Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe

Picture this: a cozy afternoon at home with the irresistible aroma of cherries and cinnamon wafting through the air as you dive into creating this cherry-studded cake masterpiece with a buttery streusel top. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a sweet and tangy delight that’ll have you reaching for seconds!

My Cherry Streusel Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that I adore. I love how the softness of the cake, enhanced by sour cream, contrasts beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping made from brown sugar and cinnamon.

Fresh, juicy cherries add a burst of tartness, making this cake a perfect treat.

Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, adds carbohydrates.
• Baking Powder/Baking Soda: Leavening agents, help cake rise.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor, provides moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake, aids browning.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add protein and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, creates tender crumb.
• Cherries: Sweet-tart flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Brown Sugar (Streusel): Adds caramel notes, deep flavor.
• Butter (Streusel): Helps streusel crisp, rich texture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice, enhances sweetness and aroma.

Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 and 1/2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries, halved
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (for streusel)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make this Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in 1 and 1/2 cups of halved pitted cherries into the batter gently to avoid crushing them.

7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

8. In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel by mixing 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of chilled cubed unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until crumbly.

9. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cherry cake batter.

10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!

Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9-inch round cake pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Hand mixer or stand mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula
11. Pastry cutter or fork
12. Wire rack

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen cherries before using them in the cake.
• What is the purpose of sour cream in the recipe? Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, resulting in a tender crumb.
• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour substitute to make it gluten-free.
• How do I know when the cake is done baking? The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
• Can I add nuts to the streusel topping? Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or almonds can be mixed into the streusel for added texture and flavor.
• How should I store the cherry streusel cake? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Is there an alternative to vanilla extract I can use? Almond extract can be used for a different flavor profile, enhancing the cherries’ natural taste.

Cherry Streusel Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: Substitute with an equal amount of whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Sour cream: Replace with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal quantities for a similar tangy taste and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
• Cherries: Use raspberries or blueberries as a different fruit option, keeping the same measurement to ensure balance.
• Unsalted butter: Substitute with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Cherries If possible, opt for fresh cherries over frozen ones, as they tend to have better texture and flavor. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that all your wet ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature. This helps with even mixing and contributes to a smooth, homogeneous batter, leading to better cake texture.

3. Properly Prepare the Cake Pan In addition to greasing the pan and using parchment paper, consider dusting the sides with flour after greasing. This can help the cake release more easily from the pan.

4. Streusel Texture When making the streusel, ensure that the butter is sufficiently cold and cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, which will result in a desirable crumbly texture once baked.

5. Test for Doneness As ovens can vary, start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Look for a golden color on top and use a toothpick to test if the center is done, ensuring it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.