There’s something incredibly cozy about starting the day with a slice of warm, moist cake that’s both indulgent and fruity. That’s exactly what Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake delivers—deep, rich chocolate perfectly paired with the bright tartness of raspberries. It reminds me of my grandmother’s weekend tradition: baking a cake that filled the kitchen with sweet aromas, always served with laughter, stories, and a hot pot of coffee. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake was always a little rebellious—dessert for breakfast, she’d say with a wink.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake is a must-make treat that tastes as good as it looks.

The Perfect Pairing – Chocolate Meets Raspberry
How Dark Chocolate Elevates the Classic Coffee Cake
The magic of this cake lies in its rich chocolate base. Dark chocolate isn’t just sweet—it’s complex, slightly bitter, and incredibly luxurious. When folded into the soft batter of a coffee cake, it gives every bite a bold, satisfying depth that balances beautifully with the cake’s crumbly topping. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate adds sophistication without overpowering the other flavors.
As seen in Mississippi Mud Pie, dark chocolate can be the heart of a dessert, delivering decadent flavor with minimal sugar. It works in the same way here—creating a deep flavor profile that transforms a basic breakfast treat into something memorable.
Print
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake: A Rich and Fruity Morning Delight
A rich and moist coffee cake with dark chocolate and tart raspberries, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- Streusel topping: 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until combined.
- Layer half batter into pan, add half chocolate and raspberries.
- Repeat with remaining batter, chocolate, and berries.
- Mix streusel and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Don’t thaw frozen raspberries before using.
- Add nuts to streusel for extra crunch.
- Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Raspberries: A Tart Twist in Every Bite
Raspberries bring brightness to this indulgent cake. Their tartness cuts through the richness of chocolate, making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing. Fresh or frozen, the berries melt into the batter while baking, creating jammy pockets of flavor.
This combo reminds me of the flavor contrasts in Mini Turtle Cheesecakes, where sweet caramel meets crunchy pecans. Just like that dessert, this cake depends on balance—and raspberries are key to striking it.
Baking Basics – Getting the Texture Just Right
Moisture Is Everything: Key Ingredients That Make It Work
To keep your Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake moist without being too dense, the right mix of fats and dairy is essential. Sour cream or Greek yogurt makes a huge difference—it reacts with baking soda to create lift, while adding a creamy tang. Butter keeps it tender, while eggs bind everything together for a consistent, rich crumb.
Just like in Oreo Dump Cake, where moisture makes all the difference between gooey perfection and dry disappointment, this coffee cake thrives on wet ingredients that balance the dry.
The Streusel Factor: Crunchy Topping Meets Soft Center
A coffee cake isn’t complete without a golden, crumbly topping. The streusel on this cake adds texture and a buttery crunch that contrasts the rich interior. Made with flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, it bakes into crispy clumps that melt in your mouth.
We see a similar effect in Heavenly Italian Cream Puffs where delicate pastry contrasts with smooth filling. This textural play keeps every bite interesting.
The Method – From Batter to Bake
Layering for Flavor: Chocolate Chips, Berries, and Batter
Creating layers in this cake isn’t just about looks—it’s about taste. Start with half the batter, add a generous sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate and a handful of raspberries, then repeat. This ensures that every bite has flavor woven all the way through, not just sitting on top.
This idea of layering flavors is beautifully executed in the Strawberry Chocolate Breakfast Parfait, where each spoonful gives you something different yet balanced. It’s the same principle here—create variety and consistency all at once.
Baking Tips: Temperature, Timing, and Doneness
Bake your cake at 350°F (175°C) and keep a close eye on it. It should take 40–45 minutes, but ovens vary. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries out the cake and dulls the chocolate’s intensity.
Just like in Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake, timing is crucial. Be patient, don’t open the oven too often, and trust your senses—smell and sight are great indicators.
Serving & Storing – Make It Last (or Not)
How to Serve It: Hot, Cold, or With a Twist
This Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake is best served warm, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. It also works great cold the next day, when the flavors have had more time to settle and deepen. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for the full experience.
Think of how comforting a sweet bite can be, just like the first taste of Cinnamon Roll Cookies straight from the oven. This cake has the same effect—especially when shared.
Storage Hacks: Keeping It Moist and Delicious for Days
Wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat when needed.
Much like Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars, which maintain their texture even after chilling, this cake holds up beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead brunches or gifting.

Serving Up the Final Words on Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake is the kind of dessert-for-breakfast you’ll come back to again and again. It’s rich but balanced, indulgent yet comforting, and easy enough to become your new weekend tradition. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, this cake delivers layers of flavor that feel both homemade and special. And hey, if you find yourself sneaking a second slice… you’re not alone.
FAQs About Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake
How do I keep Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy center, make sure your raspberries are dry before folding them into the batter. If using frozen raspberries, don’t thaw them. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to excess moisture sinking during baking. A thick streusel topping—like the one used in Crumbl Oreo Cookie Copycat—also helps by absorbing some moisture while adding a satisfying crunch.
Can I substitute fresh raspberries with frozen ones in Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake?
Absolutely. Frozen raspberries work well—just add them straight into the batter without thawing. This prevents extra water from affecting the cake’s texture. It’s a trick commonly used in fruity desserts like Lemon Raspberry Bars, which depend on maintaining a delicate moisture balance.
What’s the best way to serve Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake for a crowd?
Slice the cake into even squares or wedges and place them on a tiered platter. You can lightly dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. It pairs beautifully with coffee, and for an elevated touch, consider serving it with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone, similar to how it’s done in Strawberry Cream Puffs.
Can I make Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but flavor remains rich—just like with Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars when made with substitutions.






