Delicious Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
As you walk into a coffee shop, the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. One of my favorite treats to indulge in is a slice of cranberry streusel coffee cake, paired with a hot cup of British coffee. The sweetness of the cranberries is perfectly balanced with the crumbly streusel topping, creating a delectable flavor that makes every bite a delight.
If you’re like me and love to indulge in delectable baked goods over a steaming hot cup of coffee, then this easy cranberry streusel coffee cake recipe is perfect for you. It’s loaded with juicy fresh cranberries that create an irresistible tartness and crunch, while the streusel adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
Whether you’re looking for a new cake recipe to bake for your afternoon tea or simply want to treat yourself during breakfast, this cranberry streusel coffee cake will fulfill all your cravings. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delicious creation?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear coffee lovers,
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make coffee cake that will impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings, then look no further than this cranberry streusel coffee cake recipe. Believe me when I say that you’ll absolutely love the blend of flavors and textures in this cake, which is perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.
What makes this recipe so irresistible? Let me tell you. With its tender and moist cake base, tangy and juicy fresh cranberries, and buttery and crunchy streusel topping, this coffee cake is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and nutty notes that will awaken your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that interplay harmoniously and leave you with a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.
But wait, it gets even better. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and forgiving. You can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones if they’re out of season or hard to find near you. You can also swap the pecans or walnuts in the streusel with almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor or texture. And if you’re on a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt of your choice.
So whether you want to indulge in a slice of warm cranberry streusel coffee cake with a cup of British coffee in the morning or serve it as an elegant dessert with some cranberry sauce or ice cream at a dinner party, this recipe has got you covered. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and easy to love.
Why settle for a plain and boring coffee cake when you can have a cranberry streusel coffee cake that will elevate your palate and mood? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So don’t hesitate, give it a try and let me know what you think.
Sincerely,
Your fellow coffee lover
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to gather to make this delicious cranberry streusel coffee cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries
- Zest of one orange
For the streusel topping, you will need:
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Note: Use fresh cranberries rather than frozen to get the best flavor and texture results.
The Recipe How-To
Now, comes the most crucial part of this recipe, baking the coffee cake to perfection. Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with butter. Take a small bowl and whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 1 egg until thoroughly mixed.
Making the Streusel Topping
In another medium-sized bowl, prepare your streusel topping by mixing 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until they turn into coarse crumbs. Add in up to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, for more flavor.
Mixing It All Together
Now, onto the assembly portion of this recipe. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a dash of salt. Slowly add in the prepared milk mixture and keep stirring until thoroughly mixed.
Adding the Cranberries
Next up is adding fresh cranberries to the mix. Dice up your favorite fresh cranberries into small pieces and fold them into the prepared batter along with some orange zest. Don’t overdo it with the number of cranberries or they may weigh down your cake, leaving it gooey rather than fluffy.
Layering It All Together
Pour half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Then sprinkle half of the streusel topping on top to give that delicious crunchy texture to your cake’s crust. Do not press down too hard as you need that airy and light texture. Then pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with any left-over streusel topping.
Bake and Cool
Finally, place the cake into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool down for 10-15 minutes before slicing it and serving it with a hot cup of coffee.
Substitutions and Variations
As a barista, I understand the importance of catering to different tastes and dietary needs. The Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe can be tweaked to suit your preferences with some creative substitutions and variations.
For a vegan option, replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. For those with nut allergies, opt for cranberry walnut cake instead of pecan crumble cake. You can also experiment with different fruits such as blueberries or raspberries instead of cranberries to add variation to the recipe.
If you prefer a gluten-free alternative, use all-purpose gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Similarly, you can substitute Greek yogurt with non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond yogurt for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Adding cranberry sauce or jam in between the cake layers will give it an additional burst of flavor and sweetness. For a festive twist, mix orange zest into the streusel topping to create a cranberry orange flavor profile.
Additionally, try using bundt cake pans to give the coffee cake a unique shape and presentation. You can experiment with different crumb toppings by substituting cinnamon streusel with brown sugar cinnamon crumb topping.
Don’t limit yourself to just these suggested variations; possibilities are endless when it comes to creative recipe modifications!
Serving and Pairing
Serving a slice of this cranberry streusel coffee cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee is the perfect way to start your morning. The warm aromas of cinnamon and sweet cranberries make for a delightful smell that is sure to tempt your senses. The crumbly and moist texture of the cake combined with tangy cranberry sauce is simply irresistible.
When it comes to pairing this delicious cake, the obvious choice would be coffee or tea. However, serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the flavors and add an extra touch of sweetness. Another great option is to serve it with fresh berries or whipped cream on top for a fruity twist.
For those who want to take things up a notch, try pairing this cake with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting feel. Its versatile nature makes it perfect for any occasion, from an indulgent breakfast treat to an elegant dessert after dinner.
So why not treat yourself to a slice of this delectable cranberry streusel coffee cake? Its warm flavors and inviting smell are guaranteed to make your day better!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once baked, this cranberry streusel coffee cake can be stored for up to three days on the countertop, covered with plastic wrap. If you want to save it for longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s best eaten warm or at room temperature.
If you plan to make this ahead of time, you can keep the streusel topping in an airtight container and freeze it separately from the cake. When you’re ready to bake it, simply sprinkle the frozen streusel over the batter before baking it.
