Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake

This Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange zest, all enveloped in a moist, tender cake. Topped with a buttery streusel and drizzled with an orange glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one!

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For the Orange Glaze

• 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Juice of ½ an orange, plus more if needed
• ¼ teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Grocery List

1. All-purpose flour (2 cups)
2. Granulated sugar (1 cup)
3. Light brown sugar (½ cup)
4. Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
5. Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon)
6. Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
7. Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
8. Fresh cranberries (½ cup)
9. Fresh oranges (for juice and zest)
10. Eggs (1 large)
11. Milk (¼ cup)
12. Cream cheese (2 ounces)
13. Pure vanilla extract (⅛ teaspoon)
14. Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup)

Cooking Guide and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, then butter the parchment.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cranberries, and orange zest.
2. Add the room temperature butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3. Stir in the beaten egg, milk, and fresh orange juice until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles wet sand.
3. Sprinkle half of this streusel mixture over the cake batter before adding the remaining batter on top.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Orange Glaze

1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest; mix well.
3. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake.
2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 3g

Tips and Notes

• For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and frozen cranberries.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the sugar slightly.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

This Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and delightful texture! Enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a perfect pairing that will brighten any morning or afternoon gathering!