Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake

Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any time of day. Its bright lemon flavor paired with sweet raspberries makes it a wonderful choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This moist and flavorful cake is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Choosing to bake Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake is a great idea for several reasons. Not only is this cake delicious, but it also combines fresh fruit and zesty lemon, making it a refreshing option. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet has enough flavor to satisfy even the most experienced dessert lovers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up fresh berries during the summer months!

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake

Making Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake involves preparing a few key components: the streusel, the cake batter, and the glaze. Follow these steps for a delightful cake everyone will love.

Ingredients

3 tbsp granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp
2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 tsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup whole milk
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup cream cheese, room temp
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Prepare Streusel: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest. Add flour and combine with softened butter to form a crumbly mixture. Place in the fridge.
Raspberries: Toss raspberries in 1 tsp of flour to coat, and set aside.
Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat 6 tbsp of butter and 1 1/4 cup of sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
Assemble Cake: Spread 1/3 of the batter in a greased 8" or 9" cake pan. Add half of the raspberries. Repeat with more batter and raspberries, finishing with the remaining batter. Top with the streusel mixture.
Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, covering with foil if the top browns too quickly. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Make Glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake

This coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can slice it into generous pieces and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also delicious with a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt on the side.

How to Store Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake

To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake

Be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until combined to ensure your cake stays light and fluffy.
If you are using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest or serve the cake with lemon-sugar for sprinkling.

Variation

Feel free to experiment! You can swap raspberries for blueberries or strawberries, or add some chopped nuts to the streusel for an added crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in this recipe. Just toss them in flour and add them directly to the batter without thawing.

Q: How can I tell if the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Q: Can I make this coffee cake without lemon?
A: Yes! If you prefer, you can omit the lemon and use vanilla or almond extract for flavor instead. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to your taste.

Enjoy making your Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.