Raspberry Coffee Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Raspberry Coffee Cake is a delightful treat combining tender, buttery dough with a sweet and tangy raspberry preserve filling. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Cut in the butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir just until combined.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly 4 to 5 times, being careful not to overwork it. Roll the dough out on parchment paper into an 8 by 12 inch rectangle.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough on the parchment paper to a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, mark the dough lengthwise into three equal sections.
- Step 5: Spread the raspberry preserves down the center third of the dough. Make diagonal cuts every couple of inches on the outer thirds, taking care not to cut into the preserves. Fold the strips over the preserves, alternating sides until all strips are folded over.
- Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is cooked through and lightly browned on top.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm coffee cake before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh raspberries mixed with a little sugar instead of preserves for a fresher fruit taste.
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped almonds or walnuts to the filling before folding the dough.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Storage
Store the Raspberry Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore its soft texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of preserves?
Yes, thaw frozen raspberries and mix them with a bit of sugar to create a similar filling texture before spreading on the dough.
Can I make this coffee cake vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use plant-based milk. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
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Raspberry Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Raspberry Coffee Cake is a moist and tender pastry featuring a delicate blend of cream cheese and butter in the dough, layered with sweet raspberry preserves. Lightly sweetened with a vanilla glaze drizzle, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The braided topping not only provides an attractive presentation but adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cake.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the coffee cake.
- Prepare the dough: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir gently just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly 4 or 5 times to bring it together. Roll the dough out on parchment paper into an 8 x 12 inch rectangle.
- Transfer and score the dough: Move the rolled dough onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, score the dough lengthwise into three equal sections to prepare for the braiding.
- Add preserves and braid: Spread the raspberry preserves down the center third of the dough. On the outer thirds, make diagonal cuts every two inches without cutting into the preserves. Fold the strips over the preserves alternately from each side to create a braided effect.
- Bake the coffee cake: Place the assembled dough in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked and the top is lightly browned.
- Make the glaze and finish: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the warm coffee cake before serving.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender and flaky.
- If fresh raspberries are available, you can mix them with preserves for added texture.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk depending on desired consistency.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly before glazing for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Raspberry coffee cake, breakfast pastry, braided coffee cake, cream cheese coffee cake, berry preserves dessert

