Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

If you love a cozy, tender treat that brings a burst of bright flavor, this Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with fresh or frozen cranberries nestled into a soft, buttery cake base and topped with a spiced crumb that adds irresistible texture. Imagine serving this warm alongside your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up—it feels like a little celebration in every bite, and it’s surprisingly simple to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating its delightful texture and vibrant flavor. From tender flour and wholesome milk to zingy cranberries and luscious butter, these essentials come together to create something truly special.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing tender structure without heaviness.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives your cake the perfect lift so it’s soft and fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and tartness beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and that signature buttery taste.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake consistently for that classic coffee cake appeal.
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle hint of caramel and moisture, especially in the topping.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together while enriching the texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
• ½ cup whole milk: Moistens the batter, ensuring a tender crumb.
• 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries: The star ingredient! They add a lively pop of tartness and a gorgeous color contrast.
• Topping ingredients: 6 tablespoons light brown sugar, ⅔ cup flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, all combine to make the irresistible crumbly topping.

How to Make Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 11×7 baking dish with cooking spray to keep your cake from sticking. This simple step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Having this ready in advance makes incorporating it into the wet ingredients smooth and effortless, helping the cake develop a balanced texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that tender crumb and helps the sugars dissolve evenly throughout the cake.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract. These add richness and a warm, fragrant note that makes the cake irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Follow with half the milk, then repeat the process with the remaining flour and milk. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries so they distribute evenly without breaking apart. Using either fresh or frozen cranberries works perfectly; just make sure they are well drained if frozen to avoid extra moisture.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to stir until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a crispy, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then sprinkle the crumb topping over it. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool before slicing, though warm slices are an absolute treat too!

How to Serve Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake for an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves or extra handfuls of fresh cranberries can add festive color and a fresh fruity note if you want to dress it up for guests.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte, making your morning ritual feel extra special. It also pairs wonderfully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares and serving them on a wooden platter with a variety of teas and coffee drinks. Another fun idea is to layer slices with fresh whipped cream and additional cranberries for a quick trifle style dessert that dazzles at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the crumb topping crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze this coffee cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or storing it in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months and thaws gently overnight in the fridge for a convenient make-ahead treat.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the entire cake in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps refresh that lovely crumbly topping and soft interior perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work wonderfully in this cake. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

Yes, the Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe freezes really well once baked. Wrap it tightly to protect the crumb topping and maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter is preferred here for its rich flavor and crumbly topping, but you could try substituting with a neutral oil, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

How do I store the cake to keep the crumb topping crunchy?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid refrigeration if possible. You can also add the crumb topping fresh after reheating if you want to keep it super crunchy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover cake?

Reheating in the microwave for short intervals or warming gently in the oven covered with foil helps bring back the cake’s softness without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting about this Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe—its tender crumb, tart cranberries, and sweet cinnamon topping come together like a warm hug in dessert form. I can’t recommend it enough for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snack. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to recipes when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with something homemade and special. Happy baking!

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