Easy Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe to Try
If you’re searching for a sweet, moist treat that’s bursting with flavor, you have to try this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tart cranberries, smooth cream cheese frosting, and a tender cake base that will brighten up your brunch table or holiday spread. This easy recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with a few fresh additions to deliver a coffee cake that feels both cozy and indulgent, making every bite a little celebration of taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The tartness of fresh cranberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting and cake.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to sour cream and melted butter, the cake stays fluffy and moist through every slice.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea during brunch or holiday dessert.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the recipe with different add-ins or toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe plays a vital role in building its signature flavor, richness, and appealing texture. From the tangy cranberries to the creamy frosting, here’s what you’ll want to have ready before starting.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure for a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light and airy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tart cranberries.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture when melted and mixed in.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s softness.
- Sour cream: Keys to moistness and a subtle tang that elevates the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, inviting aroma and depth.
- Fresh cranberries: The star of the show, delivering bursts of tart juiciness.
- White chocolate chips: Provide pockets of creamy sweetness complementing the cranberries.
- Cream cheese: For the luscious frosting with a slight tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a smooth finish.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky texture in the frosting for easy spreading.
Variations for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe! Adjusting flavors or ingredients is simple and lets you cater to your dietary needs or taste preferences without sacrificing that blissful experience.
- Swap berries: Blueberries or raspberries can replace cranberries for a different fruity twist.
- Nutty upgrades: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch woven through the batter and topping.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free alternative: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free cream cheese and cream.
- Spiced version: Stir in cinnamon or nutmeg to add warm, festive notes perfect for colder months.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat oven
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out cleanly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until combined and slightly fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract for a smooth blend.
Step 4: Incorporate dry and wet mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips
Carefully fold fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed but not crushed.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare cream cheese frosting
While the cake bakes, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream together until soft and creamy. Adjust cream to desired spreadability.
Step 8: Frost and garnish
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Sprinkle a few extra cranberries or white chocolate chips for a gorgeous finish.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
- Use fresh cranberries: Frozen ones can release too much moisture and affect texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can create a dense cake instead of tender crumb.
- Cool completely before frosting: This prevents frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Room temperature ingredients: Eggs and dairy at room temp blend more easily for uniform texture.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick to check the center before removing from the oven to avoid underbaking.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh cranberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even shaved white chocolate on top to make each slice look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this coffee cake with a warm cup of coffee, herbal tea, or fresh fruit salad to elevate your breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into squares and serve on decorative plates with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
While frozen cranberries are an option, fresh cranberries work best for maintaining texture and preventing excess moisture from altering the cake.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake vegan?
Yes! By substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives and using a flax egg instead of chicken eggs, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cake will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures 1:1 like regular flour to keep the texture similar.
What’s the best way to prevent cranberries from sinking?
Toss cranberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter to help them stay suspended rather than sinking to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe has all the warmth and charm to become your new favorite go-to for cozy mornings or festive occasions. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly inviting. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice, bringing smiles and happy sighs to everyone lucky enough to taste it.
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Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a moist, flavorful treat combining tart fresh cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips in a tender sour cream-infused cake, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings, it balances sweetness and tang with a fluffy texture and easy preparation using common ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitute)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare your pan and preheat oven: Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy release. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your batter is mixed.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar until combined and slightly fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the batter light.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips: Carefully fold in fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without crushing the berries.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: While the cake is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until soft and creamy. Adjust the cream quantity for desired frosting spreadability.
- Frost and garnish: After the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with extra fresh cranberries or white chocolate chips as desired for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture; frozen ones may add excess moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy for smoother blending.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center before removing from the oven.
- Toss cranberries in a little flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cranberry coffee cake, cranberry bliss, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, brunch cake, white chocolate chips, moist cake