The Ultimate Guide to Making Moist & Delicious Air Fryer Coffee Cake (Raspberry Almond)

Forget everything your mother told you about not having cake for breakfast! This incredible homemade air fryer coffee cake is a true game-changer. Perfectly moist and bursting with flavor, it pairs exquisitely with a steaming cup of coffee, just as its name suggests. But don’t limit yourself – this versatile treat is equally delightful for a leisurely brunch, a comforting dessert after dinner, or a satisfying afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your taste buds and simplify your baking routine with this easy-to-follow air fryer recipe.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Air Fryer Coffee Cake Recipe

This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a moist, flavorful masterpiece made effortlessly in your air fryer. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your household:

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: We’re diving into a delightful raspberry almond variation that offers a perfect balance of tart fruitiness and nutty sweetness. The beauty of coffee cake is its incredible adaptability – you can easily customize the flavors to suit your cravings, but this raspberry almond combination is truly special.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of sour cream in the batter, this cake boasts an incredibly tender and moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that stays fresh and delicious for days, if it lasts that long!
• Air Fryer Efficiency: Baking in an air fryer offers several advantages. It preheats much faster than a conventional oven, saving you time and energy. Plus, the efficient air circulation in the air fryer ensures even cooking and often results in a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown topping – a hallmark of a great coffee cake. You’ll find this cake cooks approximately 10 minutes faster on average compared to traditional baking methods.
• Versatility for Any Occasion: While it’s named “coffee cake,” implying a breakfast or brunch item, this treat transcends specific meal times. It’s fantastic for a special morning, a festive brunch spread, a comforting dessert, or simply a sweet pick-me-up with your afternoon tea.
• No Coffee Required (Unless You Want It!): Despite its name, traditional coffee cake does not contain coffee. This recipe is perfect for both coffee lovers and those who prefer to keep their caffeine separate. However, if you enjoy a subtle coffee flavor in your baked goods, you can easily add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.

Essential Ingredients List for Air Fryer Coffee Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful air fryer coffee cake. Here’s what you’ll need for each component of this raspberry almond treat:

For the Moist Coffee Cake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup butter (softened to room temperature for easy creaming)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup sour cream (the secret to its incredible moisture!)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (for that lovely nutty aroma)
• 1 large egg, beaten

For the Luscious Raspberry Filling:

• 4 Tablespoons natural raspberry preserves (or your favorite fruit preserve)

For the Irresistible Crumb Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar (for a rich, molasses flavor)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter (cold and cubed, essential for crumbly texture)
• 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds (adds a delightful crunch)

Feel free to double the recipe if you’re looking to create a larger or thicker coffee cake, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Coffee Cake

Follow these simple steps to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful coffee cake in your air fryer:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer and Pan: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have an exact 325°F setting, choose the closest available temperature. While it’s preheating, generously grease your cake pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This is crucial to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar, creaming them together until light and fluffy. Next, add the wet ingredients – the beaten egg, sour cream, and almond extract – stirring until they are well incorporated. Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt), mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

3. Layer the First Half of Batter: Carefully spread half of the prepared coffee cake batter evenly into the bottom of your greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer.

4. Add the Raspberry Filling: To make spreading easier, microwave the raspberry preserves for about 15-20 seconds until slightly softened. Then, gently spread the preserves over the first layer of cake batter, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon and spread the remaining half of the coffee cake batter over the raspberry preserves, ensuring the preserves are fully covered.

6. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold, cubed salted butter. Using a fork or your fingertips, mix these ingredients until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Then, gently fold in the sliced almonds.

7. Add the Crumb Topping: Generously spread the prepared crumb mixture over the top of the coffee cake batter. Lightly press down on the topping to help it adhere to the batter, ensuring it doesn’t fall off during cooking.

8. Air Fry the Cake: Carefully place the filled cake pan into the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there’s adequate space around the pan for air to circulate.

9. Cook to Perfection: Air fry the coffee cake on the air fry setting at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes. Cooking time will vary based on your air fryer model and pan size, so start checking around the 20-minute mark. The cake is done when the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just moist crumbs, but no liquid batter).
10. Cool and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the cake pan from the air fryer. Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool further. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature, and enjoy every delicious bite!

What to Serve With Your Air Fryer Coffee Cake

This delightful coffee cake is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides, toppings, and beverages. Here are some ideas to elevate your coffee cake experience:

Perfect Sides and Sweet Toppings

• Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt adds a creamy, slightly tangy counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness.
• Granola: For an extra layer of crunch and texture, sprinkle some granola alongside your slice.
• Fresh Fruit: Berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries are a natural pairing, enhancing the fruitiness of the cake. Sliced bananas or stone fruit also work beautifully.
• Quiche: For a complete brunch, a savory quiche offers a wonderful balance to the sweet coffee cake. Try my Air Fryer Crustless Quiche for a quick and easy option.
• Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon (or sausage) provides a fantastic contrast, especially if serving for breakfast or brunch. Our quick Turkey Bacon in the Microwave is a great side.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your slice for an extra layer of decadence, especially when serving as a dessert.
• Chocolate Sauce: A sweet chocolate drizzle can transform your coffee cake into an even more indulgent treat. My easy Microwave Chocolate Sauce is perfect for this!

Ideal Beverages for Pairing

• Coffee: Of course! The classic pairing for coffee cake. A hot brew enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience. Try my simple brewed Coffee in the Microwave.
• Tea: For tea enthusiasts, a cup of black tea, herbal tea, or even a chai latte makes a wonderful accompaniment.
• Lattes: A creamy latte, whether plain or flavored, is a luxurious match for a slice of coffee cake.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate is a cozy option, especially on a chilly day.
• Milk: A cold glass of milk is simple yet satisfying, particularly for younger palates.
• Orange Juice: For a brighter, more refreshing breakfast experience, orange juice provides a zesty contrast.
• Spiced Cider: In the fall, a warm spiced apple cider creates a wonderfully aromatic and comforting pairing.
• Mulled Wine: For an adult-only indulgence, especially during colder months, my easy Microwave Mulled Wine Recipe offers a unique and festive pairing.