Irresistible Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe to Delight

Name: Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs (room temperature); ¼ cup fresh orange juice; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw); Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

November 25, 2025

Updated:

November 25, 2025

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There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cranberry orange coffee cake wafting through the house. Imagine a warm, buttery slice with hints of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges, all topped off with a crumbly, sugary crust. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.

I remember the first time I baked this delightful treat; it was during a chilly December afternoon. My kitchen was filled with laughter and chatter as friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting their first bite. The moment they tasted it, their eyes lit up, and I knew I had created something special. This cranberry orange coffee cake has since become a staple in my home, making every occasion just a little sweeter.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cranberry orange coffee cake is incredibly easy to whip up even on busy mornings.
Its delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors will impress everyone at brunch.
The bright colors make it visually appealing on any dessert table.
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it’s versatile enough to enjoy anytime!

My friends couldn’t stop raving about this cake’s perfect balance of flavors.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour to ensure your cake has the right texture and structure.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up while balancing the tartness of the cranberries; essential for that lovely crumb.
Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent to ensure your cake rises beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness throughout the coffee cake.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened; this helps in creating that rich, moist texture we all love.
Eggs: Adds richness and stability; room temperature eggs mix better into the batter.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: The fresh citrusy notes elevate the flavor profile significantly; zest is key!
Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen): If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them. They add bursts of flavor in every bite!
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Optional but highly recommended for an extra touch of sweetness on top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well blended. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.

Create the Batter Base: In another bowl, cream softened butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in fresh orange juice and zest for that zingy flavor.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy.

Add Cranberries to Batter: Fold in cranberries carefully so they don’t break apart too much; you want those beautiful red bursts throughout your cake.

Bake It Up!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t forget to let it cool slightly before slicing!

Now you have a scrumptious cranberry orange coffee cake ready to brighten anyone’s day! Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or let it cool completely before glazing with powdered sugar mixed with orange juice for that extra flair!

You Must Know

Mastering a Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake means balancing tart cranberries with sweet oranges, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
The aroma while baking will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy café, making it perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs. This sequence ensures a fluffy cake.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping cranberries for blueberries or adding nuts for extra crunch. Play around with spices like cinnamon to add warmth.

Storing & Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh cranberries for a zesty kick; frozen ones can make the batter too wet.
Always check your oven temperature; an accurate oven makes a huge difference in baking.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Baking this Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited that first slice.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake?

Yes, but thaw them first to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

How can I make my coffee cake more moist?

Adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt will enhance moisture and flavor beautifully.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze or alongside whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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