Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tart cranberries with luscious white chocolate in a tender, buttery base, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s like a festive celebration on your plate—bright, cozy, and made for sharing over a good cup of coffee or tea. With its moist crumb, gentle warmth from ginger, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting, this cake quickly becomes a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or any special treat when you want to feel that extra bit of homemade magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully to create a vibrant flavor and a perfect texture. Everything you add plays a crucial role—whether it’s the tartness of cranberries, the subtle spice from ginger, or the creamy richness of the frosting.

• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping to create a tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the batter.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake substance.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and remain light.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift for a fluffy texture.
• ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle warmth and spice note.
• ½ cup melted butter: Infuses a buttery richness and moistness.
• ½ cup buttermilk or sour cream: Keeps the crumb tender and adds a slight tang.
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips: Pockets of creamy, sweet goodness.
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (soaked and dried): Juicy tart bursts that balance the sweetness.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the velvety frosting.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enriches the frosting’s flavor.
• ½ teaspoon orange extract or zest of ½ orange: Adds a bright citrus sparkle.
• 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate chips: For a pretty drizzle topping.
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries (soaked and dried): Extra garnish for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake will come out cleanly and keep its shape perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a light, airy protein base to hold all the delicious flavors together.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and ground ginger in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly ensures your cake has a consistent texture and a hint of spicy warmth throughout.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the melted butter and buttermilk (or sour cream) to your wet mixture. Stir gently and just enough to combine – overmixing can make the cake tough. This balancing act creates that tender crumb everyone loves.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and the soaked, dried cranberries. These little bursts of flavor will surprise each bite with a sweet and tangy delight that defines this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange extract or zest, then continue beating until it forms a fluffy, luscious frosting that will complement the cake’s flavors.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an elegant finishing touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting and sprinkle the top with the remaining soaked cranberries. This adds both texture and a vibrant burst of cranberry freshness.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Slice the coffee cake into generous squares and serve to your eager friends or family. Each piece promises a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing with a few fresh cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or toasted almonds can also add a lovely crunch and a splash of color.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake is versatile enough to shine on its own but pairs wonderfully with hot brewed coffee, spiced chai, or a smooth latte. If you’re serving brunch, complement it with fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits for a balanced and colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive look, arrange individual slices on a decorative platter and drizzle extra melted white chocolate artistically. You might also serve smaller squares on tiered dessert stands during parties, turning this recipe into the stunning centerpiece everyone will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Afterwards, refrigerate to preserve the cream cheese frosting for up to five days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add frosting just before serving to maintain its creamy freshness.

Reheating

If you prefer your coffee cake slightly warmed, gently reheat individual slices in a low oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the cake and brings out the aroma of the spices, without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and contain more moisture than dried ones, so they may alter the texture. If you want to use fresh, consider tossing them in a bit of flour and reducing any liquid slightly to maintain the cake’s balance.

What if I don’t have buttermilk or sour cream?

No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using—it will add the same tang and tenderness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, and be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but just as delightful.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

With some substitutions, yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, and choose vegan white chocolate chips. The cream cheese frosting can be swapped for a cashew or coconut-based frosting for a similar creamy effect.

How do I soak dried cranberries and why?

Soaking dried cranberries in warm water for about 20 minutes rehydrates them, making them plumper and juicier, which prevents them from drawing moisture out of the cake batter, keeping each bite tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Sunday mornings or holiday gatherings made better with this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It brings together the comfort of a classic coffee cake with the festive brightness of cranberries and the indulgence of white chocolate and cream cheese frosting. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with those you love—because some tastes are just meant to be enjoyed together.

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