Easy Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe to Try

If you’ve been searching for a festive and flavorful treat, then you absolutely have to try this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s everything you love about the popular cranberry bliss bar in cake form—moist, tender crumb, tart cranberries, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of white chocolate that makes it irresistibly delightful. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a cozy morning coffee break, this recipe is simple to follow and will fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that promise happiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: Tart cranberries pair beautifully with sweet cream cheese frosting for a harmonious taste.
• Simple ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples combined with fresh cranberries for an exciting twist.
• Moist and tender texture: The cake remains soft and fluffy, making every slice melt in your mouth.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a weekend treat, it always impresses.
• Easy to customize: Adapt with nuts, orange zest, or different frostings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe combines a handful of essential ingredients that create the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look. Each component plays a vital role, from the tart cranberries that add zing to the cream cheese which adds creamy richness.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for a light and soft crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the cake rises beautifully and doesn’t become dense.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with moisture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without overpowering.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and give the cake lift.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Provide tart bursts of flavor and a festive color pop.
• White chocolate chips or chunks: Adds creamy sweetness and melts delightfully.
• Cream cheese: For the luscious frosting that’s a signature of this recipe.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect finish.
• Heavy cream or milk: Used to adjust frosting texture to creamy perfection.

Variations for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

One of the best parts about this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize it. Whether you want to accommodate dietary preferences or just mix up the flavors, these variations give you plenty of tasty options.

• Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts bring crunch and enhance nuttiness.
• Substitute orange zest: Adding fresh orange zest brightens the flavor and complements cranberries beautifully.
• Use dried cranberries: If fresh aren’t available, soak dried cranberries in hot water for a few minutes before adding.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
• Switch the frosting: Try a simple vanilla glaze or even a maple cream cheese frosting for a twist.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Preparation ensures even baking and a hassle-free cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps spread the rising agents evenly and avoids lumps in the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with sugar until fluffy and pale in color—this makes the cake lighter and sweeter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Then add vanilla extract to infuse warmth and fragrance throughout the cake.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream or Greek yogurt in two additions. Mix gently after each addition to avoid over-mixing which can toughen the cake.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate

Carefully fold in the fresh or thawed cranberries along with the white chocolate chips, spreading their tartness and creaminess evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake and sprinkle extra white chocolate shavings or chopped cranberries on top for a festive look.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Fresh cranberries are best: They offer the perfect tart pop, but frozen can work in a pinch.
• Let cake cool completely before frosting: Prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Toast nuts before adding: Enhances their flavor and crunch if you choose to include them.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Decorate with extra white chocolate curls or chopped dried cranberries for added visual appeal and taste contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this coffee cake with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a sparkling mimosas for brunch. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the coffee cake into small squares for a delightful party platter or layer slices with whipped cream and berries served in individual cups for a modern twist on dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before frosting. Alternatively, freeze frosted pieces tightly wrapped to preserve the creamy topping.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven for a cozy, just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well but soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften before folding into the batter to keep the cake moist.

Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

By using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, you can make a delicious version that’s perfect for gluten-free needs.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake remains moist and tasty for up to 5 days.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the cream cheese frosting a day ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge; bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.

What can I substitute for white chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, but keep in mind the flavor will be less traditionally “bliss”-like.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting loved ones, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that brings warmth to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience every luscious bite!

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