Tasty and Easy Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and impressive coffee cake recipe that will leave your guests in awe? Look no further than this cranberry crunch coffee cake recipe!
I’ve always loved the combination of sweet and tart flavors, which is why I was drawn to creating a coffee cake recipe that features tart cranberries. This cake also incorporates a crunchy streusel topping and nutty walnuts, which add an extra layer of texture to each bite.
Whether you serve it as a sweet breakfast treat or as dessert for a dinner party, this cranberry coffee cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of coffee cakes, this Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake recipe will certainly hit the spot. But what makes this recipe unique is the addition of sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, which blend perfectly with the cake’s spiced flavor.
This cake is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different textures and flavors in their desserts. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon-based streusel topping creates an irresistible crunch, while the buttermilk adds a rich and tangy flavor which complements the sweetness of the cake.
But what really sets this recipe apart is how versatile it can be. You have the option to add finely chopped walnuts for extra texture or switch them out with pecans or almonds to suit your taste buds. Alternatively, you could even add a little ginger powder or orange zest for an additional dash of flavor.
This cake is great for special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, but don’t let that limit you from trying it any other time of year. Cranberries are often available all year round at grocery stores and using frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones will not affect the taste of this delicious dessert.
In conclusion, you’ll love this Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake because it’s a fantastic mixture of flavors and textures which can be easily adapted through simple substitutions or additions. Plus, it’s easy to make and always receives rave reviews! So why not surprise your friends and family with a homemade treat that they won’t forget?
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to prepare this flavorful Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Note: If you are looking for vegan cranberry options, you can use egg substitute or Greek yogurt as a substitute for eggs. Also, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries.
The Recipe How-To
Mixing the Batter
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
-
In large bowl or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup light brown sugar together on medium speed until creamy.
-
Add in two egg substitutes and mix until combined.
-
Gradually pour in flour mixture alternating with 1 cup buttermilk, stirring until just combined after each addition.
Adding the Cranberries and Walnuts
- Fold in 3 cups of fresh cranberries and 1 cup of chopped walnuts until evenly dispersed into the batter.
Making the Streusel Topping
-
Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together in a small bowl.
-
Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and stir it into the flour mixture until thoroughly blended.
-
Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter in the prepared pan.
Baking the Coffee Cake
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean and streusel topping is golden brown.
Letting Cool
- Let it cool completely before slicing into it.
Enjoy your cranberry crunch coffee cake!
Substitutions and Variations
The cranberry crunch coffee cake recipe is versatile and allows for various substitutions and variations. Here are some suggestions to make the recipe your own:
– Walnuts: If you don’t like walnuts or have an allergy, you can substitute them with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
– Cranberries: This recipe calls for fresh cranberries, but you can also use frozen cranberries, dried cranberries, or cranberry sauce. However, using fresh cranberries will give the cake a tart and tangy flavor.
– Buttermilk: You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or yogurt.
– Flour: The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
– Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar.
– Egg Substitute: If you prefer to avoid eggs, use an egg substitute like applesauce, mashed bananas or chia seeds.
These substitutions and variations allow you to personalize the recipe to your taste while still maintaining the deliciousness of the original recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different ingredients to make it even more unique.
Serving and Pairing
The Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake recipe is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The tartness of the cranberries in the coffee cake pairs well with a bold and strong coffee, while lighter teas such as green or herbal teas complement the sweetness of the cake.
To serve the coffee cake, slice it into generous servings and serve it warm. The crunchy streusel topping on the coffee cake is a delightful surprise that everyone will love. Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
This cranberry coffee cake can be served for any occasion. It is perfect for a holiday brunch or as a dessert after dinner. Its impressive presentation also makes it ideal for potlucks or other gatherings.
The Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake recipe is versatile in pairing it with beverages. Try serving it with spiced cider during autumn or winter season, or enjoy it with a chilled glass of lemonade in the summer. No matter how you like to enjoy this delicious treat, you’ll love its versatility and taste.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Looking to make this cranberry crunch coffee cake ahead of time or store your leftovers for later? No problem! Here are some tips for making this recipe in advance and storing it properly.
