Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

If there’s one bake that captures the spirit of the holidays, it’s this Cranberry Coffee Cake. Tender, buttery cake layered with tart cranberries and a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping — it’s the kind of cozy treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a mug of hot cocoa by the fire.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for friends, or just craving something sweet and comforting, this cranberry coffee cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. And the best part? It’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to make.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Streusel:
   In a small bowl, combine both sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside in the fridge.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
6. Add the Cranberries:
   Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula. The batter will be thick — that’s perfect!
7. Assemble:
   Spread half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the streusel, then spread the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection:
   Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes.
9. Add Glaze (Optional):
   Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the crumb soft and tender.
• Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh; no need to thaw.
• Make ahead: This cake stays moist for up to 3 days covered at room temperature, or can be frozen for up to a month.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for a bright flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping.
• Healthier Option: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and reduce sugar slightly — still rich and flavorful!

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Coffee Cake shines at:

• Holiday brunches with family
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
• Wrapped in parchment and gifted to neighbors or friends

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a simple coffee cake that fills your kitchen with buttery, cinnamon-spiced aromas. This Cranberry Coffee Cake brings together tart berries, a tender crumb, and a golden streusel topping for the ultimate cozy bite.

So brew a pot of coffee, slice yourself a warm piece, and savor the sweetness of homemade comfort.