Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake – So Moist & Delicious!
There’s something simply sublime about the aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake wafting through your home. If you’re looking for a treat that balances sweetness with a touch of tartness, look no further than this Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake. Its soft, moist texture paired with the creamy drizzle will make it a favorite for breakfast gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or even holiday celebrations. Get ready to share a slice of joy with friends and family!
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a beautiful balance, ensuring every bite is a delight.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Drizzle: The rich, creamy frosting adds an irresistible finish and elevates this coffee cake to dessert-like status.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is versatile enough for both casual coffee mornings and festive get-togethers.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
Let’s delve into the delightful process of preparing this exquisite coffee cake. With a few straightforward steps, you too can whip up this delicious treat right in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare Pan and Oven
Before starting, it’s essential to prep your workspace. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake comes out beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients — 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Be sure to set this mixture aside for later. The ground ginger adds a warming spice note that complements the cranberries splendidly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take the ½ cup of melted butter and blend it with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes lighter in color and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, helping to create that desirable light texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla (Cake)
Now, it’s time to add in the eggs. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, until each is fully incorporated. After that, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The vanilla essence enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth to the cake.
Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup of buttermilk or sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. The key here is to mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in Add-ins
Once your batter is mixed, gently fold in ¾ cup of white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of rehydrated dried cranberries. This delicious duo will melt into pockets of flavor throughout your cake, offering bursts of sweetness and tartness with every bite.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is ready when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown, springing back when gently pressed.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Cooling is essential as it allows the cake to settle and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.
Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Drizzle
While the cake is cooling, in a medium mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of orange extract or zest. Whip this mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy, fluffy enough for spreading or piping.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the cake has cooled sufficiently, generously drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top for a beautiful finish. To make it extra special, consider garnishing with chopped nuts, white chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of orange zest. Slice and serve, and don’t forget to keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Storage Tips for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days at a temperature of 40°F. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn.
- Serving After Freezing: When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and savor the delightful taste again.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a delightful treat on its own, but it can be elevated with a few thoughtful serving ideas:
- Coffee Companion: Pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
- Brunch Delight: It makes an impressive centerpiece for brunch gatherings. Consider cutting it into squares and offering toothpicks for easy serving.
- Ice Cream Scoop: For a decadent dessert, top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heat of the cake and the cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
To ensure your baking experience is smooth and the outcomes are delicious, consider these handy tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and dairy will give you the best results. They impact the texture and taste significantly.
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for a smoother drizzle.
- Watch Over Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep a close eye on your cake after the 30-minute mark.
Variations or Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this coffee cake recipe! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Nutty Twist: If you love nuts, adding ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts can enhance both flavor and texture.
- Cranberry Alternatives: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the coffee cake a day before, store it in the refrigerator, and just drizzle the cream cheese frosting before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: This question seems misplaced. However, when it comes to baking, if you’re looking to substitute your meat in other recipes, chicken thighs typically provide a richer flavor due to their fat content compared to breasts.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños in the batter. However, be cautious and adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute using regular milk. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk, stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
In summary, the irresistible Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that amalgamates the warmth of home baking with the festive flavors of cranberries and white chocolate. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, this recipe is a keeper you’ll return to time and time again. Happy baking!
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Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful coffee cake blending tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, topped with a creamy drizzle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or sour cream
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for drizzle)
- ½ teaspoon orange extract or zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and ground ginger in a bowl.
- Cream melted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and extracts until smooth for the drizzle.
- Drizzle the frosting over the cake and garnish if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container. Can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: coffee cake, cranberry, dessert, cake, holiday baking
