Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a delightful twist on the popular cranberry bliss bars, transformed into a soft, moist coffee cake. Packed with tart cranberries, white chocolate, and warm spices, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. Finished with a sweet cream cheese glaze, this cake is guaranteed to be a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars – All the delicious flavors in a soft, fluffy cake.
• Perfect for the holidays – A festive dessert ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy occasion.
• Moist and flavorful – The perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and warm spices.
• Easy to make – No complicated techniques, just simple ingredients and a delicious result.
• Great for brunch or dessert – Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(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
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh or dried cranberries
• White chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk (for consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cream butter and sugars – Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla – Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate sour cream – Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to keep the cake moist.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips – Gently mix them into the batter.
8. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool the cake – Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Prepare the glaze – Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk until smooth.
11. Drizzle and serve – Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, then slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Orange Twist – Mix in orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version – Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Spiced Version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
• Reheating – Warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to soften them before adding them to the batter.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt or buttermilk works as a great substitute for sour cream.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate complements the cranberries well, but you can use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer.

How do I prevent my cake from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake, and use sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep it moist.

What’s the best way to drizzle the cream cheese glaze?

Use a spoon or piping bag to evenly drizzle the glaze over the cake for a bakery-style look.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and glaze it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I make this in a loaf pan?

Yes! Just adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I keep my cranberries from sinking in the batter?

Toss the cranberries in a little flour before mixing them into the batter to help distribute them evenly.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.

What pairs well with this cake?

Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the perfect treat.

Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and warm spices, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress. Try it once, and it may just become your new favorite coffee cake!

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