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Braided Coffee Cake Recipe

Braided Coffee Cake Recipe

A soft and golden Braided Coffee Cake Recipe filled with your choice of cream cheese cherry, apricot jam, or cardamom nut perfect for brunch or special mornings.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: European, American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Grouped by Dough + Fillings)
  • 3 cups All-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Yeast instant dry
  • 1 cup Milk warm
  • 1 Egg large
  • 1/4 cup Butter melted
Fillings (Choose one)Cream Cheese Cherry
  • 4 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Cherry pie filling or fresh cherries
Apricot Jam
  • 1/2 cup Apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch optional, for thickening
Cardamom Nut
  • 1/2 cup Ground walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cardamom

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl For combining dough
  • 1 Stand Mixer Optional, for kneading
  • 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment
  • 1 Rolling Pin To roll the dough flat

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
  3. Gradually stir in flour and salt to form a soft dough.
  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled.
Roll and Fill
  1. Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread your chosen filling (Cream Cheese Cherry, Apricot Jam, or Cardamom Nut) along the center third.
  3. Slice diagonal strips on the outer thirds and braid them over the filling.
Final Rise and Bake
  1. Carefully transfer the braid to a lined baking sheet.
  2. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Brush the top with egg wash.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

  • This braided coffee cake is versatile—use any one of the suggested fillings:
    ▪ Cream Cheese Cherry – rich and creamy
    ▪ Apricot Jam – light and fruity
    ▪ Cardamom Nut – spiced and nutty
  • Be sure to let the dough rise until doubled for the best texture.
  • For a neater braid, chill the dough slightly before slicing and folding.
  • Allow the finished braid to cool completely before slicing to help the filling set.
  • Can be made a day in advance and baked fresh for serving.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
  • Optional: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and shine.