Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe with Cranberry Swirl

Welcome, coffee and cake lovers! Are you in the mood for something sweet, sour, and cozy? If so, I have just the recipe for you. I’m excited to share this delightful Coffee Cake With Cranberry Swirl recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Picture yourself relaxing with a comforting cup of coffee while savoring every bite of this crumbly yet soft cake with a fruity cranberry twist. Whether you are entertaining guests, spending the day baking with your family or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

But wait, there’s more! Besides its mouth-watering taste, this coffee cake recipe is easy to prepare and uses ingredients that you probably have at home. No need to run to the grocery store or follow complex instructions. This recipe is perfect for beginners but will also impress experienced bakers.

So put on your apron, warm up your oven, and let’s bake together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee Cake With Cranberry Swirl
Coffee Cake With Cranberry Swirl

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make coffee cake recipe? Look no further! This Coffee Cake with Cranberry Swirl recipe is the answer to your search.

What makes this recipe so special? Well, it starts with a moist and fluffy coffee cake base that’s perfectly complemented by a sweet-tart cranberry swirl. The tangy flavor of the cranberry adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the cake, making each bite an explosion of taste in your mouth.

Another reason why this recipe is worth trying is its versatility. You can easily substitute the cranberry sauce with other types of fruit preserves such as blueberry or raspberry, depending on your preference. Plus, you can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it an ideal dessert option for busy weekdays or entertaining guests.

But what truly sets this recipe apart from others is its use of whole berry cranberry sauce. Not only does it give you that satisfyingly chunky texture, but it also provides you with numerous health benefits. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants that help improve overall health and assist in preventing chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

So whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or searching for a decadent treat to indulge in on a quiet afternoon, this Coffee Cake with Cranberry Swirl recipe will not disappoint. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for giving it a try.

Ingredient List

 Perfect morning indulgence awaits with this irresistible coffee cake
Perfect morning indulgence awaits with this irresistible coffee cake

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Coffee Cake with Cranberry Swirl:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon of almond extract
  • 1 cup of sour cream, room temperature
  • 1½ cups of leftover whole berry cranberry sauce

For the cranberry swirl:

  • 1½ cups of leftover whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of almond extract
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of salt

Note: If you don’t have any leftover cranberry sauce, you can use canned cranberry sauce or even cranberry jelly. Fresh cranberries that have been cooked with sugar will also work.

Substitutions for unsalted butter include salted butter (just reduce the amount of added salt accordingly), or Great Value Sweet Cream Salted Butter.

The Recipe How-To

 Cranberry swirl adds a festive touch to this classic cake
Cranberry swirl adds a festive touch to this classic cake

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s start making this delicious Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake! This recipe is fairly simple to follow and will surely impress your guests.

Step 1: Preheat and Grease

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 5: Make Cranberry Swirl

Mix together 2 cups of whole berry cranberry sauce with 1/2 cup of white sugar in a separate bowl.

Step 6: Layer Cake and Swirl

Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Then spoon half of the cranberry swirl over the batter in small spoonfuls. Repeat with remaining batter and remaining swirl. Use a butter knife to gently swirl both mixtures together to create a cranberry-swirled coffee cake.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Cool the coffee cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving!

Enjoy your freshly baked Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake with a cup of coffee or some sweetened cranberry sauce on top. This recipe is also versatile, and you can add some fresh cranberries to the cranberry swirl mixture and transform it into a cranberry cheesecake, pound cake, or even a cranberry-orange bundt cake. So go ahead, let your creativity flow, and indulge in this delicious dessert!

Substitutions and Variations

 This recipe is perfect for those who love a great balance of sweet and tart flavors
This recipe is perfect for those who love a great balance of sweet and tart flavors

This recipe for coffee cake with cranberry swirl is already delightful on its own, but don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Here are some substitutions and variations that you might want to consider:

– Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: If you can’t find this particular type of cranberry sauce, feel free to use the jellied version. You can also opt for fresh or frozen cranberries, just make sure to heat them up in a saucepan with some sugar and water until they burst open and become syrupy.

– Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute if you’re out of sour cream. You can also use buttermilk or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar.

– Flour: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour like spelt or whole wheat. Be aware that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

– Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor to this coffee cake. You can replace half of the white sugar with brown sugar or use maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar instead.

– Extracts: Almond extract adds a nutty aroma to the cake, but you can swap it out for vanilla, lemon, or orange extract. You can even skip the extracts altogether and use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom instead.

– Leftover Cranberry Sauce: If you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving, don’t let it go to waste! You can use it to create a delicious cranberry cheesecake or pound cake. Mix it into your favorite muffin batter, oatmeal, or yogurt. Or simply swirl it into your morning coffee for a festive twist!

By switching up the ingredients according to your taste, you can create an infinite amount of variations on this classic coffee cake recipe!

Serving and Pairing

 The aroma of warm cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar will fill your home as you bake this cake
The aroma of warm cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar will fill your home as you bake this cake

There’s nothing quite like the delicious aroma of freshly baked coffee cake with cranberry swirl to fill your home. Not only is it a party in your nose, but it’s also a party on your palate! The sweet yet tart flavor of the cranberry swirl pairs perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee.

To make it even more indulgent, serve a slice of warm coffee cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. This will add a delightful twist to your palate, creating a unique balance between the tartness of the cranberry and the sweetness of the whipped cream.

