This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a soft, moist, and flavorful cake bursting with tart cranberries, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Inspired by the beloved Cranberry Bliss Bar, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon coffee break. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful – The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Festive and cozy – Ideal for holiday gatherings or a winter treat.
- Pairs perfectly with coffee – A delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch.
- Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Milk
- Fresh or dried cranberries (chopped)
- White chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (to thin)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream/milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
2. Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool before adding the glaze.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9–12 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Extra spice – Mix in nutmeg or ginger for a spiced flavor.
- Chocolate twist – Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips.
- Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lemon zest – Add a hint of citrus for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh cranberries add more tartness, while dried ones are sweeter.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture and don’t overbake.
Can I use white chocolate drizzle instead of cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely! Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cake for a different topping.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Chill the cake slightly before slicing for neater cuts.
Can I make this in a loaf pan instead?
Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I add a crumb topping?
Yes! Mix butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon for a streusel topping.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Not directly, as almond flour has a different texture, but a gluten-free blend works well.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is the ultimate cozy, sweet treat that brings together the best flavors of cranberries, white chocolate, and cream cheese glaze. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure bliss!
PrintCranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is soft, moist, and bursting with sweet-tart cranberries! Topped with a buttery crumb topping and a drizzle of white chocolate, it’s the perfect holiday-inspired treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon coffee break.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (chopped if large)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, mixing until combined.
- Mix in sour cream and milk, then gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt white chocolate chips and coconut oil/butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake and let set before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp almond extract to the batter.
- Use fresh cranberries for a more tart contrast or dried cranberries for a sweeter bite.
- Make it nutty! Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.