If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic coffee cake, this Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine the bright, zesty flavor of lemon blending effortlessly with juicy raspberries nestled in a tender, moist cake that’s just lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this cake feels both indulgent and delightfully refreshing. It’s a dish that brings sunshine to your table and warms your heart with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round, sliced cake in a silver pan sits on a white marbled surface. The cake has one thick layer with a light golden-brown top sprinkled with sliced almonds. On top, near the center, there is a pile of fresh red raspberries and a small light yellow lemon wedge. Inside the slice, visible raspberries add bright pink spots to the creamy cake. Around the cake, there are some scattered lemon zest pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe starts with simple, honest ingredients, and this Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the gluten-free flour that creates a soft crumb to the fresh raspberries that add bursts of tartness and color. The lemon juice and zest brighten the whole cake, while the sour cream contributes to a moist texture you’ll just love.

1 ½ cups gluten-free flour all purpose blend: A perfect base that keeps the cake light yet sturdy.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without falling flat.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds just the right lift and helps with browning.
¼ teaspoon fine salt: Balances flavors to make the sweetness pop.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender, rich texture.
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds creamy moisture that keeps the cake from drying out.
½ cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the fruit and lemon perfectly.
1 lemon, juiced and zest (2 tablespoons juice, 1 tablespoon zest): Infuses the cake with vibrant citrus brightness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
1 cup fresh raspberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vivid color.
¼ cup sliced almonds, for topping: Adds delightful crunch and a nutty aroma.
⅔ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for sauce): Creates a luscious lemon sour cream sauce to crown the cake.
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey (for sauce): Sweetens the sauce naturally.
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (for sauce): Gives the sauce a fresh, tangy kick.
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for sauce): Adds an extra burst of citrus flavor.

How to Make Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9- or 10-inch round baking dish with nonstick spray or use an 8-inch square pan if that’s what you have handy. This ensures your cake comes out cleanly and keeps its perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the foundation for a tender crumb and helps your cake rise just right.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, sour cream or yogurt, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and that signature citrus zing to the cake batter.

Step 4: Fold in Raspberries

Carefully fold the fresh raspberries into the wet ingredients to avoid breaking them up too much. Those ruby gems are what make this Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe truly special, adding bursts of fresh fruit in every bite.

Step 5: Combine and Pour Batter

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, gently folding to combine until just smooth. Then, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, leveling it out to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Add the Almond Topping

Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top. They’ll toast to a golden perfection in the oven, adding a crunchy texture contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, starting to test for doneness at 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. When it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Let it cool on a wire rack to set before moving on to the sauce.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Sour Cream Sauce

While the cake cools, whisk together the sour cream or yogurt, maple syrup or honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. This sauce is the perfect finishing touch—creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.

Step 9: Serve

Slice your Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe into wedges and generously dollop the lemon sour cream sauce on each piece. This cake is ready to brighten your day!

How to Serve Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe

A round lemon cake with a light golden surface sits in a silver baking pan, topped with scattered sliced almonds that add a crisp texture and pieces of lemon wedges adding bright yellow color. Fresh red raspberries cluster in the center, giving a natural vibrant contrast. The cake rests on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth underneath, and nearby are whole lemons and a small white bowl filled with more raspberries. A clear glass jar of white cream with a spoon is placed to the left, completing the fresh and inviting scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a handful of raspberries on top of each slice adds an inviting burst of color and taste. For a little extra indulgence, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes this cake feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea. You might also serve it alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch spread everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, consider serving individual slices in elegant dessert plates with a sprig of mint. Or turn it into a layered shortcake by adding whipped cream between slices and topping with extra raspberries for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for about 10 minutes. Add the lemon sour cream sauce fresh after warming for that perfect balance of cool and warm sensations.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect texture.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

The original recipe uses sour cream or yogurt, but you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt to make it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I substitute the gluten-free flour with regular flour?

Absolutely! Using all-purpose flour instead will work just fine if you’re not gluten-free, and it might create an even lighter cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Start testing at 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Can I make the lemon sour cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it covered in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Recipe is such a joy to make and even more satisfying to share. Its balance of bright citrus, juicy raspberries, and tender crumb makes it a standout on any table. I hope you embrace the simple pleasure of baking it and find as much happiness in every bite as I do. Give it a try, and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!