Raspberry Pecan Crescent Roll Coffee Cake
A pull-apart coffee cake that transforms refrigerated crescent rolls into an impressive breakfast treat. Buttery dough spirals are filled with sweet raspberry preserves and topped with a rich custard-like mixture of butter, brown sugar, and eggs. Crunchy pecans add texture while a simple powdered sugar glaze provides the perfect finishing touch. This crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or potluck gatherings. The combination of convenience and homemade flavor makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, delivering bakery-quality results in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 8-count can crescent rolls
- ⅓ cup raspberry preservesapricot jam1:1sweet
similar flavor profile
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9-inch cake pan
- 2
Mix butter, brown sugar, and eggs with electric mixer until smooth
- 3
Beat in flour and vanilla, then set aside
- 4
Spread raspberry preserves on each piece of crescent roll dough
- 5
Roll up crescent rolls and place in prepared pan
- 6
Pour butter mixture over crescent rolls
- 7
Sprinkle pecans on top
- 8
Bake for 24-26 minutes or until golden brown, checking center is not doughy
- 9
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in small bowl
- 10
Drizzle glaze over coffee cake and serve
Tips
Check the center with a toothpick to ensure the custard mixture is set before removing from oven
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting completely
Save time by chopping pecans the night before and storing in an airtight container
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheat individual portions in microwave
Assemble without baking up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 5 minutes to baking time
Best served warm, cut into wedges with fork
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or the custard will curdle and become rubbery
Ensure preserves are spread evenly to avoid dry spots in the rolls
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use different preserves or jam flavors?
Yes, any fruit preserve works well. Apricot, strawberry, or mixed berry are excellent alternatives that complement the buttery custard and pecans.
What if I don't have an electric mixer?
You can mix by hand with a whisk, but ensure the butter is very soft. Beat vigorously for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth.
How long will this keep at room temperature?
The coffee cake should not sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours due to the egg custard. Refrigerate leftovers promptly for food safety.