Festive Freezer Coffee Cake
Festive Freezer Coffee Cake combines the warm spices of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples and cherries, making it a delightful treat for holiday mornings or special gatherings. Its moist texture and crunchy topping appeal to all ages, offering a comforting dessert or breakfast option with festive flair.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 large Golden Delicious apple, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 9-inch metal pan.
- Prepare the topping by mixing brown sugar, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine; set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pecans instead of walnuts or adding a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have sour cream on hand, yogurt can be a great substitute. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and for an extra touch, top with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive coffee cake warm, alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Wafers for a balanced dessert table. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Freezer Coffee Cake contains roughly 449 calories, with 9g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1691mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
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 make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and topping in advance. Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to mix in the topping just before baking for the best texture.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries are not available, you can substitute with chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a similar sweet-tart flavor. Alternatively, fresh cherries can also work if you remove the pits.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this coffee cake gluten-free, replace the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the cake turns out well.
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).