Description

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a moist, tender cake bursting with fresh tart cranberries and topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive breakfasts, brunches, or as a comforting afternoon treat, it combines simple ingredients with irresistible flavors and an easy baking method, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (to adjust consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, to aerate the batter and create a lighter texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm aroma.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine without overmixing, preserving a tender crumb.
Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate: Carefully fold fresh cranberries and optional white chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries.
Bake Until Golden: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. Optionally garnish with extra fresh cranberries, white chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for best flavor and texture.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) for smoother mixing and better texture.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Test for doneness with a toothpick; some moist crumbs are acceptable.
Make the frosting ahead of time to enhance flavor and save prep time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9th of cake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg