Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a decadent treat inspired by the beloved Starbucks holiday favorite, offering a delightful combination of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and rich cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The moist, tender crumb is flavored with warming ginger and vanilla, while the dried cranberries provide bursts of tangy sweetness balanced by the luscious melted butter and buttermilk or sour cream. The white chocolate chips melted into the batter add pockets of creamy sweetness that melt in your mouth.

What really sets this coffee cake apart is the luscious cream cheese frosting, lightly flavored with vanilla and orange extract or zest, which adds a fresh, citrusy contrast to the sweet cake. The topping of extra dried cranberries and white chocolate drizzle gives the final touch of festive elegance and texture. This recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples but yields a bakery-quality result. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your breakfast game, this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and irresistible richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Inspired by a beloved classic: Brings the Starbucks favorite into your kitchen.
2. Perfect balance of sweet and tart: Cranberries and white chocolate complement each other beautifully.
3. Moist and tender crumb: Buttermilk and melted butter keep the cake soft and rich.
4. Creamy, citrusy frosting: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the cake.
5. Great for any occasion: Elegant enough for holidays and simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground ginger
• Melted butter
• Buttermilk or sour cream
• White chocolate chips
• Dried cranberries (soaked, drained, and dried)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Orange extract or orange zest

Topping

• White chocolate chips (melted)
• Dried cranberries (soaked, drained, and dried)

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top.
• Spice it Up: Increase ground ginger or add cinnamon for a spicier cake.
• Zesty Alternative: Swap orange extract for lemon zest or extract for a different citrus note.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and egg replacer.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cranberries

Soak dried cranberries in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract, melted butter, and buttermilk or sour cream.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and ground ginger.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into a greased or lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange extract or zest until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting and sprinkle with additional dried cranberries.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure cranberries are well drained to avoid soggy batter.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Toast white chocolate chips slightly for a deeper flavor.

How to Serve

Serve slices of this coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. It also makes a lovely dessert paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

Enjoy cold or bring to room temperature. For a warm treat, microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used but may add extra moisture and tartness. Chop them finely and reduce soaking time.

2. Can I substitute sour cream for buttermilk?

Yes, sour cream is a great substitute and will keep the cake moist.

3. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store the cake well wrapped to retain moisture.

4. Can I make the frosting ahead?

Yes, make frosting a day in advance and store it refrigerated.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or two pans.

6. Is the cake gluten-free?

No, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends.

7. Can I omit the white chocolate?

Yes, omit or replace with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.

8. How long does the soaking of cranberries help?

Soaking plumps the cranberries and prevents them from drawing moisture from the batter.

9. Can I use orange juice instead of extract?

Orange juice may add moisture; extracts or zest are preferred for flavor without changing batter consistency.

10. How should I store leftover frosting?

Keep leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and creamy elements, making it a standout addition to any breakfast or dessert table. With its tender crumb, luscious cream cheese frosting, and festive topping, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving a delicious homemade treat, this coffee cake offers warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance in every bite.

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