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The sound of Grandma humming in the kitchen this morning could only mean one thing… she was already up making her famous cranberry coffee cake for our holiday brunch! I walked in to find her carefully folding those gorgeous ruby-red fresh cranberries into the most incredible smelling batter. “This is going to be delicious for breakfast on Thanksgiving day,” she announced with that knowing smile, and honestly, she couldn’t be more right about this festive cranberry coffee cake.
What I absolutely love about this cranberry coffee cake recipe is how it transforms ordinary mornings into something special with just one slice. Those gorgeous bursts of tart cranberries nestled in the most tender, moist, buttery cake with fresh cranberries, and a cinnamon crumble topping create this incredible flavor dance that makes you want to slow down and savor every single bite. The fact that it’s made with Greek yogurt, fresh cranberries, and has a streusel filling and topping just adds to the pure indulgence factor.
You know what’s amazing? This best cranberry coffee cake recipe delivers bakery-level results without any fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just the simple joy of watching that gorgeous almond-scented cranberry coffee cake rise in your oven, knowing you’re about to create memories around the breakfast table. Whether you serve it plain or explore those cranberry coffee cake with warm vanilla sauce options, this easy cranberry coffee cake has serious potential to become the recipe everyone asks you to bring to every gathering!
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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Coffee Cake
This isn’t your typical coffee cake recipes easy version, and that’s exactly what makes it so special! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed with this cranberry coffee cake recipe:
- Perfect holiday brunch dessert that looks elegant but comes together easily
- Gorgeous fresh cranberries provide beautiful color and tart flavor bursts
- Amazing cinnamon streusel topping adds the perfect sweet crunch
- Moist buttery crumb thanks to Greek yogurt coffee cake technique
- Make-ahead breakfast cake perfect for busy holiday mornings
- Versatile serving options delicious plain or with sweet glaze drizzle
- Orange zest flavor adds bright citrus notes that complement the cranberries
- Better than cranberry coffee cake taste of home or cranberry coffee cake allrecipes versions
- Holiday dessert recipes worthy but perfect for everyday enjoyment too
It’s one of those cranberry dessert recipes that rivals anything you’d find at a fancy bakery but uses ingredients you probably already have!
What You’ll Need
Don’t you love when the most impressive holiday desserts come from simple pantry staples? This best cranberry coffee cake proves that amazing breakfast coffee cake doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
The secret is using fresh cranberries (though dried cranberry coffee cake works too!), Greek yogurt for that incredible moist texture, and a generous cinnamon streusel topping that makes this better than any ocean spray cranberry coffee cake you’ve tried.
Cranberry Coffee Cake Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (for that signature almond-scented flavor)
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream for cranberry coffee cake with sour cream version)
- Fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
- Orange zest
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cold butter, cubed
- Ground cinnamon
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
For Optional Sweet Glaze Drizzle:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Why These Ingredients Matter
The Greek yogurt is what makes this cranberry sour cream cake so incredibly moist and tender (though you can substitute sour cream if that’s what you have). Fresh cranberries are definitely preferred for their tartness and beautiful appearance, but dried cranberry coffee cake works great too. Grandma always insists on real almond extract… it gives this cake that bakery-quality flavor that makes people ask for the recipe. That orange zest brightens everything and makes the cranberries taste even more vibrant!
How to Make Cranberry Coffee Cake
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan or bundt pan coffee cake style.
- Make the streusel topping first combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes. Mix until crumbly and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extracts.
- Mix in Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet starting and ending with flour mixture.
- Fold in fresh cranberries and orange zest gently to avoid bursting the cranberries.
- Spread half the batter in your prepared pan.
- Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
- Add remaining batter and top with remaining streusel.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before adding sweet glaze drizzle if using.
Grandma’s tip: She always tosses the cranberries in a little flour before folding them in. Keeps them from sinking to the bottom!
Substitutions for Cranberry Coffee Cake
Need to make some swaps? This cranberry coffee cake with cream cheese base is pretty adaptable for all your fresh cranberry recipes needs:
- Dried cranberry coffee cake: Use 1 cup dried cranberries instead of fresh (soak in warm water first)
- Cranberry coffee cake with sour cream: Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream 1:1
- Cranberry coffee cake muffins: Divide batter into muffin tins, bake 18-22 minutes
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free yogurt
- Gluten-free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Different fruits: Try blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples
- Nut-free: Skip the walnuts in the streusel topping
- Orange cranberry breakfast cake: Double the orange zest for more citrus flavor
Cranberry Coffee Cake Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists on this cranberry cake that’ll make your holiday dessert recipes collection even more exciting:
- Apple cranberry coffee cake: Add diced apples with the cranberries
- Cranberry almond coffee cake: Extra almond extract and sliced almonds on top
- Cranberry bliss coffee cake: Add white chocolate chips and dried cranberries
- Cranberry pecan coffee cake: Replace walnuts with chopped pecans
- Cranberry pecan cake: Add pecans to both batter and topping
- Cream cheese swirl: Marble in sweetened cream cheese for extra richness
- Lemon cranberry: Replace orange zest with lemon zest
- Streusel coffee cake variation: Double the streusel for extra crunch
Essential Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan or bundt pan coffee cake mold for different presentations
- Large mixing bowl for the cake batter
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer works great)
- Separate bowl for making the cinnamon streusel topping
- Pastry cutter or forks for making crumbly streusel
- Wire cooling rack for proper cooling
- Fine grater for fresh orange zest
The key is having a good quality pan that distributes heat evenly for that perfect moist buttery crumb!
Storage Tips for Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Room temperature: Keeps for up to 3 days covered with plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerated storage: Stays fresh for up to 1 week (bring to room temp before serving)
- Freezer friendly: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
- Individual slices: Wrap separately for easy grab-and-go breakfast treats
- Make-ahead breakfast cake: Bake the night before for stress-free mornings
- Glaze storage: Add sweet glaze drizzle just before serving if making ahead
What to Serve With Cranberry Coffee Cake
This gorgeous holiday brunch dessert is perfect on its own, but here are some delightful pairings for complete breakfast coffee cake experiences:
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea the classic pairing that never disappoints
- Vanilla Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess
- Fresh whipped cream light and airy to complement the dense cake
- Butter and honey for those who love extra richness
- Fresh orange slices to echo the orange zest in the cake
- Our banana bread recipe for a complete brunch bread spread
For more holiday-worthy treats, try our white chocolate raspberry cheesecake balls or our elegant no-bake classic Woolworth cheesecake for dessert variety that complements these cranberry recipes perfectly.
Grandma’s Secret for Cranberry Coffee Cake
Here’s what Grandma whispered while we watched this beauty bake: “The secret is room temperature ingredients and not overmixing. Keeps the crumb tender and those cranberries perfectly distributed!”
She’s absolutely right! Those room temperature ingredients create the most incredible moist buttery crumb that makes this cake absolutely irresistible.
FAQ for Cranberry Coffee Cake
What makes coffee cake taste like coffee cake?
Great question! Coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee… it’s called coffee cake because it’s designed to be enjoyed WITH coffee! The signature elements are the tender, slightly sweet cake base, the cinnamon streusel topping, and that perfect crumb texture that pairs beautifully with your morning cup. This cranberry coffee cake has all those classic elements plus the tartness of fresh cranberries.
What are hostess coffee cakes?
Hostess coffee cakes are those pre-packaged, individual-sized coffee cakes you find in stores. While convenient, they’re nothing like homemade! This old fashioned cranberry coffee cake has real ingredients, fresh fruit, and that amazing cinnamon streusel topping that store-bought versions just can’t match.
What is the name of the cake that taste like coffee?
If you want a cake that actually tastes like coffee, you’d be looking for a coffee-flavored cake (like espresso cake or mocha cake). Coffee cake, despite its name, is meant to be enjoyed alongside coffee rather than tasting like coffee itself. This cranberry coffee cake is all about complementing your coffee with sweet, tart, and cinnamon flavors.
How long does homemade coffee cake last?
This cranberry coffee cake will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days when properly covered, or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! It’s actually a perfect make-ahead breakfast cake for busy holiday mornings. Just bake it the night before and you’ll have an amazing breakfast ready to go.
Can I make cranberry coffee cake muffins instead?
Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for muffins. Just divide the batter into lined muffin tins, top with streusel, and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll get about 18 standard muffins, perfect for individual servings or grab-and-go breakfasts.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about cutting into a perfectly baked cranberry coffee cake and seeing those beautiful ruby-red cranberries nestled in that tender, moist crumb. This old fashioned cranberry coffee cake recipe proves that the most memorable holiday breakfasts come from simple ingredients combined with a little love and the perfect technique.
The gorgeous balance of tart fresh cranberries, sweet cinnamon streusel topping, and that incredible moist buttery cake creates something truly special that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making this easy cranberry coffee cake for Thanksgiving morning, a weekend brunch, or just treating yourself to something special, this best cranberry coffee cake delivers bakery-quality results every single time.
If you loved this festive cranberry creation, don’t miss our decadent no-bake banana split cake for more crowd-pleasing desserts or our impressive red velvet cream cheese bundt cake for special occasions. And if you’re in the mood for something completely different but equally delicious, this carrot cake offers another classic cake experience that pairs beautifully with morning coffee.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy cranberry coffee cake? Do you prefer it plain or with that sweet glaze drizzle? Grandma and I love hearing about your holiday baking traditions and how you make these cranberry recipes your own! Drop a comment below and let us know how your coffee cake turned out.
Easy Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish Grease with butter or line with parchment.
- 2 Mixing bowls One large and one medium.
- 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer works fine.
- 1 Rubber spatula For folding in the cranberries.
- 1 Cooling rack Let the cake cool completely.
- 1 Fine grater For zesting the orange.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract Optional but traditional!
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt Or sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries Toss in 1 tsp flour to prevent sinking.
- 1 tsp orange zest Freshly grated
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter Cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Optional
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream Add slowly to desired consistency
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grandma always said to do this first so the oven is ready when the batter is. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the [brown sugar], [flour], and [cinnamon]. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the [cold butter] until the mixture is crumbly—like Grandma showed me when I was little, with little buttery nuggets throughout. Stir in [walnuts] if using. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together [flour], [baking powder], and [salt]. Grandma’s notebook had ‘mix until whispers of white clouds,’ which still makes me smile.
- In another bowl, cream the [butter] and [granulated sugar] until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add [eggs], one at a time, followed by [vanilla] and [almond extract].
- Mix in the [Greek yogurt] until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—Grandma would tap the bowl and say ‘Let the flour rest.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the [cranberries] and [orange zest]. Be careful not to burst the berries—you want little ruby surprises in each bite.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell just like Grandma’s did every Thanksgiving morning.
- Cool completely on a [cooling rack]. If using the glaze, whisk [powdered sugar], [milk], and [vanilla] until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake. Grandma always said the drizzle was ‘like snow on the hills.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan butter.
- You can use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt, Grandma often did depending on what was in the fridge.
- Tossing cranberries in flour helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezes beautifully, wrap individual slices for easy holiday prep!
