Leelanau Cherry Cinnamon Coffeecake – Little House by the Dunes

by Heather Harris Brady

We are famous in these parts for cherries – tart cherries in particular. Because I like dried tart cherries WAY better than raisins, I decided to come up with a way to showcase them in a different style. This is based on a kugelhopf, a yeast-based cake often baked in a bundt or taller mold.

I was after a version that would come together quickly, and could be on the table for a Sunday brunch. It has dried tart cherries throughout, and a lovely crunchy cinnamon sugar top. It is not super-sweet, although you could always drizzle it with a powdered sugar glaze if you wanted.

Leelanau Cherry Cinnamon Coffeecake, Makes one 9″ cake

• 1/3 c. dried tart cherries
• 2 T. orange juice
• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1 pkg. quick-rise yeast
• 3/4 c. lukewarm whole milk
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 t. salt
• 5 T. butter, at room temperature
• 2 t. almond extract

Topping

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 T. cream
• 1/2 c. greek yogurt
• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1 t. ground cinnamon
• 2 T. cold butter
• Mix and set aside: 2 t. ground cinnamon + 1/4 c. granulated sugar

Make the dough:

Combine the cherries and orange juice, set aside. Measure the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt into a mixing bowl. Put on the dough hook.

Stir until combined, add the milk and almond extract. Mix to a soft dough. When all the ingredients are combined, turn the speed to medium and beat for five minutes. Add the butter one tablespoon at a time and beat for three minutes.

Drain the orange juice from the cherries, and knead them into the dough by hand. Pat the dough into a 9″ pie plate, preheat the oven to 375, and set the dough aside to raise for 30 minutes.

Stir topping ingredients together, except for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Spread the topping over the raised dough.

Then cover it evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, dot with butter.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature. I like to warm any leftovers a few seconds in the microwave before serving.

Other Little House on the Dunes fall favorites –

2012: Thanksgiving Cookalong – The Menu & The Plan
2013: Soft Pumpkin Cookies
2014: Chocolate Sheet Cake
2015: Orange Cinnamon Breakfast Rolls
2016: Cinnamon Danish
2017: Dulce de Leche Truffle Pie