My love for this Almond Streusel Cherry Coffee Cake began during summer visits to my grandmother’s Michigan cottage, where tart cherry trees grew in abundance. She would wake early to pick cherries, and by mid-morning, this incredible cake would emerge from her oven, filling the air with the intoxicating aroma of almond and cherries. The recipe card she handed down to me is splattered with cherry juice and butter stains—physical evidence of years of joyful baking sessions and family gatherings.
Almond Streusel Cherry Coffee Cake
Moist almond-scented coffee cake studded with juicy cherries and topped with a crunchy streusel and sweet almond glaze.
Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray containing flour, or butter and flour the pan.
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sliced almonds and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix.
Add Cherries and Transfer to Pan
Gently fold in the cherries. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. The batter will be thick.
Add Streusel and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
Cool and Remove from Pan
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and almond extract until smooth. Add additional milk if needed to reach desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cherry Almond Coffee Cake Recipe Demonstration
Learn how to make a delicious cherry almond coffee cake with a crunchy streusel topping and sweet almond glaze that's perfect for breakfast or brunch
What makes this coffee cake particularly ingenious is its adaptability. Did you know that tart cherries are only available fresh for a few short weeks each summer? This recipe works beautifully with frozen cherries (no need to thaw), making it accessible year-round. The batter comes together in one bowl without requiring a mixer, and you can prepare the streusel topping days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, streamlining the morning baking process for busy households or weekend guests.
Each forkful delivers a perfect textural symphony—tender, moist cake studded with juicy cherries, crowned with a buttery, crunchy almond streusel that provides the ideal contrast. The gentle kiss of almond extract enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries without overpowering them. The simple almond glaze adds a touch of additional sweetness and creates an elegant finish that elevates this homey cake to something truly special.
Beyond breakfast, this versatile cake transitions beautifully to dessert when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For special occasions, try arranging fresh cherries and sliced almonds on top of the glaze for a stunning presentation. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee on a lazy weekend, as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea, or as a comforting end to a dinner party, this cake creates a moment of true delight—a reminder that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most meaningful.
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