Sandy’s Cranberry Coffee Cake: A Festive Delight

The holiday season is synonymous with warm gatherings, comforting flavors, and the delightful aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. And what better way to capture the essence of the season than with a delectable Cranberry Coffee Cake? This recipe, inspired by the wonderful Sandy, is a symphony of tart cranberries, sweet crumb topping, and moist cake, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday brunch or a delightful treat to share with loved ones.

This Cranberry Coffee Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding.

Why This Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe Works

• Tart and Sweet Balance: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet crumb topping provides a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Moist and Tender Cake: The buttermilk in the cake batter ensures a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive and Flavorful: The vibrant cranberries and warm spices create a festive and flavorful cake that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily make the crumb topping and even the cake batter ahead of time, making it a great option for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each component of the cake:

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and acts as a binder for the crumb topping.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crumb topping.
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor and enhances the moistness of the topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the crumb topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and adds another layer of warm spice.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Creates a crumbly texture and richness. It’s crucial that the butter is cold for the best results.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cake.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the buttermilk to create a light and airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake, creating a tender crumb. You can substitute with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness, while frozen cranberries work just as well and can be used directly from the freezer.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking pan: The ideal size for this coffee cake.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the crumb topping and cake batter.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, but you can also use a whisk and some elbow grease.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the cranberries.
• Parchment paper (optional): For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Cranberry Coffee Cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces for optimal crumbly texture.
3. Set the crumb topping aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the topping from melting during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake. Use an electric mixer for best results, or whisk vigorously by hand.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries. Be careful not to crush the cranberries, as this can bleed color into the batter.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Make sure to distribute the topping evenly for a consistent crumb layer.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and the crumb topping should be nicely browned.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the cake out of the pan using the overhang for easier slicing.

Tips for Success

• Use cold butter for the crumb topping: Cold butter creates the best crumbly texture.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Both work well in this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake for doneness after 35 minutes.
• Let the cake cool before slicing: This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Cranberry Coffee Cake? Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Add nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Use different spices: Experiment with other warm spices like ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
• Add citrus zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Substitute the buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.
• Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth.
• Use a different fruit: While this recipe is specifically for cranberry coffee cake, you can try substituting other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Adjust the sugar level as needed depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Add chocolate chips: For a richer and more decadent cake, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Serve warm: Warm the cake slightly before serving to enhance its flavors and aromas.
• Pair with coffee or tea: This cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee or tea.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream: A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds a touch of indulgence.
• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
• Serve with a side of fruit: A side of fresh fruit like berries or orange slices complements the flavors of the cake.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Cranberry Coffee Cake is a great option for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Crumb Topping: The crumb topping can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cake Batter: The cake batter can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the batter come to room temperature before baking.
• Baked Cake: The baked cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Cranberry Coffee Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 20-25 grams per serving
• Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams per serving
• Cholesterol: 75-100 mg per serving
• Sodium: 200-250 mg per serving
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving
• Sugar: 25-30 grams per serving
• Protein: 4-5 grams per serving

Conclusion

Sandy’s Cranberry Coffee Cake is a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tart cranberries, sweet crumb topping, and moist cake, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of this delicious coffee cake. Your friends and family will thank you!

Enjoy!