Raspberry Almond Frangipane Coffee Cake
This Raspberry Almond Frangipane Coffee Cake is a delightful treat, featuring a soft and fluffy almond cake swirled with sweet raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. Topped with a creamy almond frangipane layer, it’s finished with a rich vanilla bean glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar, making it the perfect indulgent coffee cake for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Raspberry jam or preserves
Fresh raspberries
Almond flour
Almond extract
Slivered almonds
Powdered sugar
Milk of choice
Why You’ll Love a Raspberry Almond Frangipane Coffee Cake:
Soft and Fluffy Almond Cake: The base of this coffee cake is made with a soft and fluffy almond cake that’s perfectly light and tender, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
Swirled with Raspberry Jam and Fresh Raspberries: The sweet raspberry jam and fresh raspberries create a beautiful swirl in the cake, adding a burst of fruitiness that perfectly complements the almond flavor.
Creamy Almond Frangipane Topping: The almond frangipane topping is soft, creamy, and rich, adding a deliciously nutty flavor and a perfect contrast to the lightness of the cake.
Finished with a Vanilla Bean Glaze: The finishing touch of a vanilla bean glaze adds a smooth, aromatic sweetness to the cake, making each bite extra indulgent and perfectly balanced.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives this coffee cake a delicate, elegant finish and adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This coffee cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert for gatherings. Its stunning layers and delicious flavors will impress guests at any occasion.
Delicious Balance of Sweet and Nutty Flavors: The combination of sweet raspberries, almond cake, almond frangipane, and vanilla glaze creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s both rich and refreshing.
Great Pairing with Coffee or Tea: This coffee cake is the perfect pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, offering a comforting, flavorful treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage.
A Unique Twist on Traditional Coffee Cake: With its almond frangipane topping and raspberry swirl, this coffee cake offers a unique and elevated twist on the classic, making it a standout dessert.
Visually Stunning: The beautiful swirls of raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, topped with the almond frangipane and vanilla glaze, make this coffee cake as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Tips for Making a Raspberry Almond Frangipane Coffee Cake:
Bake the Cake First Without the Almond Frangipane: Start by baking the almond cake without the frangipane topping to ensure that the base gets fully cooked. This helps maintain the soft, fluffy texture of the cake while giving the frangipane topping a chance to set during the final minutes of baking.
Add the Almond Frangipane Topping in the Last 10-15 Minutes: To ensure the frangipane topping stays creamy and doesn’t over-bake, add it to the cake in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the almond topping to cook perfectly without becoming too firm.
Top with Slivered Almonds for Texture: Once the frangipane topping is added, sprinkle slivered almonds on top. The almonds add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the almond cake and raspberry swirl.
Broil the Almonds for a Golden Finish: To get the almonds golden brown and crispy, broil the cake for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The toasted almonds add a delicious depth of flavor and an elegant touch to the cake.
Use Fresh Raspberries for a Burst of Flavor: Fresh raspberries add a vibrant flavor and texture to the cake. If fresh raspberries are not available, you can use frozen raspberries, but fresh raspberries will give you the best results for a juicy, flavorful swirl.
Ensure the Cake Cools Before Adding the Glaze: Once the cake is baked and has cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla bean glaze over the top. If the cake is too hot, the glaze may melt too quickly, so let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before glazing.
Sift the Powdered Sugar for a Smooth Finish: When dusting the finished cake with powdered sugar, sift it first to ensure an even and smooth dusting, which will enhance the cake’s presentation and add a delicate sweetness.
Don’t Over-ix the Cake Batter: When mixing the cake batter, be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined for a soft, fluffy cake.
Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, and reheat slices in the oven before serving for a fresh, warm treat.
How to Store a Raspberry Almond Frangipane Coffee Cake:
Store at Room Temperature for 2-3 Days: Keep your raspberry almond frangipane coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This will maintain the soft and fluffy texture of the almond cake and keep the raspberry flavor fresh.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure it is covered tightly to prevent the cake from drying out, and the whipped cream cheese topping from losing its smooth texture.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage, freeze the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours, or thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven for the best texture.
Store the Whipped Cream Cheese Topping Separately: If you have leftovers of the whipped cream cheese topping, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reapply the topping just before serving for a fresh look.
Freeze Individual Slices for Easy Access: To make individual portions easier to store, slice the cake into serving-sized pieces, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to thaw and serve one slice at a time.
Avoid Storing with Powdered Sugar: If you’ve dusted the coffee cake with powdered sugar, it’s best to store the cake without the sugar. Powdered sugar can melt and absorb moisture over time. Add the powdered sugar right before serving for a perfect finish.
Wrap in Plastic Wrap for Extra Freshness: If you want to keep the cake extra fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container or on a serving tray. This helps lock in moisture and prevents the cake from drying out.
Serve Warm After Storing: For the best experience, if you've refrigerated or frozen the cake, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its softness and warmth before serving. This will enhance the flavors and give the cake a fresh-baked feel.
FAQs:
Q: Why is the almond frangipane topping added later in the baking process?
A: The almond frangipane topping is added in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to ensure it cooks to perfection without overbaking. This allows the topping to remain soft and creamy while the cake bakes fully. It also prevents the frangipane from becoming too firm or dry.
Q: How do I get the slivered almonds golden brown on top?
A: After adding the almond frangipane topping, sprinkle slivered almonds over the top of the cake. To get them golden brown and crispy, broil the cake for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Be sure to watch closely to prevent the almonds from burning.
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries for this coffee cake?
A: While fresh raspberries are ideal for their vibrant flavor and texture, you can use frozen raspberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Q: Why do I need to bake the cake before adding the almond frangipane topping?
A: Baking the cake first ensures that the almond cake base is fully cooked and fluffy before the frangipane is added. Adding the topping later allows it to set properly without interfering with the texture of the cake.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: How should I store the raspberry almond frangipane coffee cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it or freeze individual slices for easy access later. Always add the powdered sugar dusting just before serving.
Q: Can I substitute the almond flour in the frangipane topping?
A: Almond flour is a key ingredient in the frangipane topping and provides the distinct almond flavor and texture. Substituting it with another type of flour may alter the texture and flavor of the topping. If you need a substitute, you can try ground walnuts or hazelnuts, though the flavor will differ.
Q: What can I serve this coffee cake with?
A: This raspberry almond frangipane coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also makes an excellent dessert when served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy contrast to the fruity and nutty flavors.
Q: Can I skip the vanilla bean glaze?
A: The vanilla bean glaze adds a rich, aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the cake. While you can skip it if you prefer a simpler finish, the glaze is highly recommended for added flavor and visual appeal.
Q: How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should have risen evenly. If you’re using the broiler to toast the almonds, be sure to remove the cake as soon as the almonds are golden to avoid overbaking.
Check out my other almond recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this raspberry almond frangipane coffee cake. Happy baking!
