Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake

Get in the holiday spirits with this fluffy Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake! It is a super soft and citrusy cake studded with gorgeous and bright cranberries throughout. The streusel is a cinnamon orange streusel that melts and crisps up beautifully in the oven. There is no better way to start the day!

This is the most amazing cake for any cranberry lover! It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon sweet treat during Thanksgiving or the holidays.

The cake is a delicious orange cake base made with orange juice and orange zest. It's incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream. Fresh cranberries get mixed in, which balances the sweet citrus nodes perfectly.

Before baking, the cake is sprinkled with a simple cinnamon orange sugar streusel that is like the cherry on top. It melts, then crisps up. I'm drooling thinking about it all over again!

Serve with your morning cup of coffee or tea this season, or at any home gathering, for a definite crowd pleaser!

What is the reverse creaming method?

Typically cakes are baked using the traditional creaming method. This means whipping the butter and sugar, then adding in eggs, vanilla, etc, and the dry ingredients.

Instead, we are doing it in reverse. So the butter and dry ingredients get mixed, then the wet ingredients. 

When mixing the butter in with the flour first, the flour gets covered by fats. This slows down the gluten forming process, which ultimately helps creates an ultra tender and soft cake! It seriously has the perfect crumb.

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake this Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake. You will need a 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper, an electric handheld mixer, three mixing bowls, and a spatula.

Step 1: Make the streusel. In a bowl, add the softened butter, orange zest, cinnamon, sugar, and flour. Mix together using your fingers or a fork until a streusel forms. Place in the fridge to set as the cake is made.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt. Stir together and set aside.

Step 3: Combine white sugar and orange zest. In another large bowl, add the white sugar and orange zest. Using your fingers, combine the two together. This will release the orange flavours.

Step 4: Add dry ingredients. Combine the dry ingredients in with the white sugar and orange zest mixture and stir together.

Step 5: Cream butter and dry ingredients. In the same bowl with the dry ingredients, add in about 1/3 of the butter. Mix on low, and keep adding in the butter until a crumbly texture forms. The key to a tender cake is mixing as little as possible, so only mix until just combined!

Step 6: Add wet ingredients. Add the eggs in and mix on low speed. Then, add in the vanilla and oil and repeat. Lastly, add the orange juice and sour cream. On low speed, continue mixing until just combined. The batter will be smooth.

Step 7: Mix in cranberries. Toss the cranberries in 1 tsp of flour before adding them into the batter and mix with a spatula just until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake. Transfer into the prepared pan and sprinkle streusel. The cake bakes for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy. This Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake is such a dream!

FAQ

How do I store this cake?

This cake is best enjoyed fresh. When not eating, keep in an airtight container or display on the counter for up to 3 days. You can also place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Why is my batter clumpy?

This means your ingredients were not at room temperature. When using the reverse creaming method, your ingredients must be at room temperature or else it won't work!

Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe?

Yes. I try to make all of my recipes electric mixer free, but for the reverse creaming method you do need to use one. Using a regular whisk just won't work the same.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes. Do not let them thaw. Dust them in 1 tsp of flour, add into the batter, and bake immediately.

Do I have to add orange zest in the streusel?

No, but I highly recommend it. The pairing of orange and cranberry is incredible.

PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!