Discover the delicious Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe with rich flavors and a perfect crumb, ideal for your next breakfast or dessert treat. This enticing coffee cake combines tart cranberries, creamy frosting, and a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe delivers both comfort and delight with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The tartness of cranberries balances perfectly with the sweet cream cheese frosting for an irresistible taste.
Moist and Tender Texture: A buttery crumb ensures every slice stays moist and soft.
Decorative and Inviting: The bright cranberries and white glaze make it visually stunning for any table.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples along with fresh cranberries for an easy yet impressive bake.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with your favorite cup of coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each play a critical role in achieving the ideal flavor and texture. Fresh cranberries add a pop of tartness, while cream cheese in the frosting lends a smooth, tangy finish.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully and achieve a fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb.
Granulated and brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes to a subtle caramel note while granulated sugar sweetens evenly.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure for the cake.
Vanilla extract: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and keeps the cake moist.
Fresh cranberries: Offer bright, tart bursts in every bite.
White chocolate chips (optional): Enhance sweetness and mimic the signature Bliss cake taste.
Cream cheese: Essential for the luscious frosting topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
Milk or cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for smooth spreading.

Variations for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Feel free to customize this classic Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or creativity. It’s delightfully adaptable with just a few tweaks.

Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for a safe indulgence.
Vegan twist: Use flax eggs, dairy-free butter, and cream cheese alternatives to keep it plant-based.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a pleasing crunch and nuttiness.
Orange zest: Stir in some zest for a citrusy brightness that complements cranberries.
White chocolate drip: Melt white chocolate over the glaze for an extra luxurious touch.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients for smooth workflow.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening agents and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s aroma and richness.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with sour cream or Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry mix. This method ensures a smooth batter and prevents overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in fresh cranberries and optional white chocolate chips to distribute them evenly without breaking up the berries.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar in batches, then mix in vanilla extract and a splash of milk or cream until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle extra cranberries on top for added visual flair.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Use fresh cranberries: Frozen berries can bleed color and make the batter purple; fresh ensures bright bursts of flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep the crumb tender and light.
Room temperature ingredients: Use room-temp butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
Cool before frosting: Make sure the cake is fully cooled so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
Double the frosting: For extra richness, double the cream cheese frosting recipe.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a few fresh cranberries or sprinkle finely chopped pistachios on top to add color and crunch that complement the cake’s flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this coffee cake with a hot cup of black coffee or spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness, or serve alongside fresh fruit for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into small squares and arrange on a tiered platter for brunch parties, or serve individual portions with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint sprig for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop it in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh the softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

While dried cranberries work in a pinch, fresh cranberries provide the best tart and juicy balance essential to this recipe’s flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find — perfect for bakers of all experience levels.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, this cake can be made to satisfy dairy-free diets.

What kind of pan is best for baking this cake?

A 9×13 inch rectangular pan works wonderfully, providing the classic thick, sliceable coffee cake shape.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When properly stored, the cake stays moist and flavorful for up to five days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something tart, sweet, or just downright comforting, this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe is a winner. Its perfect crumb, vibrant cranberries, and velvety frosting create a delicious treat anyone can enjoy. Give this recipe a try and bring the joy of bakery-quality coffee cake right into your home kitchen — you won’t regret it!

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

Delight in the Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake, featuring a moist, buttery crumb bursting with tart fresh cranberries and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this easy-to-make cake combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess that is both comforting and visually stunning.

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Add-ins

1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients to streamline the baking process.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed, ensuring proper leavening in the cake.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor depth of the cake.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring a smooth batter.
Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries and optional white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar in batches, then mix in vanilla extract and milk or cream until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle extra fresh cranberries on top for an elegant presentation.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries to avoid color bleeding and maintain bright, tart flavor bursts.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the crumb 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 the frosting from melting.
Double the frosting for a richer topping if desired.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake, breakfast cake, coffee cake, cream cheese frosting, fresh cranberries, moist cake, gluten-free option