Cherry-Almond Coffee Cake Squares
Cherry-Almond Coffee Cake Squares combine moist white cake with sweet cherry filling and crunchy almonds, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert gatherings with delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a jelly roll pan measuring 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch.
- Mix sour cream, water, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Stir in dry cake mix until moistened; batter will be slightly lumpy.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Drop cherry pie filling by generous spoonfuls onto the batter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Allow to cool.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Drizzle with glaze before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a more pronounced almond flavor. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter. To avoid sinking cherries, sprinkle some of the dry cake mix over the pie filling before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry-Almond Coffee Cake Squares are perfect for brunch or as a sweet afternoon snack. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or as part of a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave a square for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Almond Coffee Cake Squares contains roughly 299 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to add sugar and some cornstarch to create a similar consistency and sweetness as pie filling. Pit and halve about 2 cups of fresh cherries, then mix them with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before dropping them onto the batter.
What can I use instead of sliced almonds?
If you prefer not to use sliced almonds, consider substituting with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. You could also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, or use sunflower seeds for a crunch without the allergens.
How should I serve the cake?
For an elegant presentation, cut the squares into small portions and dust them with powdered sugar right before serving. You could also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit to enhance the flavors and add a pop of color to your dessert table.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).