Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a heavenly treat that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and creamy flavors, you’re going to love this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a luscious coffee cake bursting with juicy dried cranberries soaked for that extra plumpness, melty white chocolate chips scattered throughout, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of orange zest. Every bite offers a comforting texture and a dazzling flavor combination that makes it a standout for brunch, dessert, or any moment you want to feel a little special. This cake truly has a way of bringing people together and brightening any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in the final experience. From the tangy cranberries to the rich cream cheese frosting, every component brings texture, flavor, and a splash of color that makes your cake as delightful to look at as it is to devour.

• 2 large eggs: These provide structure and richness, giving the cake its tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, comforting aroma and depth to the batter.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a light, fluffy texture.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay soft.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra lift for the ideal tender crumb.
• ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle, spicy warmth that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• ½ cup melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• ½ cup buttermilk or sour cream: Enhances tenderness and adds a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips: Little pockets of creamy sweetness that melt delightfully in your mouth.
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (soaked and dried): Keeps the cranberries plump and juicy, avoiding any dryness.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient of the frosting, lending a rich, tangy creaminess.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s classic flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon orange extract or zest of ½ orange: Adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the cream cheese frosting.
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips, melted: For drizzling a glossy, sweet finish on top.
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries (soaked and dried): Sprinkled over the frosting to add beautiful bursts of flavor and color.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping an 8×8 inch baking pan with grease and flour. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and slightly pale. This whipping process helps incorporate air for a light texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and ground ginger in a separate bowl. This step makes sure all dry components are evenly mixed, so your cake rises uniformly and gains that subtle spicy note.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with melted butter and buttermilk or sour cream. Stir gently just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be tender with your batter.

Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate and Cranberries

Carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and soaked, towel-dried dried cranberries. This step makes sure these goodies are evenly distributed without deflating your batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then, let the cake cool completely before frosting. Patience here is key, especially for the creamy topping to spread nicely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and either orange extract or fresh zest. This frosting is incredibly rich and fragrant, offering the perfect complement to the cake’s flavors.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cake, covering every nook and cranny with luscious creaminess. This step turns the cake into a dreamy, irresistible treat.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting in pretty, thin streams, then sprinkle on the remaining soaked cranberries. This finishing touch adds sparkle and textural contrast that’s completely delightful.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Cut your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe into generous squares and get ready to enjoy! This cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cake truly irresistible, consider adding a few extra dried cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top before serving. A fresh sprig of mint can also add a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma to each plate.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte. If you want to keep things brunch-oriented, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced and inviting spread.

Creamy Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake, creating a gourmet experience in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat your cake in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the cream cheese frosting just enough and makes the white chocolate chips melt ever so slightly, creating a gooey delight.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in this recipe?

Fresh cranberries have a much higher moisture content, which can affect the texture of the cake. If you want to use fresh, consider reducing other liquids or chopping and drying them first. Dried cranberries soaked as directed work best for this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, sour cream is a great alternative in this recipe, providing the same tangy richness to keep the cake moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results. The overall texture and taste will remain deliciously close to the original.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe uses several dairy and egg ingredients that contribute essential flavors and textures. However, you can experiment with vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and egg replacers—just be aware the texture and taste will differ somewhat.

How long should I soak the dried cranberries?

Soaking dried cranberries in warm water for about 20 minutes refreshes them and prevents dryness in your cake. After soaking, be sure to drain and towel dry them thoroughly to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe — it’s like a warm hug in dessert form, bursting with flavor and texture that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a little joy, this cake is guaranteed to brighten your table and your mood. So grab your ingredients, bake up this beauty, and prepare to share one of your soon-to-be favorite recipes with everyone you love!

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