Cranberry Coffee Cake: A Sweet Sensation
There’s something undeniably comforting about whipping up a homemade Cranberry Coffee Cake—it’s a recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. This delightful cake merges the tartness of fresh cranberries with a buttery, moist crumb, creating an irresistible experience that calls to mind cozy afternoons and festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving it during family brunch or at a holiday party, this versatile coffee cake is bound to steal the spotlight. With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist that warm, decadent slice of life. So, why not dive into making this Cranberry Coffee Cake to elevate your dessert game and create memories that linger far beyond the last crumb?
Does the thought of a warm, sweet cake with a treasure trove of tart cranberries tug at your heartstrings?
Imagine pulling a perfectly baked Cranberry Coffee Cake from the oven, the golden crust glistening as it cools, revealing the bursts of juicy cranberries nestled throughout the soft, sponge-like interior. Ornate with a delectable crumble topping and drizzled in a sweet glaze, this cake is not just a treat; it’s a moment of happiness, a slice of nostalgia that sends you back to simpler, sweeter times. It begs the question—do you remember the smell of fresh-baked goods wafting through your childhood home? Or the joy of sharing something delicious over a hot cup of coffee with friends? This cake embodies all those precious moments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Prepare yourself to be enchanted! Here’s why this Cranberry Coffee Cake deserves a special place in your baking repertoire:
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Easy Prep: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any level—from kitchen novices to seasoned pros.
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Health Benefits: The cranberries provide a burst of antioxidants, giving this cake a surprising health twist amid the indulgence.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual brunch with friends, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every palate.
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Versatile: Serve it as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert—it gleams with versatility that caters to any occasion.
With charming characteristics like these, it’s easy to see why Cranberry Coffee Cake is beloved by many!
Ingredients
Let’s gather the nourishment for our soul-soothing masterpiece:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for crumble, cold)
- 1 cup confectioners sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
Each ingredient’s purpose plays a role in the symphony of flavors. The tart cranberries pop beautifully against the rich, buttery cake base, while the crumble topping adds a delightful, crunchy contrast with just the right hint of spice—cinnamon engaging your senses as soon as it meets the oven’s heat.
Timing
You may wonder—how much time should I set aside for this indulgent escapade?
In just about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 50-55 minutes of baking, you’ll find that the convenience of this recipe is one of its best attributes. How often do we crave something sweet yet find ourselves waiting endlessly at the bakery? Instead, with this scrumptious Cranberry Coffee Cake, you can dive into dessert mode without the luxury of time wearing you down.
Step-by-Step
Ready to get your bake on? Here’s a simple walkthrough for your Cranberry Coffee Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, setting them aside like the building blocks of your culinary masterpiece.
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In a stand mixer, cream 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes of sheer happiness.
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Add in the 4 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing at low speed until blended.
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Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, just until combined—smooth yet full of texture.
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Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in 2 cups of fresh cranberries with tender care, as each berry adds its magic.
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Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, filling it with flavor and love.
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For the crumble, in a medium bowl combine 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add 3 tablespoons of cold butter and work it into the dry mix until it resembles crumbs—think of it as nature’s sprinkles.
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Sprinkle the crumble over the cake batter, creating a delightful topping of sweetness and crunch.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, bearing witness to your baking prowess.
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Let the cake cool slightly, then prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of confectioners sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk in a small bowl. Add more milk as needed until the glaze reaches a perfect drizzling consistency.
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Drizzle the glaze over your warm cake, watching it melt into the nooks and crannies.
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Slice, serve, and savor every moment!
With this step-by-step guide, each segment of the process unfolds into an experience layered with flavors and textures that culminate in a delightful dish.
Nutritional Information
Now let’s take a look at how this delectable treat fits into your diet.
The whole Cranberry Coffee Cake can serve 12-16 slices, and each slice tags in at approximately 350 calories. While this recipe is undeniably indulgent, it’s about balance—especially when you savor every rich, moist bite studded with tart cranberries. Don’t shy away from enjoying a piece; it’s perfect for that “every once in a while” treat!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to indulge in a healthier version of this delightful Cranberry Coffee Cake, consider these adjustments:
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Low-sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia, or use a mix of honey and apple sauce for natural sweetness.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk for dairy-free baking.
Making these swaps retains the essence of the dish while accommodating varied dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a sunny brunch, your Cranberry Coffee Cake shines in numerous settings.
Imagine pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert surprise or serving it alongside steaming cups of coffee or tea, elevating your morning ritual. It also doubles up beautifully for holiday celebrations—think winter gatherings, Thanksgiving brunches, or cozy family get-togethers.
Common Mistakes
Even the most experienced bakers can run into hiccups along the way—here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Overbaking: This can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on your cake and check it a few minutes before the timer goes off.
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Texture Issues: Overmixing at any stage can cause a dense cake. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined for that perfect loft.
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Messy Batter: Use a larger mixing bowl to minimize spills and splatters, saving you cleanup time and frustration.
Learning from these potential missteps will have you mastering your Cranberry Coffee Cake in no time!
Storing Tips
Whether you want to prolong the enjoyment of your delicious cake or save some for later, here’s how to store it effectively:
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Freezing Portions: If you have leftovers, slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
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Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to indulge again, remove a slice from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. To warm it up, pop it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, and enjoy the aroma once more!
Temptation Awaits
Now that you’ve gazed into the world of indulgence surrounding Cranberry Coffee Cake, it’s time to make it a reality! Whether for your next gathering or a comforting weekday treat, nothing beats the luscious warmth and flavor combo of this cake when it comes out of the oven.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a showstopper dessert that brings people together. Don’t wait—bake it ASAP and fill your home with the joyous aroma of fresh cake!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re thawed and drained before incorporating them into the batter.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, making sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.
3. Can I add nuts to the crumble?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to your crumble topping.
4. How long will the cake stay fresh?
At room temperature, the Cranberry Coffee Cake is best enjoyed within 3-4 days; after that, refrigerate to keep it fresher for longer.
5. What other fruits can I add?
You can experiment by adding chopped apples, pears, or even blueberries for a delightful twist.
With all these tips and tricks in mind, you’re fully equipped to tackle the masterful creation that is Cranberry Coffee Cake!
Print
Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 12-16 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and moist cranberry coffee cake, featuring tart cranberries and a buttery crumb, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for crumble, cold)
- 1 cup confectioners sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture; stir gently until combined.
- Fold in fresh cranberries carefully.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- For the crumble, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon; add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle crumble over batter evenly.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, prepare glaze by mixing confectioners sugar and milk until drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle over the warm cake, slice, and serve.
Notes
For a healthier version, consider using a sugar substitute or dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
