There’s a comforting sensation that comes from a slice of warm cake, especially when that cake captures the essence of vibrant citrus and tart cranberries. When I first pulled this Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake from the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled my kitchen, inviting everyone in the house to gather around. Just thinking about the crunch of the streusel topping paired with the tender cake makes my mouth water!
This recipe is perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings or whenever you find yourself craving something sweet. Whether you’re swapping stories over coffee with friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this delightful cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious, with ingredients you likely have on hand already! So, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake together—an indulgent yet simple treat waiting to brighten your day!
Why is this Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake a must-try?
Deliciously Unique: A perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes each slice burst with flavor.
Simple to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this delightful cake without spending all day in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for brunch or dessert, this cake fits any occasion, impressing family and friends alike.
Healthier Twist: Incorporating Greek yogurt adds moisture while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
Easy Cleanup: The one-bowl preparation keeps your kitchen mess to a minimum, allowing you more time to enjoy your creation!
For extra homemade goodness, pair this with a delightful orange glaze for an added touch of sweetness.
Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour provides a balanced structure for the cake.
• ½ cup oat flour – Oat flour adds a delightful nuttiness and a touch of healthiness to the mix.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – A little boost to ensure the cake is light and airy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the wonderful flavors in your cake.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy touch to each slice.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Provides richness and moisture for a decadent texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature – Binds the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
• Zest of 1 large orange – Infuses the cake with vibrant citrus flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and deepens the cake’s flavor profile.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and contributes a protein boost.
• 1 cup frozen cranberries, do not thaw – Prevents the cranberries from becoming mushy and preserves their tartness.
For the Streusel Topping
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crunchy topping.
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats – Adds a hearty texture to the crunch.
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans – Offers a delicious nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel for a delightful contrast.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter – Binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Complements the flavors of the cake and streusel beautifully.
For the Drizzle
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt – Provides creaminess and a slight tang to the topping.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze to balance the tartness.
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice – Brightens the glaze, tying in the orange flavor from the cake.
With these simple yet essential ingredients for your Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake, you’ll be well on your way to creating an irresistible treat that will warm hearts and fill bellies!
How to Make Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.
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Combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly. This mixture will be your crunchy streusel topping, so set it aside for later!
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Whisk together all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. This mix creates a solid base for the cake that’s both fluffy and delicious.
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Toss the frozen cranberries with 1-2 teaspoons of the flour mix set aside earlier. This helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking and reduces color bleed.
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Mix melted butter with granulated sugar, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and fold until just combined. This creates a rich, moist cake batter.
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Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients gently until just combined. Then, carefully fold in the cranberries to ensure they stay whole and distribute evenly throughout the batter.
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Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Now, sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over the batter, covering it perfectly for that delightful crunch.
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Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Whisk together Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake slices just before serving for a fresh finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake
Use Frozen Cranberries: Make sure to use frozen cranberries without thawing them. This keeps their shape and prevents color bleed in the cake.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake.
Streusel Pointers: Allow the streusel topping to remain crumbly. If it becomes too wet, it won’t bake up nice and crunchy, which is the highlight of this cake.
Check Doneness: Start checking the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want a perfect, clean toothpick.
Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents breaking.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake preparations are a dream for busy home cooks! You can mix the dry ingredients and prepare the streusel topping up to 3 days in advance; store them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. You can also toss the frozen cranberries with flour and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking to prevent color bleed. On baking day, simply combine the wet ingredients with the prepped dry ingredients, fold in the cranberries, and pour it into the pan. This way, you’ll enjoy a scrumptious cake with minimal effort and just as much delicious flavor!
Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and adjust this delicious cake to your liking with these fun ideas!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful gluten-free option.
- Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans in the streusel topping and replace them with an extra tablespoon of oats for consistency.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and almond or coconut yogurt for a creamy alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Fruit Swaps: Instead of cranberries, try using blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor experience. These berries will add their unique sweet-tart twist!
- Spice Boost: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for an aromatic layer of warmth that beautifully complements the citrus.
- Sweetness Adjust: For a lower sugar option, replace half of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup; just reduce the liquid ingredients slightly!
- Decadent Additions: Fold in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for an indulgent variation that takes this cake to the next level.
- Zesty Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and more orange juice over the top after it cools for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
There’s truly no limit to how you can put your personal touch on this Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake!
What to Serve with Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake?
Imagine the laughter and warmth of gathering around a table, sharing delicious moments over this delightful cake.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing salad of mixed seasonal fruits adds vibrant color and a contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
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Coffee or Tea: Rich, aromatic coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors impeccably, making each bite a perfect pairing.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a creamy texture that elevates the cake’s flavor profile.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome, protein-packed counterpart, enhancing the cake’s lightness.
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Orange Glaze: Drizzle a sweet orange glaze over the cake for an extra citrus kick, tying back to those delicious fruity flavors.
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Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness, creating a warm and inviting contrast to the tangy cranberries.
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Chai Latte: The spices in a chai latte harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon in the cake, creating a cozy, flavorful pairing.
How to Store and Freeze Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: If you want to keep the cake longer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze the individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for up to 3 months while retaining their lovely taste.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw the desired slices overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will ensure your Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake is just as delightful as the day it was made!
Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely use frozen cranberries! Using them straight from the freezer helps maintain their shape during baking and prevents them from bleeding into the batter. Fresh cranberries can also work, but keep an eye on baking time as they may create more moisture.
How should I store leftover Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For the best flavor, let it come to room temperature before serving!
Can I freeze Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious treat! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. To reheat, microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that freshly baked taste!
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it’s often due to overmixing during the batter preparation. Make sure to mix your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until incorporated. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are still active; using expired leavening agents can result in a denser texture.
Can I use substitutes for the oats or pecans?
Very much! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can replace rolled oats with crushed graham crackers or finely chopped almonds for the streusel topping. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit the pecans entirely; the cake will still be delightful without them.
Is this Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake suitable for my dog?
It’s best to keep baked goods like this away from pets. The sugar and chocolate (if any) can be harmful to them. A small piece of plain cake without add-ins and frosting could be fine occasionally, but always double-check with your vet first.
Irresistible Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake with Crunchy Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, oats, pecans, cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Set aside.
- Whisk together flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Toss cranberries with 1-2 teaspoons of flour mix to prevent sinking.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in Greek yogurt.
- Fold dry mixture into wet ingredients gently. Carefully fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into pan and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it.
- Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Whisk together yogurt, powdered sugar, and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled slices.