Very Cherry Hazelnut Coffee Cake
David Dahlman of Chatsworth, California, was a finalist in the 2012 Best of the Midwest recipe contest. He says this yeasty coffee cake reminds him of the old-fashioned, down-to-earth treats on his grandmother's farm table. It takes time because it's a yeast-leavened dough, but there's no kneading required.
Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine milk and yeast. Let stand 10 minutes.
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In a large bowl beat together 1/3 cup unsalted butter and 1/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add egg yolks, lemon peel and salt and beat until smooth. Beat in yeast mixture. Beat in 2 cups flour just until blended.
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Thoroughly wash beaters. In a medium bowl beat egg whites until frothy; beat into dough. Spread dough evenly into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. In a small saucepan, combine cherry preserves, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and the lemon juice. Stir over low heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Let cool. Scatter cherries evenly over risen dough; drizzle cooled preserve mixture evenly over cherries.
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For crumb topping: In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, ginger and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in 3 tablespoons butter until pieces are pea-size. Stir in nuts. Scatter crumb topping evenly over fruit topping. Bake in a 350°F oven for 18 to 23 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes, dust with powdered sugar if you like, then slice to serve.