise measurements and a detailed step-by-step guide, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:

• All-purpose flour: This foundational ingredient provides the essential structure for our cake, ensuring it holds its shape while remaining tender. For best results, measure flour by spooning it lightly into a measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Baking powder and baking soda: This powerful duo works synergistically to give the cake its ideal lift and airy texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream, while baking powder provides additional leavening, resulting in a perfectly risen and fluffy crumb.
• Granulated sugar: A key ingredient for sweetness, granulated sugar is used in both the tender cake batter and the crunchy crumb topping, contributing to the overall delightful flavor profile and browning.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the cake. For the cake batter, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, which incorporates air and creates a light texture. For the crumb topping, melted butter binds the ingredients together, forming those irresistible crunchy clusters.
• Eggs: Large, room-temperature eggs are vital for emulsifying the batter, adding moisture, richness, and helping with the cake’s structure. Bringing them to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly and evenly into the mixture.
• Sour cream: The secret to this cake’s incredible moisture and subtle tang, sour cream adds a luscious richness and helps create a tender crumb. If sour cream isn’t available, plain full-fat Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, offering similar moisture and acidity.
• Almond extract: This aromatic extract is crucial for complementing and amplifying the natural sweetness of the cherry filling. It adds a sophisticated, nuanced flavor that truly elevates the entire cake.
• Cherry pie filling: A single can of quality cherry pie filling is the heart of this cake, providing a burst of vibrant fruit flavor and a beautifully sweet, gooey layer that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery cake.

Keep reading for invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and practical storage solutions that will help you master this delicious cherry coffee cake recipe and enjoy it to its fullest potential.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cherry Coffee Cake from Scratch

This delightful cherry pie filling coffee cake is surprisingly simple to bring together, transforming humble ingredients into a golden-brown beauty that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your homemade masterpiece comes out perfectly every time:

Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake goes in, promoting even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by thoroughly greasing it with butter or cooking spray, then dusting it lightly with flour. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean release once baked. Set the prepared pan aside.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting these dry ingredients together is highly recommended, as it removes any lumps and ensures they are thoroughly combined, contributing to a consistently tender cake crumb. Give them a quick whisk to evenly distribute all components.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, room-temperature eggs, sour cream, and almond extract. Beat these ingredients until they are light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender cake.

Form the Cake Batter: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain.

Layering the Cake: Pour approximately half of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of your greased and floured 9×13-inch baking dish. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the batter into an even layer, ensuring it covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Add the Cherry Filling: Open the can of cherry pie filling and carefully spoon it over the first layer of batter. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border of about 1/2-inch from the edges of the pan. This helps prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter on top of the cherry filling. Using your offset spatula, gently spread the batter out, covering as much of the cherry layer as possible without disturbing the filling too much. It’s okay if some of the bright red cherry peeks through; it adds to the cake’s visual appeal.

Crumb Topping Perfection: In a small or medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumb topping: flour, sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to mix these ingredients until coarse, buttery crumbs form. Ensure the butter is well distributed to create that delightful texture. Once mixed, generously sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top layer of the cake batter.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The cake is done when the top is beautifully golden brown, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the cake layer (avoiding the cherry filling) comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully cooked through.

Cooling and Serving: Once baked, remove the cherry crumb cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving. Cooling helps the cake set, making it easier to cut neat slices. This cherry crumb cake is absolutely at its best when enjoyed warm, perhaps paired with another fresh cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

To store leftovers: After the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap directly in the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

To freeze for later enjoyment: Freezing is an excellent way to preserve this delicious cake. Slice the cooled cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw individual portions at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave or oven.

Bake, Enjoy, Share: Pin This Recipe for Later!

We’re confident that you’ll fall in love with this incredibly delicious and easy cherry coffee cake recipe. It’s truly a keeper! To ensure you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. Sharing is caring, and your friends on Pinterest will thank you for introducing them to this delightful homemade treat!

Customizing Your Cherry Coffee Cake: Substitutions & Variations

While this easy cherry coffee cake recipe is absolutely perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple substitution ideas or even create your own variations to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand in your pantry:

• Sour cream: If you find yourself without sour cream, or prefer a lighter option, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. It provides a similar tang and moisture, contributing to that desirable tender crumb. Ensure it’s plain and not flavored.
• Almond extract: The almond extract truly complements the cherry flavor, but if you’re not a fan, or simply prefer a more classic profile, vanilla extract can be used instead. This will result in a delicious coffee cake with a warm, familiar vanilla essence.
• Cherry pie filling: For those who love to bake entirely from scratch, or if you happen to have an abundance of fresh cherries during cherry season, consider making a homemade cherry pie filling. This offers a truly bespoke flavor and texture. If using fresh cherries, you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch first to achieve a similar consistency. Additionally, feel free to explore other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach pie filling for different flavor profiles.
• Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, consider drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake. Combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of almond or vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.
• Nutty addition: Enhance the crumb topping or batter with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added layer of texture and rich flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cherry Coffee Cake