To make this coffee cake ahead of time, you can prepare the cake up until step 5 the night before, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, take it out of the fridge and continue with step 6. You will just need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time as the batter will be cold.
If you happen to have some leftovers, this cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating your cranberry crunch coffee cake is easy! To revive the flavors, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20 seconds on low or in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes. If you choose to reheat the entire cake straight from the fridge, allow it to come up to room temperature first before reheating.
Overall, this coffee cake recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and can easily be stored and reheated with minimal effort required.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake is a success, let me share with you some tips for perfect results.
1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Whenever possible, use fresh cranberries rather than dried cranberries or canned cranberry sauce. They add a bright pop of flavor and tartness to the coffee cake that complements the sweetness of the crumb topping.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a rich nuttiness to the streusel topping. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: The key to a light and tender coffee cake is to not overmix the batter. Mix just until all ingredients are combined, and then stop. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s important to use room temperature ingredients, especially when it comes to the butter and eggs. Cold butter can result in clumps of butter throughout the cake, while cold eggs can cause the batter to separate.
5. Don’t Overbake the Cake: The Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched in the center when done baking. Keep an eye on your oven as all ovens vary and do not overbake as this will result in a dry cake.
6. Let It Cool Before Slicing: Resist slicing into your warm from the oven Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake as tempting as it may be. Allow it to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing into it so it doesn’t fall apart or collapse before fully setting.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make an impressive Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake that’s sure to impress your guests or customers alike!
FAQ
Now that you have read through the ingredient list and the step-by-step recipe guide for making a delightful Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake, it is now time to look into some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs). These frequently asked questions will give you more insights into some essential details that were not covered in the previous sections. Let’s dive into these FAQs so you can learn more about this fantastic cake recipe.
What’s the difference between a coffee cake and a crumb cake?
When it comes to cakes, the level of streusel topping is what sets crumb cake apart from coffee cake. Crumb cake boasts a significantly heftier layer of this crumbly topping, while coffee cake may not have any at all. Additionally, a distinct variety of crumb cake, known as New York-style, features larger crumbs.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
When it comes to coffee cake and crumb cake, the variation primarily lies in the quantity of streusel topping. Generally, crumb cake uses a significantly thicker layer of streusel topping than coffee cake. Additionally, coffee cake can be prepared without the streusel topping.
Is crumb cake a New Jersey thing?
There’s no denying that crumb cake is a beloved breakfast treat in New Jersey, but unfortunately, it’s not widely available throughout the rest of the United States.
How do you keep crumb topping from sinking into batter?
By adding a small amount of additional flour into the batter, it can create a stronger and more substantial consistency that prevents the toppings from sinking into the drink.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cranberry crunch coffee cake recipe is truly irresistible. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from the fresh cranberries and is topped with a crunchy streusel made of walnuts and cinnamon. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and buttermilk, this recipe is easy to make and is perfect for any occasion.
What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of cranberries as a key ingredient. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that can improve your overall health. Additionally, they add a unique flavor and tartness which makes this cake more interesting than any regular crumb cake.
The recipe allows for substitutions and variations to cater to specific dietary restrictions or preferences such as egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
This cake can be served as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack or special dessert among friends and family. The moist and perfectly sweet cake paired with the tart, juicy cranberries creates a flavor profile that everyone will love.
Overall, this quick and easy-to-make coffee cake is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add some variety to their dessert options. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea any time of day. Go ahead and gather your ingredients now so you can taste it yourself!
Cranberry Crunch Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter or 2/3 cup margarine, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 3/4 cups cranberries, minced (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar, beating well.
- Add egg substitute, beating well.
- Combine flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Mix well after each addition. Spoon half of batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch pan.
- Combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts; sprinkle half of mixture over batter, and top with cranberries.
- Top with remaining batter, and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar mixture.
- Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares, and serve coffee cake warm.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found