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.
- 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