Easy Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe: Moist, Sweet & Tangy

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the perfect slice of Cranberry Coffee Cake with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The combination of tart cranberries and a buttery, crumbly topping makes this a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast. Whether you love classic coffee cakes or are looking for a fresh twist on a traditional favorite, this recipe will not disappoint!

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is ideal for:

• Holiday gatherings – The vibrant red cranberries make it a festive treat for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
• Brunch spreads – Pair it with a hot cup of coffee for an indulgent yet comforting morning meal.
• Casual snacking – Light, moist, and just sweet enough, it’s great for an afternoon pick-me-up.

What to Expect from This Coffee Cake

This cake features a tender, buttery crumb infused with a subtle vanilla and cinnamon aroma. The fresh cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness, while the crumble topping gives it a perfect crunchy finish. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No special equipment or baking skills required!
• Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice.
• Great for make-ahead baking – Stays moist for days, making it a perfect prep-ahead treat.
• Versatile – Enjoy it warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert.

Looking for more delicious cranberry recipes? Try these Best Cranberry Orange Scones for another festive and flavorful treat! Or, if you’re a fan of indulgent desserts, don’t miss this Delicious Red Velvet Cake, perfect for special occasions.

The Best Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe – Easy, Moist & Delicious

Why This Cranberry Coffee Cake Stands Out

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:

• Quick and easy – No complicated techniques, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Bursting with flavor – Fresh cranberries add a tangy twist, while cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth.
• Moist and tender – The perfect balance of butter, sour cream, and brown sugar makes this cake soft and rich.
• Versatile and festive – Perfect for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Looking for another delicious cranberry-inspired recipe? Check out these Best Cranberry Orange Scones for a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients That Make This Cake Special

This coffee cake gets its irresistible texture and flavor from a few essential ingredients:

• Fresh cranberries – Their natural tartness balances the cake’s sweetness.
• Sour cream – Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the crumb ultra-soft.
• Brown sugar crumble topping – A buttery, cinnamon-spiced topping for the perfect crunch.

Full Ingredient List

1) For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

2) For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed

3) For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

If you love indulgent coffee cakes, try this Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake for another delicious variation!

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Coffee Cake

Ingredient Swaps & Adjustments

• Don’t have fresh cranberries? Use frozen ones (no need to thaw) or swap for dried cranberries (rehydrate in warm water for 10 minutes).
• No sour cream? Substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy richness.
• Want extra crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to a week. Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Enhance the Flavor & Texture

• Toast the crumb topping – Bake separately for 5 minutes before adding to the cake for extra crispiness.
• Sprinkle a little orange zest over the batter before baking for a citrusy twist.
• Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra special touch.

How to Make the Best Cranberry Coffee Cake – Step-by-Step Guide

Making This Cranberry Coffee Cake is Easier Than You Think!

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is simple to prepare and requires only a few basic steps. You’ll love how the buttery, soft crumb and tangy cranberries come together with a delicious crumb topping. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a perfectly baked coffee cake every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature (except for the butter in the crumb topping). This helps everything mix smoothly.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

• In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
• Cut in 3 tbsp cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Set aside for later.

🛑 Pro Tip: Keep the butter cold while making the topping—this ensures a crispy texture!

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
• Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter & Sugar

• In another bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
• Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Alternately add the dry ingredients and ½ cup sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
• Avoid overmixing! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

6. Fold in the Cranberries

• Gently fold in 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries until evenly distributed.

7. Assemble the Cake

• Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round or square baking pan.
• Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the batter.

8. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool & Serve

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract.

Looking for another delicious coffee cake? Try this Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake for a unique twist!

Variations & Substitutions

Make It Healthier or Fit Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free Version – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan Option – Use vegan butter, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt.
• Less Sugar – Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and use honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

Want more festive baked goods? Try these Best Cranberry Orange Scones for another irresistible treat!

How to Serve Cranberry Coffee Cake

Pairing Ideas

This cake is best enjoyed warm with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea – Classic pairing for a cozy breakfast.
• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop on the side makes it a perfect dessert.
• Whipped cream – Light and airy, it adds a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries.

Garnish Tips for a Beautiful Presentation

• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
• Add orange zest to enhance the citrusy notes.
• Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds for a nutty crunch.

For another must-try dessert, check out this Delicious Red Velvet Cake, perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings!

Cranberry Coffee Cake FAQs – Your Top Questions Answered

If you’re making this Cranberry Coffee Cake for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones to help you bake the perfect cake!

1. Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them—just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

🛑 Pro Tip: Want another way to enjoy cranberries? Try these Best Cranberry Orange Scones for a delicious breakfast treat!

2. How Do I Keep My Coffee Cake Moist?

To keep your cake moist:

• Don’t overbake – Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes.
• Store it properly – Wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
• Use sour cream or Greek yogurt – This ingredient helps lock in moisture.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture will still be soft and delicious.

Looking for another flavorful dessert? Try this Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake for a different take on this classic!

4. How Long Does This Cake Stay Fresh?

• At room temperature: 3 days in an airtight container.
• In the fridge: Up to 1 week.
• In the freezer: 2 months (wrap individual slices for easy defrosting).

Bake the Perfect Cranberry Coffee Cake – Final Thoughts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is the perfect combination of moist, buttery cake, tangy cranberries, and a sweet, crumbly topping. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or a delicious afternoon snack, this cake is guaranteed to impress!

Here’s a quick recap of what makes this recipe special:
✔ Easy to make – No complicated techniques required!
✔ Perfectly balanced flavors – The tart cranberries complement the sweet crumb topping beautifully.
✔ Great for any occasion – Perfect for holidays, brunches, or casual snacking.
✔ Customizable – Easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegan with simple swaps.

Looking for another cranberry-inspired treat? Check out these Best Cranberry Orange Scones for a flaky, flavorful breakfast idea!

Try It Today!

Now that you have everything you need to make the best Cranberry Coffee Cake, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start baking! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.

Want more delicious coffee cakes? Try this Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake for another mouthwatering variation.

And if you love indulgent desserts, don’t miss this Delicious Red Velvet Cake – a rich, classic treat for any special occasion!

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