Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and creamy flavors in every bite, the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This cake is a celebration of everything cozy: a tender crumb studded with sparkling cranberries and melty white chocolate, crowned with a buttery cinnamon streusel and a dreamy glaze. Whether you’re serving this at brunch, for holiday gatherings, or just alongside your afternoon coffee, it’s one of those bakes that leaves everyone reaching for seconds (and asking for the recipe).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe lies in how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component lends its own magic, from the richness of real butter to the jewel-bright cranberries and that irresistible buttery crumb topping.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cake its rich flavor and tender texture—softened makes it easier to cream.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps keep the crumb light and moist.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a supremely moist cake with a subtle tang.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Loosens the batter just enough for a perfect crumb.
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups + 1/3 cup for topping): The sturdy base for both the cake and the crumbly topping.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Lifts the cake for a soft, fluffy bite.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream for extra tenderness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): Bring a tart pop—halve large ones for even distribution.
• White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into creamy pockets throughout the cake.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, for topping): Adds caramel notes and crunch to the topping.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for topping): Infuses the crumb with warmth and spice.
• Cold unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cubed, for topping): Creates those irresistible buttery streusel clumps.
• Chopped dried cranberries (1/4 cup, for topping): Sprinkle a little extra fruity chew over the top.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for glaze): The backbone of a silky-sweet drizzle.
• Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thin out the glaze to your perfect drizzling consistency.
• Cream cheese (1 tablespoon, softened, optional for glaze): Adds a tangy twist for extra decadence.
• Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with subtle aroma.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch square baking pan. This ensures your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe bakes evenly and releases without sticking, setting you up for a golden, perfect slice.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating that signature tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Liquids

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then blend in the sour cream and milk until the mixture is smooth. The sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the milk helps everything come together.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, making your cake rise beautifully.

Step 5: Bring Together Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake dense, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate

Gently fold in the halved cranberries and white chocolate chips. If using frozen cranberries, add them straight from the freezer to prevent bleeding and keep those gorgeous bursts of color.

Step 7: Spread and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the chopped dried cranberries. Sprinkle this crumbly goodness all over the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the aroma will be irresistible. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before glazing.

Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cream cheese (if using), and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or cooled cake. Now slice, serve, and watch the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe disappear before your eyes!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this cake! Try a few extra dried cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar on top, or scatter a handful of white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. These simple touches really highlight the festive feel of the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with just about anything you’d serve at brunch or tea time. A bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream adds a bright, creamy contrast, while a hot cup of coffee or chai latte brings out all the cozy flavors in the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, cut the cake into triangles or petite squares and arrange them on a tiered cake stand. You can also wrap individual pieces in parchment and twine for a thoughtful gift. For a brunch buffet, serve with small forks and a bowl of extra glaze on the side for drizzling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and moist for up to five days—just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop the cake (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add fresh glaze after reheating if you want it extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

You can swap in dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand, but the texture and tartness will be different. For best results, hydrate dried cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain before folding into the batter.

What’s the best way to prevent cranberries from sinking?

Toss your cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter. This helps suspend them throughout the cake, so every bite of your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is dotted with tart, juicy berries.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. The top should also spring back lightly when pressed.

Can I double the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

If you love the sweet-tart magic of cranberries and the comfort of a tender coffee cake, you absolutely need to try this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of bake that brings people together, tastes like a celebration, and just might become your new go-to for holidays, brunches, or any day you want to treat yourself. Happy baking!

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a festive and moist treat perfect for holiday brunches or dessert. Packed with tart cranberries, white chocolate chips, and a crumbly cinnamon topping, it’s finished with a smooth vanilla glaze for a delightful finish.

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Ingredients

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Cake:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3-5 minutes using a mixer.
3. Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough.
6. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate: Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries and white chocolate chips to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
7. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries.
8. Assemble cake: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the batter to create a crunchy layer.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and glaze: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, softened cream cheese (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over warm or cooled cake before serving for added sweetness and richness.

Notes

• Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer to prevent color bleeding into the batter.
• This cake keeps well when stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Ensure butter for topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Adjust glaze milk quantity to achieve desired consistency, thicker for drizzling, thinner for spreading.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg