This rich, yeast-risen coffee cake is a showstopper for Valentine’s Day. Featuring a sweet almond and cherry filling, it is shaped into charming hearts and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. The texture is tender and fluffy, balancing the dense sugar crust with light, airy dough. Perfect for romantic breakfasts, afternoon tea, or as a special gift for a loved one.
Valentine Coffee Cake
Description
This rich, yeast-risen coffee cake is a showstopper for Valentine's Day. Featuring a sweet almond and cherry filling, it is shaped into charming hearts and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. The texture is tender and fluffy, balancing the dense sugar crust with light, airy dough. Perfect for romantic breakfasts, afternoon tea, or as a special gift for a loved one.Ingredients
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and yeast.
-
In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water, and 4 tablespoons butter until warm and melted.
-
Gradually add the warm liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
-
Add eggs and another 1/2 cup flour; beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
-
By hand, stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft, manageable dough.
-
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
-
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
-
Punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough in half.
-
Roll each half into a 26-inch by 8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
-
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the dough rectangles.
-
Combine chopped almonds, remaining brown sugar, salt, and cherries. Sprinkle this filling evenly over the buttered dough.
-
Roll up jelly-roll style from the long end; pinch the seam to seal.
-
Place seam side down on greased nonstick baking sheets. Shape each roll into a heart by folding ends under and sealing.
-
Cut slits from the outer edge 2/3 through the cake every 1 inch, then twist each section outward to create a decorative edge.
-
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
-
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Remove immediately from baking sheets and cool completely on wire racks.
-
For the glaze, cream confectioner's sugar and 2 tablespoons softened butter.
-
Stir in 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled heart cakes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 982.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.7g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 205.2g69%
- Dietary Fiber 7.3g30%
- Sugars 0.8g
- Protein 27.0g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.