If you are looking to make it a more sophisticated dessert, serve this coffee cake with cranberry swirl as a base for a luxurious cranberry cheesecake, pound cake or bundt cake. You can top it off with some fresh cranberries to give it an elegant touch.

And when you’re in the mood for an extraordinary breakfast or brunch, pair this moist and crumbly coffee cake with a steaming cup of rich and aromatic coffee to make yourself feel cozy and awake at the same time.

So go ahead and indulge in this sinfully delicious creation while sharing it with family, friends or guests.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Enjoy a slice of this cake with a steaming cup of hot coffee for a satisfying breakfast
Enjoy a slice of this cake with a steaming cup of hot coffee for a satisfying breakfast

One of the reasons why this cranberry swirl coffee cake recipe is perfect for any occasion is due to its versatility. You can make it ahead of time and store it properly for later use without worrying about it going stale or losing its flavor.

To make-ahead, you can prepare the ingredients and have them measured until ready for use. You can also bake the entire cake ahead and store in the refrigerator for at most three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Just ensure that the cake has cooled completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Storing this coffee cake is simple, but it requires some effective techniques to preserve its quality. Leftover cranberry swirl coffee cake should be well-wrapped and refrigerated within two hours of baking to prevent mold growth on the cake. You can store a whole piece of coffee cake or individual slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in the refrigerator.

Reheating your stored cake can be done using an oven, microwave, or toaster oven. To reheat in an oven or toaster oven, preheat to 350°F, then transfer the cake onto a baking sheet and warm it up for 5-10 minutes depending on how big and thick your slices are. In a microwave, use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high power in short intervals until heated through.

By following these tips on how to make-ahead, store, and reheat your cranberry swirl coffee cake recipe deliciously, you’ll always have a perfectly moist and flavorful dessert ready for any unexpected guests or events.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Treat your loved ones to this delightful cake on a holiday morning
Treat your loved ones to this delightful cake on a holiday morning

Making a perfect coffee cake with cranberry swirl is like creating a masterpiece. It may seem daunting at first, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve the perfect results in no time. Here are some of my best tips for making a coffee cake that is flavorful, moist, and has a beautiful cranberry swirl.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before adding them to the recipe. This will ensure that they are properly incorporated and prevent uneven baking. Letting butter or eggs sit out for about an hour before starting the recipe will help get them to room temperature.

2. Don’t overmix the batter

Over-mixing can affect the texture of your coffee cake. Mix just until there are no clumps of dry ingredients visible, and then stop mixing. If you over-mix, air will be added into the batter, causing it to rise and then collapse later during baking.

3. Drop Cranberry Sauce in Mounds on top of the Batter

Instead of swirling the cranberry sauce with a knife or spatula, dropping mounds on top of the batter in random order gives you more natural-looking swirls when you use a fork or clean knife to create the pattern. This technique also prevents you from over-swirling and blending too much of the cranberry sauce into the batter.

4. Add some Flour to Fresh Cranberries Before Folding Them into The Batter

When you use fresh cranberries instead of whole-berry cranberry sauce, toss them with one or two tablespoons flour before folding them into your batter. This will keep them from bleeding their juice throughout the cake and make sure that they remain evenly dispersed throughout.

5. Use Butter Instead of Oil

Although oil might produce a moister cake in some instances, butter contributes more flavor to your coffee cake while also giving it structure and body.

By following these five simple tips for perfect results, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, moist, and flavorful coffee cake with cranberry swirl that everyone will love.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Coffee Cake with Cranberry Swirl recipe is an easy and delicious way to impress your guests with a homemade dessert. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a stunning dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a morning coffee or serving it as part of a dessert spread, this cake is sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make substitutions or variations to suit your taste. Try using leftover cranberry sauce in new ways, such as in a cranberry cheesecake, pound cake, or even a bundt cake. Or add fresh cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

With its rich swirls of cranberry and moist texture, this coffee cake is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making it perfect for busy schedules and unexpected guests.

So next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy and impressive, try out the Coffee Cake with Cranberry Swirl recipe. Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!

Coffee Cake With Cranberry Swirl

Coffee Cake With Cranberry Swirl Recipe

What a great cake! Moist and delicious with just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. I used nonfat plain yogurt instead of sour cream and used freshly made cranberry sauce instead of canned. Perfect for the holidays and all year round.
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Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 tube cake
Calories 287 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream (I used nonfat plain yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce (I used 1 cup of fresh cranberry sauce)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • (Decrease the temperature by 25 degrees if using dark pan).
  • Grease and flour a 9 or 10 inch tube pan. Tap out the excess flour.
  • Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs just until well blended.
  • Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • Lower the mixer speed, and add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream or yogurt until just blended. DO NOT OVERMIX!
  • Stir in the almond extract and mix only until just combined.
  • Pour 1/3 of the batter into the pan.
  • Swirl 1/2 of the cranberry sauce into the batter.
  • Add another 1/3 of the batter, then swirl in the remaining cranberry sauce. Top with remaining batter.
  • Bake about 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pan on wire rack about 10 minutes. Cut around edge of the cake to loosen, then turn out and let cool completely on wire rack.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 95gCalories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 40.7gProtein: 3.7gFat: 12.5gSaturated Fat: 7.4gCholesterol: 61.3mgSodium: 332.9mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 24.7g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Breads, Breakfast, Christmas, Easy, Oven, Thanksgiving, Weeknight
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