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

Scale

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