Name: Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (127 grams); 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; 1/4 tsp cardamom powder; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (63 grams); 1/3 cup brown sugar (73 grams); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams); 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen (150 grams); 2 tsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour (254 grams); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cardamom; 8 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams); 1/3 cup brown sugar (73 grams); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream (245 grams); 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (125 grams); 2-4 tbsp cranberry sauce or juice (see notes)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tart cranberries with a tender, spiced crumb, this Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe is about to become your newfound favorite. Imagine biting into a soft, moist coffee cake bursting with fresh cranberries, topped with a buttery streusel that adds just the right hint of cinnamon and cardamom warmth. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon treat, this cake brings a festive, vibrant twist to your usual coffee cake routine that feels both comforting and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl holds a thick, creamy, light yellow dough that fills most of the bowl's inside. On top of the dough, there is a pile of bright red and dark red fresh cranberries. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered in dough, with its handle sticking out over the bowl's edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the fresh cranberries that bring bright flavor and pop of color, to the perfect blend of spices which create a cozy aroma and taste. The balance of sugars and butter ensures a moist, tender crumb and a delightful streusel that crowns the cake with a crisp finish.

All-purpose flour: The base of your cake batter and streusel, providing structure and softness.
Cinnamon powder: Adds warm, sweet spice to both the cake and streusel for irresistible aroma.
Cardamom powder: A subtle, fragrant spice that enhances the flavor complexity beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create the perfect tender texture.
Brown sugar: Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel richness for depth.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing, it gives the cake a luscious, rich crumb.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient, providing tart bursts of flavor and lovely color contrast.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that make sure your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor.
Eggs: Adds structure, moisture, and richness to the batter.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, aromatic warmth to round out the flavors.
Sour cream: Ensures the cake is moist and tender with a slight tang that complements the cranberries.
Powdered sugar: For the sweet, smooth glaze that adds an elegant finish.
Cranberry sauce or juice: The secret to a perfect glaze with natural cranberry flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Streusel

Start by mixing flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut cold, cubed butter into the mix and use a fork to combine until you get a crumbly texture. This streusel will add a wonderful crunchy contrast on top, with a hint of cozy spices woven throughout. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Toss the Cranberries

To prevent your fresh or frozen cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them gently with 2 teaspoons of flour in a small bowl. This little trick suspends them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk together the primary flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. This spice-infused dry mix is the foundation for your flavorful cake, ensuring even distribution of rising agents and aromatic spices.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until slightly lightened, then gradually add the granulated and brown sugars. Mix for about 3 minutes until the texture is creamy and pale. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating between additions to keep the mixture smooth and homogeneous. Stir in the vanilla extract for a rich, inviting aroma that sets the stage for all the other flavors.

Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Flour Mixture

Fold in the sour cream first — this keeps the cake moist and gives it a tender bite. Then gradually mix in the dry ingredients, starting with your mixer at low speed and finishing by hand to avoid overmixing. Overworked batter can lead to a tougher cake, so gentle folding is key.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake Batter

Spread about one-third of the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Carefully mix the floured cranberries with the remaining cake batter to keep them suspended, then pour it all into the pan, creating that vibrant layer of tart berries throughout the cake.

Step 8: Add the Streusel and Bake

Sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly over the top, breaking up any clumps with your fingers if needed. Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 55 to 65 minutes. If the streusel browns too quickly but the cake isn’t done, tent it with foil to avoid burning while allowing the inside to finish baking.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow your cranberry coffee cake to cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Whisk powdered sugar with your choice of cranberry sauce or juice to create a smooth glaze that can be drizzled generously on top, adding a glossy, sweet finish with a lovely hint of cranberry flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe

A round cake with about two layers is shown on a large white plate. The bottom layer is a thick, dark golden brown cake with a firm texture. The top layer is a crumbly, light brown streusel topping with a rough texture. Bright pink icing is drizzled in thin lines evenly over the crumb topping, with some dripping down the sides. The plate rests on a white marbled surface decorated with green herbs and rustic holiday-themed items like berries and pine cones in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe even further, sprinkle a handful of fresh cranberries on top just before serving for a fresh pop of tartness and vibrant color. A light dusting of powdered sugar can provide a delicate snow-kissed look that’s perfect for the holidays or any cozy occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, naturally, but for a more indulgent spread, consider serving it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit salads or lightly sweetened yogurt provide a refreshing balance to the cake’s rich texture and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a dollop of cranberry glaze on the plate for a gourmet touch. You can also cut the cake into smaller squares and serve as bite-sized treats at brunch or parties. For a festive look, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to complement the cranberry’s tart flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe, no worries! Store the unglazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors deepen nicely when rested this way. If the cake is glazed, keep it refrigerated to preserve freshness and food safety for up to five days, allowing it to return to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully and is an excellent option for meal prep or holiday planning. Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container before freezing for up to 1 to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen-thawed cake slices, warm them gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300ºF) for 10 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out this tender Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe. Reheating brings back the soft crumb and intensifies the lovely spiced aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to toss them in flour before adding to the batter to help them stay evenly distributed and prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

What pan size is best for this cake?

An 8-inch deep springform pan is ideal to contain the batter and prevent overflow. If you don’t have one, a 9-inch cake pan or a regular round cake pan lined with parchment will work just fine.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in the same amount. Both will add moisture and a slight tang, preserving the cake’s tender texture and flavor.

How long can I keep this cake at room temperature?

The cake can stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days if it’s not glazed. After that, it’s best stored in the refrigerator to keep it from drying out and to maintain its freshness.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake. This saves you some prep time and ensures your topping stays perfectly crumbly and buttery.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe is a true jewel in the baking world, combining simple ingredients with a touch of spice and the bright pop of cranberries for a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a little weekday indulgence, it promises warmth and delight in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—it’s that kind of recipe that turns moments into memories.