Best Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe to Try

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Discover a moist, flavorful Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe perfect for breakfast or dessert. This delightful cake combines tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a rich crumb topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a cozy morning bite, this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious, promising to become your new favorite treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of flavors: Tangy cranberries and sweet white chocolate create a harmonious taste that excites your palate.
  • Moist, tender crumb: The cake stays soft and fluffy, making every bite a delight.
  • Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert without any fuss.
  • Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip it up even on busy days.
  • Beautiful presentation: The cream cheese glaze and sprinkled toppings make it look as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. From fresh cranberries to velvety cream cheese, these staples come together beautifully without requiring specialty shopping trips.

  • Fresh cranberries: Adds vibrant tartness and bursts of juicy flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Forms the tender cake base with just the right density.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly and balances the tart cranberries.
  • White chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cake.
  • Unsalted butter: Ensures moistness while enriching the batter’s flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients firmly and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness and structure.
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and slight tang, keeping the crumb soft and tender.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise to a light and airy texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
  • Cream cheese: The base for the luscious glaze that tops the cake.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze smoothly without graininess.
  • Orange zest (optional): Gives a fresh citrus kick that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Variations for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Feel free to make this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. It’s incredibly adaptable and welcomes creativity.

  • Nutty addition: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra warmth.
  • Gluten-free swap: Use a gluten-free baking blend to enjoy this cake without gluten concerns.
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut yogurt for buttermilk and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
  • Citrus twist: Add lemon zest instead of orange for a sharper citrus note.
  • Spiced version: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy, autumn-inspired flavors.
Best Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe to Try

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper. Measure out all your ingredients, zest your orange, and rinse fresh cranberries to ensure they’re clean and ready.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfect rise.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a stand mixer or handbeaters, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds air that contributes to the cake’s tenderness.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

One at a time, add eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract, bringing a warm, fragrant aroma to your batter.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips, being careful not to mash the berries.

Step 6: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare and apply the glaze

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange zest until smooth. Spread this luscious glaze generously over the cooled coffee cake, optionally garnishing with extra cranberries or white chocolate shavings.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

  • Room temperature ingredients: Use butter, eggs, and cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and proper texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Gently fold the flour mixture to avoid tough cake texture.
  • Fresh cranberries: Use fresh berries instead of dried for juicier bites and vibrant flavor.
  • Baking pan choice: A glass or light-colored metal pan prevents over-browning on the edges.
  • Glaze consistency: Adjust powdered sugar to get your desired glaze thickness—thicker for piped designs, thinner for drizzling.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, or white chocolate curls on top for an eye-catching presentation and a mix of textures that enhance every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a classic chai latte for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. A bowl of fresh fruit or Greek yogurt also complements the cake nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the coffee cake into small squares for bite-sized party treats or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option that highlights the creamy glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to retain moisture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw completely before adding the cream cheese glaze for the freshest experience.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s soft texture and brings out the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can affect the cake’s texture.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, vegan white chocolate chips, dairy-free cream cheese, and a non-dairy milk mixed with a splash of vinegar instead of buttermilk.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, the cake stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature and about one week refrigerated.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, simply divide the batter into a muffin tin and reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes, checking doneness regularly.

Do I have to use white chocolate chips?

While white chocolate chips add classic sweetness, you can swap for dark chocolate chips or even chopped baking chocolate depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten up your mornings or add a sweet touch to gatherings. With its moist texture, vibrant flavors, and creamy glaze, it’s bound to delight everyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. Give it a try—you might just find a new signature bake to cherish forever!

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Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

A moist and flavorful Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake perfect for breakfast or dessert, combining tart fresh cranberries, sweet white chocolate chips, and a tender crumb topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, this cake delivers a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to become a favorite treat.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest

Glaze Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper. Measure all ingredients, zest the orange if using, and rinse fresh cranberries to prepare for use.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixers, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3 to 4 minutes. This incorporates air essential for a tender cake.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to impart a warm and fragrant flavor to the batter.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips, taking care not to crush the berries.
  6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.
  7. Prepare and apply the glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange zest until smooth. Spread the glaze generously over the cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with extra cranberries or white chocolate shavings for an attractive finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and ideal texture.
  • Gently fold the flour mixture into wet ingredients to avoid a tough cake.
  • Fresh cranberries are preferred over dried for juicier, more vibrant bites.
  • A glass or light-colored metal baking pan helps prevent over-browning on the edges.
  • Adjust powdered sugar to achieve desired glaze consistency—thicker for piping, thinner for drizzling.
  • You can substitute chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • For gluten-free, use a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Dairy-free options include coconut yogurt in place of buttermilk and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10th of cake)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cranberry, coffee cake, white chocolate, cream cheese glaze, breakfast cake, dessert

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