CANDY CANE COFFEE CAKE

Candy Cane Coffee Cake image

Dotted with dried apricots and maraschino cherries, this tender coffee cake has a festive flavor and look. I love to serve it at Christmastime for my family, fellow teachers and students. It makes a welcome holiday gift, too. -Linda Hollingsworth, Quitman, Mississippi

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 3 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 cups warm sour cream (110° to 115°)
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons salt
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups finely chopped dried apricots
1-1/2 cups finely chopped maraschino cherries
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons cold water
Additional cherries, halved

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Beat in the sour cream, 4 tablespoons butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 14x7-in. rectangle on a greased baking sheet., Combine apricots and cherries; spoon down the center of each rectangle. On each long side, cut 3/4-in.-wide strips about 2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Curve top., Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Melt remaining butter; brush over warm coffee cakes. Combine confectioners' sugar and cold water until smooth; drizzle over the tops. Garnish with additional cherries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 182 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 170mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.