Name: Cherry and Raspberry Coffee Cake with Turbinado Sugar Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup brown sugar; 10 tablespoons butter; 2 packets active dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons); 3 eggs; 3 ½ cups flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 2 cups cherries (pitted and halved); 1 cup raspberries (fresh); ¼ cup turbinado sugar; 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 cup powdered sugar; 4-5 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 59 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that sings with fresh, vibrant flavors and a touch of rustic sweetness, the Cherry and Raspberry Coffee Cake with Turbinado Sugar Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful cake brings together juicy cherries and tart raspberries nestled in a tender, slightly sweet dough, crowned with a crunchy turbinado sugar topping and a luscious glaze. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or impressing guests with something that tastes like homemade love in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking pan with one layer of light beige dough spread evenly across the pan. On top of the dough, there is a scattered layer of red raspberries and dark red cherries, some whole and some cut in half, adding a mix of smooth and bumpy textures. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The simplicity of staples like flour and butter combines beautifully with the freshness of fruit and the unique crunch of turbinado sugar, resulting in a truly irresistible cake.

Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness to keep the cake soft and tender.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and helps activate the yeast.
Butter: Engenders a rich mouthfeel and golden crust, both in the dough and the glaze.
Active dry yeast: Leavens the cake, delivering a light and airy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding structure for a tender crumb.
Flour: The foundation, providing the cake’s structure and body.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Cherries: Juicy and sweet, they infuse pockets of fruitiness throughout the cake.
Raspberries: Offer a tart contrast that brightens every bite.
Turbinado sugar: Gives a lovely crunchy topping with a hint of molasses flavor.
Powdered sugar: Base for the smooth glaze that adds extra sweetness and shine.
Heavy cream: Gives the glaze a silky texture and richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.

How to Make Cherry and Raspberry Coffee Cake with Turbinado Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Proof the Dough

Begin by lightly greasing and flouring a 9 x 13 inch baking pan—this will ensure your cake releases effortlessly after baking. Next, gently warm the milk, brown sugar, and butter together; the mixture should feel warm, not hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast. When the butter is just about melted, stir in the yeast and let it sit until foamy. This step awakens the yeast and sets the foundation for a fluffy cake.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Lightly whisk the eggs to start, then mix flour and salt in a separate bowl. Pour your milk-yeast mix and eggs over the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until everything is incorporated. The batter will be sticky, which is exactly how you want it for this recipe!

Step 3: Let it Rise

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Spray plastic wrap with cooking spray and loosely cover the pan to prevent sticking. Place it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. If you need flexibility, refrigerate it instead and bake when ready. Patience here rewards you with the perfect light texture.

Step 4: Add Fruit, Sugar, and Bake

Once your batter has risen, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Evenly layer the cherries and raspberries over the dough, then sprinkle turbinado sugar across the top for that signature crunch. Melt some butter and drizzle it generously over all. Bake for 30 minutes, then rotate the pan and drop the oven temperature to 325ºF, baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the top is golden beautiful.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Once your cake comes out warm, drizzle this glaze over the top. The glaze seeps into the fruity crevices and adds a perfect finishing touch of sweetness and shine to your coffee cake.

How to Serve Cherry and Raspberry Coffee Cake with Turbinado Sugar Glaze Recipe

The image shows a baked dessert in a silver rectangular pan, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has a golden brown cake layer mixed with red raspberries and dark purple cherries embedded throughout. A woman's hand holding a whisk is drizzling a thick white icing over the top, creating thin and thick lines across the fruit and cake. The cake texture looks soft and slightly bumpy, with the fruit giving pops of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh berries or a few mint leaves adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also highlight the turbinado sugar’s sparkle and gives the cake a whimsical charm. These small touches turn every slice into a visual delight.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon indulgence. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt or ricotta with honey and nuts to balance out the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad also complements the berry flavors perfectly, creating a balanced and inviting table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning display, serve the cake in individual square pieces on pretty dessert plates, each with a drizzle of extra glaze and a few berries on the side. Alternatively, stack slices with whipped cream between layers for a quick “coffee cake trifle.” Turning this simple baked treat into a showstopper is easier than you might think!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the coffee cake fresh and moist. Avoid refrigeration if you can, as it may dry out the crumb.

Freezing

This coffee cake freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers fresh and warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or briefly warm in a 300ºF oven for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the tender crumb and melts the glaze slightly for ultimate comfort eating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.

Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Why does the recipe call for turbinado sugar instead of regular granulated sugar?

Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and a subtle molasses flavor that add a wonderful crunchy texture and depth of sweetness on top of the cake, which regular sugar won’t provide.

Can I prepare the dough the night before and bake in the morning?

Definitely. After the dough has risen, cover and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature and finish rising before baking the next day.

How thick should the fruit layer be on the cake?

Keep the layer of cherries and raspberries even but not too thick — about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of each distributed evenly works perfectly. Overloading can make the cake soggy in places.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying the Cherry and Raspberry Coffee Cake with Turbinado Sugar Glaze Recipe enough if you crave a comforting, flavorful baked treat that feels both nostalgic and a little special. It’s the kind of cake that invites smiles, warm conversations, and second helpings. Give it a go and watch your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of berries and sugary glaze; it will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.