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A stack of buttery layered treats with vibrant fruit in the center

Cranberry Coffee Cake

This festive cranberry coffee cake features fresh cranberries, orange zest, a rich buttery batter, and a pecan-studded streusel topping—perfect for holiday brunch or a cozy winter dessert.
Servings

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 4 tablespoons ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • cup chopped toasted pecans
  • cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest

For the Cake Batter:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • cups granulated sugar divided
  • Zest of ½ orange
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • cups 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare Pan

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper that extends over the two short sides to create “handles.” Spray the parchment once more with nonstick spray.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with flour, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Stir until a coarse crumb forms. Set aside.

Make the Cranberry Mixture

  1. In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries, ¾ cup of the granulated sugar, and the remaining orange zest until coarsely chopped and well combined. Set aside.

Whisk Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Set aside.

Whisk Egg Mixture

  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk the 4 eggs and 1 egg yolk until combined.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and remaining 1½ cups granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures

  1. Add the whisked egg mixture and the flour mixture alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix.

Assemble the Cake

  1. Transfer half of the prepared batter into the baking pan and smooth into an even layer. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth carefully. Using a knife, gently swirl the batter and cranberry filling together to create a marbled effect.

Add Streusel and Bake

  1. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface of the cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

  1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment “handles.” Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

To make this Cranberry Coffee Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum for structure. Ensure all other ingredients (such as baking powder and dried cranberries) are certified gluten-free. Baking times may vary slightly, so begin checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark.
Bitty