Here are some common questions we often receive about making and enjoying this delicious cherry coffee cake:

• Can I make this cherry coffee cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This coffee cake is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can bake it the night before and store it covered at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate it for even longer freshness. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Can I freeze this coffee cake? Yes, you certainly can! Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat for a warm treat.
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? While the recipe calls for pie filling for convenience, you can definitely use fresh cherries! Especially during peak cherry season, fresh cherries offer an unparalleled flavor. You’ll need to prepare them similarly to a homemade pie filling: pit and halve the cherries, then cook them gently with sugar, a touch of lemon juice, and a cornstarch slurry until the mixture thickens to a pie-filling consistency. This ensures the cake doesn’t become too watery.
• What kind of pan should I use? A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. Glass or metal pans both work well, just be sure to grease and flour thoroughly.
• How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking? The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the cherry filling layer) should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Expert Tips for Baking Success

Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautiful cherry coffee cake is easy when you follow these simple yet effective tips and tricks:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a golden rule for most baking! Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily, creating a smoother, more emulsified batter that traps air better, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake texture.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Don’t skip the crucial step of greasing and flouring your baking pan thoroughly, especially the corners and sides. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it releases cleanly, preserving its beautiful appearance. You can also use baking spray with flour for added ease.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a dense, tough, and dry cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Gentle Spreading: When spreading the top layer of batter over the cherry filling, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon and be very gentle. You want to cover the filling without pushing it too much to the edges or mixing it completely into the cake batter. A gentle hand will keep your layers distinct and pretty.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan after baking before attempting to slice it. Warm cake is often fragile and can crumble. A short cooling period helps the cake to set, making for cleaner slices and a better eating experience.
• Airtight Storage: For optimum freshness, always store your leftover coffee cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it moist and delicious for longer, whether at room temperature or refrigerated.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust: Every oven is different. Pay attention to your cake as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. Always rely on the toothpick test for doneness rather than just the clock.

Discover More Delicious Recipes to Love

If you’ve enjoyed the sweet and vibrant flavors of this cherry-filled coffee cake, you’ll be delighted by our other cherry-inspired creations. Give these fantastic cherry recipes a peek: our elegant White Chocolate Cherry Cookies, the nostalgic and refreshing Cherry Pie Jell-O Salad, the fun and flavorful Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts, the irresistible Cherry Limeade Sweet Rolls, or explore our collection of delightful Cherry Dessert recipes.

And for those who simply can’t get enough of classic coffee cakes, we have even more tempting options to satisfy your cravings. Don’t miss our comforting Banana Bread Coffee Cake, a perfect blend of two beloved treats, our moist and flavorful Applesauce Coffee Cake, or this timeless Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake, which is pictured above and truly a classic for a reason.

If you’re searching for the ultimate coffee cake to elevate your morning routine, complement your weekend brunch, or simply enjoy as a comforting treat, this easy homemade cherry coffee cake truly checks every single box. It boasts beautiful layers, a rich and buttery texture, an abundance of sweet and tart cherry filling, and a perfect golden-brown crumb topping that adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re baking it for a special breakfast, a satisfying dessert, or to lovingly share with others, this cherry crumb cake recipe is one of those timeless favorites you’ll undoubtedly return to again and again. Its simplicity, combined with its profound deliciousness, makes it a star in any kitchen.

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Cherry Filled Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

This Cherry Filled Coffee Cake is a buttery almond flavored coffee cake, filled with cherry pie filling and topped with the most delightful crumb topping.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Cake & Cupcakes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast cake, cake, cherry, cherry pie filling, coffee cake, crumb topping

Servings: 9 x13
Calories: 644 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 sticks butter (1 cup), softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon good quality almond extract
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 6 Tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Grease and flour a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sour cream, almond extract, and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
5. To prepare the crumb topping, combine sugar, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until coarse crumbs form.
6. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 baking dish.
7. Top with the entire can of cherry pie filling, spreading it carefully and leaving a small border from the edges.
8. Spoon the remaining batter over the top of the cherry filling, gently spreading it out with an offset spatula. It’s fine if some cherry filling peeks through.
9. Generously sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the top of the batter.
10. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer (not the filling) comes out clean. Let stand for a few minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 414mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1073IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg

This recipe was originally posted on September 8, 2019. It has been updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and add more detailed instructions and tips, and was reshared on April 7, 2025.