Christmas Tree Coffee Cake

CindiJ's Note:

I discovered this recipe in Good Housekeeping many years ago. Guests for breakfast are always surprised and in awe of this Coffee Cake - I shape according to my mood or the holiday. Prep time does NOT include rise or chill times.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 22

Yield: 2.0 cakes

• 4 -4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (2 ounce) can crushed pineapple in syrup, drained
• 11 red glazed cherries, halved
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. In large mixing bowl throughly mix 2 cups flour, sugar, salt& dry yeast. Set aside.
2. In small saucepan combine milk, water and butter.
3. Heat to 130ºF (butter does not need to melt).
4. Slowly add liquid to the above dry ingredients; beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
5. Add egg and 1 cup flour.
6. Beat at high speed additional 2 minutes.
7. Stir in enough remaining flour to make stiff dough (approx. 1 cup).
8. Cover tightly.
9. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
10. When ready to make rolls, prepare filling.
11. In large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, nutmeg and vanilla.
12. Beat just until well blended.
13. Stir in drained pineapple.
14. Grease 2 large cookie sheets.
15. Divide dough in half; keep one half in refrigerator while working with other half.
16. On lightly floured surface roll first dough half to an 11" x 10" rectangle.
17. Spread with half of the cream cheese pineapple filling.
18. Roll up on 11" side- pinch seams to seal.
19. Cut into 1" slices and arrange in shape of Christmas tree on cookie sheet.
20. Cover lightly with plastic wrap.
21. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
22. Let arranged slices rise approximately 1 hour in draft free warm place.
23. Preheat oven to 375ºF- Bake 15 minutes; cover with aluminum foil to prevent browning.
24. Bake additional 5-10 minutes.
25. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
26. Place cherries, cut side down in center of each roll.
27. Combine powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over the rolls.

Reviews

[Andrea in NH]

I've made this recipe for years and never got around to posting it. I just came across your posting and I'm glad that you posted it. This is time consuming but is well worth it. I've made it for family gathering and as each person walks by the platter, they break off a roll. The cream cheese filling is so yummy. The only other thing that I do is to sprinkle red and green sugar over the glaze.

[kansbaker]

This recipe sounds good and fun to make.Although I probably won't get to make this till next christmas,I wanted to thank you for posting the recipe.I know it will be fantastic!