If you want to reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap a slice of cake in aluminum foil. Heat it up for around 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Don’t overheat the cake as the crumb may end up dry.
I recommend making this cake fresh and crashing with your family that morning but if time is not on your side, you can always freeze the entire cake for up to 1 month. Simply wrap it up tight in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing it. Allow it to thaw before reheating or serving.
This cake is also perfect for potlucks or parties since you can make it ahead and bring it with you without having to worry about reheating or keeping it warm. Simply store it in an airtight container and bring it along with you. You will have a delicious cake that everyone is sure to love!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a barista and coffee cake enthusiast, I have learned some helpful tips to ensure your Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake comes out perfectly every time.
First and foremost, it is crucial to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This means letting your eggs, milk, and unsalted butter soften to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe. This will allow them to blend together more easily and thoroughly, resulting in a smoother batter.
Secondly, don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing will cause the gluten in the flour to become overworked, resulting in a dense and tough cake. Mix just until everything is incorporated together.
When it comes to adding the cranberries, be gentle. Fold them into the batter instead of stirring aggressively or they will start to bleed into the batter, turning it pink.
For the streusel topping, be sure to use cold butter when cutting it into the mixture of sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This will create small crumbs that will bake up into crispy pockets throughout the cake.
Lastly, be patient when baking the cake. It’s always tempting to open the oven door and peek inside, but resist that temptation because it can release steam from inside the oven which may cause inconsistencies in baking time or even deflate your cake. Check on it only once after about 40 minutes of baking time has passed.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake that looks as good as it tastes!
FAQ
As a barista and coffee cake enthusiast, I understand that questions or doubts may arise when trying new recipes, especially those including less commonly used ingredients such as fresh cranberries. So, let me clarify some of the most common questions about this cranberry streusel coffee cake recipe to help ensure you have a delightful baking experience.
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
What distinguishes coffee cakes from other cakes is their unique streusel topping and lack of frosting. These cakes often incorporate a swirl of streusel or delicious fillings such as fruit, nuts or chocolate. While they may have a subtle glaze, frosting is not a characteristic of coffee cakes.
What is the difference between American and British coffee cake?
There are two different types of coffee cake: one is a cake that is infused with coffee flavour, and the other is a cake that is commonly enjoyed while sipping on a cup of coffee. The former is popular in Britain, while the latter is more commonly eaten in America.
How do you increase the flavor of coffee in a cake?
As a seasoned barista, I have learned over the years that there are myriad ways to incorporate coffee into your creations. In this recipe article, I will be providing you with detailed instructions and tips on how to make a delectable coffee-infused baked good. First, we’ll dive into how to infuse the batter with the rich flavor of coffee in two different ways. Then, we’ll explore how to add a mocha swirl for an extra burst of espresso goodness before packing the crumb topping with an extra kick of coffee flavor. Finally, we’ll finish it all off with a boozy latte glaze that will make your taste buds sing. So, let’s get started!
To begin with, one of the easiest ways to add coffee flavor to your baked goods is by adding instant espresso powder to your batter. However, I have found that this method can sometimes produce an artificial-tasting outcome. To avoid this, I recommend trying another method as well, which is to brew a strong pot of coffee and use it to replace the liquid called for in the recipe. This will infuse the batter with a rich, bold flavor that is both natural and incredibly satisfying.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred method of infusion, it’s time to take it a step further and add a mocha swirl. This will add an extra layer of espresso flavor to your creation that will have you and your guests coming back for more. To make a mocha swirl, simply mix together cocoa powder, white sugar, and a small amount of strong espresso or coffee. Then, pour the mixture into the batter and use a knife to swirl it around before baking.
Now, let’s move on to the crumb topping. This is where we really pack in the extra coffee flavor. To do this, I recommend mixing together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a healthy amount of finely ground coffee. This will create a topping that is both sweet and savory, with a distinct espresso kick that will have you reaching for more.
Finally, it’s time to finish off our coffee-infused creation with a delectable boozy latte glaze. To make this, mix together powdered sugar, a small amount of milk, and a shot of espresso or coffee liqueur. The result will be a sweet glaze that is enhanced by the bold flavors of espresso, and that will perfectly complement your newly baked dessert. And voila! You now have a coffee-infused baked good that is sure to impress all who try it.
How do you make a Mary Berry coffee cake?
To make a delicious walnut and coffee cake, we will need some softened unsalted butter, caster sugar, free range eggs, self-raising flour, baking powder, chopped walnuts, and a tablespoon of coffee essence. Don’t forget to prepare some extra butter for greasing the pan. Let’s get started!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is a must-try for any coffee and cake lovers out there. With its bright, tangy cranberry flavor and nutty streusel crunch on top of a moist, creamy cake, it’s sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your day. Plus, it’s simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients and flexible enough for substitutions and variations.
So why not treat yourself or your loved ones with this delicious and comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee? Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something sweet, this Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe will satisfy your cravings and brighten up your day. Trust me, one bite is all it takes to fall in love with this cake.
Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped fine
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Beat egg in a large bowl.
- Add milk, 1/2 cup sugar, oil, orange juice and peel and almond extract.
- Mix well.
- In another bowl mix 1 cup of flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add to egg/milk mixture and stir until just combined.
- Oil an 8x8 baking pan Pour batter into pan.
- Spoon chopped cranberries over batter In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 3 tbls sugar and 2 tbls butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle mixture over cranberries.
- Bake 25-30 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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