Crescent Roll Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and delightful flavors, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe transforms store-bought crescent rolls into a warm, gooey cake that is both comforting and indulgent. The layers of buttery dough, sweet raspberry preserves, and crunchy pecans create a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this coffee cake is a delicious choice that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Crescent Roll Coffee Cake is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also requires minimal prep time, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings or spontaneous brunch gatherings. The unique use of crescent rolls adds a flaky texture that’s hard to resist, while the combination of flavors—from the rich brown sugar to the tangy raspberry preserves—creates a symphony of taste. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily swap out the raspberry preserves for your favorite jam or add in different nuts to suit your taste.
What Goes In
To whip up this delightful Crescent Roll Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (18-count) can crescent rolls
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowl: for combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: to beat the eggs and mix the batter smoothly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: the perfect size for this coffee cake.
- Spatula: for spreading the raspberry preserves and smoothing the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements.
Crescent Roll Coffee Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 3: Unroll the Crescent Rolls
Open the can of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough onto a clean surface. You will need to pinch the seams together to create a solid layer of dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the prepared batter over the crescent roll dough. Then, dollop the raspberry preserves over the batter, followed by sprinkling the chopped pecans evenly across the top. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before slicing and serving.
Seasonal Serving Ideas

This Crescent Roll Coffee Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- For a spring touch, add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries alongside the raspberry preserves.
- In the fall, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a soothing afternoon treat.
Chef’s Notes
The beauty of this Crescent Roll Coffee Cake lies in its simplicity. Feel free to get creative by experimenting with different flavored preserves, such as apricot or peach. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. Always ensure that the dough is pressed together well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Lastly, serve it warm to truly enjoy the gooey goodness of this cake.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten Crescent Roll Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why is my coffee cake not rising?
If your coffee cake is not rising, it could be due to expired ingredients, particularly the baking powder in the crescent roll dough. Make sure to check the expiration dates on all your ingredients before baking.
What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?
You can substitute raspberry preserves with any other fruit preserves, such as strawberry, apricot, or even a savory option like apple butter for a unique twist on the flavor.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and assemble the cake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?
The coffee cake is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Reader Favorites
In Closing
Crescent Roll Coffee Cake is a delightful addition to any meal and an easy way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of soft, flaky crescent rolls with sweet raspberry filling and crunchy pecans creates a treat that is both comforting and satisfying. So next time you find yourself in need of a quick and delicious dessert or breakfast option, look no further than this delightful recipe. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—unless you want it all to yourself!

Crescent Roll Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (18-count) crescent rolls
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 3: Open the can of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough onto a clean surface. Pinch the seams together to create a solid layer of dough.
- Step 4: Spread half of the prepared batter over the crescent roll dough. Dollop the raspberry preserves over the batter, followed by sprinkling the chopped pecans evenly across the top. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
- Step 5: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before slicing and serving.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- Try different flavored preserves like apricot or peach for variety.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Serve warm to enjoy the gooey goodness of the cake.
