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As long as you call it coffee cake, it’s okay to eat dessert for breakfast, right?

Almond flavoring — and a to-die-for nutty streusel — enhances the flavor of the raspberries in this cake. The whole milk ricotta cheese brings it to the next level, adding rich creaminess and moisture.

Even better, this pretty made-from-scratch cake can be whipped together and ready to bake in just 15 minutes or less!

Key ingredients & substitutions for raspberry ricotta cake recipe

Cake

• Flour — All-purpose flour is essential for any cake recipe, giving the dessert structure and a flavorless base for the other tasty ingredients.
• Sugar — Sweetened the batter with granulated sugar. Use a sugar substitute if preferred, but expect the recipe to have a slightly different texture and taste.
• Baking powder — Baking powder is used in cakes to rise while baking and produce a light and airy crumb.

• Eggs — Along with the baking powder, a few large eggs will help the coffee cake have the perfect texture and plenty of moisture.
• Ricotta cheese — Bring additional moisture and a rich flavor to the coffee cake with a carton of whole milk ricotta cheese. Using low-fat or skim cheese won’t be as successful at producing a creamy taste.

• Vanilla and almond extract — Combine almond and vanilla extract to bring more flavor to the coffee cake.
• Butter — Pour some melted unsalted butter to further moisten the cake and enhance the creamy flavors. If using salted, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
• Raspberries — And, of course, you’ll want some fresh raspberries to layer into this coffee cake. If necessary, use frozen raspberries instead.

Almond Streusel

• Flour — Build the base of the almond streusel with all-purpose flour.
• Sugar — Sweeten this delicious topping with a bit of sugar. If preferred, use brown sugar.
• Butter — Combine the dry ingredients and bring creamy notes with unsalted butter.
• Almonds — Add a satisfying crunch and nutty notes with raw almonds.

How to make Raspberry Ricotta Cake with Streusel

You’ll never buy another coffee cake from the store again! After making this easy recipe, you’ll see how a few minutes of light effort pays off. Note: Mix the streusel first and let it rest while you whip up the cake batter.

How to make the almond streusel

STEP 1 | Combine topping ingredients

Add a crisp almond streusel to this delicious cake by adding flour, sugar, and almonds to a small bowl.

Next, mix the ingredients with a fork and pour the melted butter into the bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are incorporated with the butter.

STEP 2 | Rest and crumble

Let the streusel rest while you prepare the cake batter, then use your fingertips to crumble it into small pieces. When ready, sprinkle it on top of the cake and bake.

Raspberry Coffee Cake

STEP 1 | Preheat and prepare

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and lightly coating a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or cake release.

Next, cut a 9-inch circle of parchment paper and place it firmly in the bottom of the cake pan, then flip the parchment over and return it to the pan. This little trick will lightly grease both sides of the parchment for easy release! 😉 😉

STEP 2 | Combine dry ingredients

Now, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

STEP 3 | Mix ricotta mixture with dry ingredients

Whisk the eggs, ricotta, vanilla, and almond extracts in another bowl until the texture is smooth. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until incorporated.

STEP 4 | Add butter and layer batter with berries

Next, carefully pour the melted butter into the batter and whisk gently until combined. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan, topping with half of the raspberries.

Then, repeat the layers with the remaining raspberries and batter, sprinkling the top of the cake with the almond streusel.

STEP 5 | Bake the cake

Finally, place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until it is a light golden brown color.

Insert a pick into the center of the cake. When it comes out clean, this simple cake is ready to remove and cool.

STEP 6 | Cool, slice, and serve! 

Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool in the pan. After about 20 minutes, gently run a knife along the golden brown sides and remove the cake from the springform pan.

Return the cake to the cooling rack to come to room temperature. Once completely cooled, slice and serve! Bon appetit!

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

Of course, a cup of coffee is the perfect addition to this tasty coffee cake recipe. But it can also be served with afternoon tea featuring this delicious and refreshing Blueberry Iced Tea recipe.

You can also add warmer notes to this cake by sipping on a steaming mug of chai tea, using this simple Chai Tea Mix that makes the perfect beverage in just seconds!

Behind the recipe: Raspberry Ricotta Coffee Cake

It’s easy to see why someone who has never had coffee cake expects it to have coffee flavor. However, this is rarely the case.

Coffee cakes are named so because they are commonly served as a breakfast or afternoon treat paired with a steaming cup of your favorite brew. 

Coffee cake is an often unfrosted cake that’s sweet enough to be served as a dessert but light enough to be a tasty addition to breakfast or brunch.

It was created from cultural traditions, like afternoon tea or family breakfast, and has since been made in countless varieties all over the globe.