Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

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An Irresistible Dessert That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re a coffee lover seeking the perfect dessert to pair with your favorite brew, or you’ve been tasked with bringing the ultimate treat to your next gathering, this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is the answer. With bursts of tangy cranberries, creamy layers, and an extra dash of sweetness, this cake is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

Here’s our ultimate step-by-step guide to creating this delicious treat that will become a signature dish in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake isn’t your ordinary coffee cake. Picture this:

  • Bright, tangy cranberries that cut through the rich sweetness.
  • A crumbly, buttery topping that melts in your mouth.
  • Hints of citrus zest and vanilla, creating a flavorful balance.
  • Perfect pairing for coffee but also divine on its own.

It’s festive enough for holiday celebrations yet easy enough for weekend baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake, gather the following ingredients:

The Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved

The Crumb Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

The Glaze (Optional)

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more for consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cake Batter

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
  • Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  1. Add Wet Ingredients
  • Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  1. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with the sour cream. Be sure to mix until just combined—overmixing can create a dense cake.
  1. Fold in Cranberries
  • Gently fold the cranberries into the batter. This ensures the cranberries don’t sink to the bottom during baking.

3. Make the Crumb Topping

  1. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until you achieve a crumbly texture.

4. Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Make the Optional Glaze

  1. While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if needed.

6. Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cake and allow it to set before slicing. Enjoy warm with a steaming mug of coffee or serve at room temperature.

Tips for Success

  1. Balance Flavors
  • The sour cream keeps the cake moist and provides a slight tang, which balances the sweetness perfectly.
  1. Use Fresh Cranberries
  • Fresh cranberries offer the best texture and flavor, but frozen cranberries are an excellent substitute. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before use.
  1. Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper
  • This ensures easy removal of your cake once baked.
  1. Customize Your Glaze
  • Add a splash of orange juice to your glaze for an extra citrusy punch.
  1. Storage Tips
  • Keep your coffee cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists to try:

  • Add White Chocolate Chips
  • Inspired by the popular Cranberry Bliss Bars, a sprinkle of white chocolate chips in the batter elevates the sweetness.
  • Make It Gluten-Free
  • Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend.
  • Add Nuts
  • Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
  • Experiment with Spices
  • Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping for extra warmth.

Why Pair It with Coffee?

The subtle tang from the cranberries, creamy richness from the sour cream, and sweet crumb topping all pair beautifully with a dark, robust coffee. The coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced treat that enhances your snack or breakfast experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh or frozen ones. However, keep in mind that they’re sweeter and lack the tartness of fresh cranberries. To balance the sweetness, you might want to reduce the sugar in the batter slightly. You can also soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10-15 minutes to plump them up.

2. What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both options will provide the necessary tang and moisture to the cake. If using buttermilk, slightly reduce the amount of wet ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.

3. Can I freeze the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! To freeze, skip the glaze and allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature, and glaze it before serving.

4. How can I make the cake less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar in the crumb topping or glaze or omit the glaze altogether. Adding a handful of additional fresh cranberries will also enhance the tartness and balance the sweetness.

5. Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This recipe can be adapted to fit certain diets. For example, you can make a gluten-free version by using a quality gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of festive, fruit-forward baked goods, here are a few other recipes to try:

  • Blueberry Lemon Streusel Muffins
  • Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
  • Peach and Almond Breakfast Loaf
  • Chocolate Chip Orange Scones

Explore these ideas to keep your baking repertoire fresh and exciting! Share your thoughts and creations—we’d love to hear from you.

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