Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

The Cheerful Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Warm aromas of cranberry bliss coffee cake drift through kitchens, promising comfort with every slice.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights when tart berries mingle with soft, tender crumbs.

Cozy mornings demand something special that warms both heart and palate.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this cake a delightful surprise for weekend gatherings.

Sweet-tangy notes dance across each perfectly baked square, inviting curious taste buds to explore.

Memories of festive mornings will spark as you slice into this delectable treat.

You won’t be able to resist sharing this irresistible recipe with everyone around the table.

Tasty Variations For Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap cranberries for diced mango and pineapple, replace orange zest with lime zest, and use coconut flakes in the crumb topping for a sunny island-inspired version.
  • Dark Chocolate Berry Fusion: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips, use mixed berries instead of cranberries, and add a touch of espresso powder to the batter for a rich, intense flavor profile.
  • Nutty Winter Spice Cake: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, use brown butter instead of regular butter, and add a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warming winter feel.
  • Lemon Lavender Dream: Substitute cranberries with dried lavender buds, use lemon zest instead of orange, and create a light lemon glaze to drizzle on top for a delicate, fragrant cake.

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs

  • What makes this cranberry bliss coffee cake special?

This coffee cake combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet white chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The crumb topping adds a delightful texture, making it a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

  • Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. Frozen cranberries work great and will help maintain their shape during baking. Just toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.

  • Is there a way to make this cake more or less sweet?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly or adding more white chocolate chips. The brown sugar in the crumb topping also contributes to the overall sweetness, so you can modify that amount to suit your taste preferences.

  • What if I don't have orange zest?

No worries! Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note, but you can substitute with lemon zest or simply omit it. The cake will still be delicious with the cranberry and white chocolate flavors shining through.

Why Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe Is A Cozy Treat

  • Whip Up a Festive Breakfast Treat: This cranberry bliss coffee cake transforms a simple morning into a special celebration with its burst of holiday-inspired flavors and gorgeous white chocolate drizzle.
  • Conquer Baking with Ease: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the recipe offers straightforward steps and minimal complicated techniques, ensuring a delightful result every single time.
  • Perfect for Cozy Gatherings: Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or casual get-together, this cake brings warmth and excitement to any social setting with its vibrant cranberry and white chocolate combination.
  • Quick and Stress-Free Preparation: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks who want a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor to the cake.
  • Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes.
  • Sour Cream: Creates moisture and tender crumb.
  • Milk: Helps achieve smooth batter consistency.
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cranberries, White Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of tartness and sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes in crumb topping.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice.
  • Coconut Oil or Butter: Used for smooth white chocolate drizzle.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creates a decadent finish for the cake.

How To Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Give your baking pan a quick spray of cooking oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Crack in eggs, splash of vanilla, and sprinkle of orange zest. Mix until everything looks harmonious. Pour in sour cream and milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until the batter becomes silky smooth. Carefully stir in:
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries
  • White chocolate chips

Transfer the vibrant batter into your prepared pan.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Topping

Grab a small bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and mix until it looks like delicate, crumbly sand. Scatter this magical topping evenly across the cake batter.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean after poking the center. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Finish with Decadent Drizzle

Melt white chocolate chips with a touch of coconut oil or butter in the microwave. Stir between 30-second intervals to prevent burning. Once smooth and glossy, artfully drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled cake. Allow the drizzle to set before slicing into this delightful treat.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake!

Helpful Hints For Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Boost Cranberry Freshness: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
  • Create Crumb Perfection: Chill the crumb topping mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before sprinkling to help create larger, more distinct crumbs with a delightful crunchy texture.
  • Customize Chocolate Drizzle: Experiment with different white chocolate brands or add a hint of orange extract to the drizzle for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cranberries.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to make this cake accessible for different dietary restrictions.
  • Storage Success: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.

Easy Storage Tips For Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Keep your cranberry bliss coffee cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
  • Freeze individual slices in freezer-safe containers or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months – perfect for enjoying a sweet treat whenever a craving hits.
  • Thaw frozen cake slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving.

Great Pairings For Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The rich, velvety espresso perfectly complements the cake's sweet cranberry and white chocolate flavors, creating a luxurious morning or afternoon treat.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai beautifully enhance the cake's cinnamon crumb topping and bright cranberry notes, offering a cozy flavor experience.
  • Serve alongside Orange Mint Infused Water: A refreshing, light beverage that echoes the cake's orange zest and cuts through the dessert's richness, providing a crisp palate cleanser.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Almond Milk: The smooth, subtle sweetness of vanilla almond milk balances the cake's tartness and provides a creamy, comforting drinking companion.
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Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cranberry bliss coffee cake delivers a perfect harmony of tart berries and sweet crumble, creating a festive breakfast delight. Moist layers of seasonal goodness invite you to savor each delectable bite, making mornings more memorable.


Ingredients

Scale

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (chopped if large)
  • 0.5 cup white chocolate chips

LIQUID AND DAIRY INGREDIENTS:

  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

STREUSEL AND BAKING INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9-inch cake pan with grease and flour coating.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium mixing vessel.
  3. Develop a creamy base by vigorously beating butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture with soft peaks.
  4. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration and smooth consistency.
  5. Introduce sour cream and milk to the mixture, blending gently to maintain the delicate texture.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
  7. Gently fold cranberries and white chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  8. For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  9. Drizzle melted butter over the dry topping ingredients, using a fork to create a crumbly, textured mixture.
  10. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution.
  11. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and uniformly across the cake’s surface.
  12. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
  13. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  14. Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning.
  15. Once the cake has completely cooled, elegantly drizzle the white chocolate mixture across the top.
  16. Let the chocolate drizzle set for several minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and most vibrant color in the cake.
  • Chop cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the batter, preventing large tart pockets.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Pat cranberries dry before folding into batter to prevent excess moisture and potential sinking.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
  • Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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