Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a treat that brings together the tangy burst of fresh raspberries with the smooth richness of cream cheese, this Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of tender cake, luscious cream cheese filling, and a crumbly cinnamon topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this cake promises warmth and joy in every delicious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this cake. From the fluffy cake base to the tangy cream cheese filling, every element is essential to that unforgettable taste and appearance.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure, ensuring a soft yet sturdy crumb.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to give a subtle lift and tenderness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden crust.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that elevates the flavor.
• 1 cup sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tang that complements the raspberries perfectly.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, creamy and smooth for rich indulgence.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese for balance with the tangy berries.
• 1 large egg (for filling): Helps the cream cheese mixture set to a perfect consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the cream cheese’s flavor profile.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries: Bursting with juiciness and color for a vibrant layer.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for raspberries): Macerates the raspberries for a sweet, luscious filling.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble): Base for the crumble topping to add a delightful crunch.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumble): Sweetens and caramelizes lightly as it bakes.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crumble): Gives the crumble richness and holds it together.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and extra flavor depth to the crumble topping.

How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake or springform pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside now will make it easier to incorporate them smoothly later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, cream your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender cake crumb. Add in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the mixture becomes silky. Finally, stir in vanilla extract for that comforting fragrance.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients with Sour Cream

Add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined so you don’t overwork the batter, which helps keep your cake light and airy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until totally smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will add that dreamy, velvety texture that makes this coffee cake truly special.

Step 5: Sweeten and Toss the Raspberries

Gently mix the fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup of sugar to macerate them, releasing their natural juices and making them even more flavorful inside the layers.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake Layers

Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then carefully layer on the cream cheese mixture followed by the sugared raspberries. Finish by gently spreading the remaining cake batter on top, sealing all the goodness inside for each bite.

Step 7: Make and Add the Crumble Topping

Mix together the crumble ingredients—flour, sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon—until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this generously over the top of the cake batter to add a slightly crunchy, aromatic finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen is a delicious hint that the cake is almost ready to enjoy!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. This resting period helps the layers set beautifully and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to add a touch of elegance and sweetness. You can also add a few fresh raspberries on top for a pop of color and freshness that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake wonderfully pairs with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or a soothing tea, making any morning or afternoon moment feel like a special occasion. If you want to keep things light, a fresh fruit salad on the side complements the cake’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for an extra special touch. For gatherings, arrange slices beautifully on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint sprigs for eye-catching dessert platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to two days, or you can refrigerate it to extend freshness to about five days.

Freezing

This raspberry cream cheese coffee cake freezes beautifully. To keep it at its best, slice and wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm leftover or thawed slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that just-baked goodness. Reheating makes it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen raspberries work just fine as long as you thaw and drain them well beforehand so the excess liquid doesn’t make the cake too soggy.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute—it provides a similar tang and moisture without sacrificing texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some adjustments like using dairy-free cream cheese, butter substitutes, and plant-based sour cream alternatives, you can adapt this recipe for a dairy-free lifestyle.

How should I slice the cake to keep the layers intact?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut slowly with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the cake and mixing the layers.

Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Certainly! A 9×13 inch baking dish works well if you prefer a sheet cake style, but baking time may need to be adjusted—start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully comforting about this Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Recipe that makes it an all-time favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in yours too. The perfect mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crumbly textures come together to create a cake that feels both decadent and homey. I can’t wait for you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and experience all the smiles it brings.

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