There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake wafting through the house. Picture this: warm, tender cake nestled with tart cranberries and a creamy swirl that beckons you to take just one more slice. delicious cranberry bundt cake It’s as if your kitchen transforms into a cozy café, inviting friends and family for a delightful morning gathering or an afternoon pick-me-up. enhance with berry cranberry sauce.
I still remember the first time I made this cake. It was during one of those chilly fall weekends when everyone craved comfort food. My friends took one bite and declared it the best thing since sliced bread—well, maybe even better! Now, we whip up this delightful treat for holidays, brunches, and random Tuesday mornings because why not indulge in life’s little pleasures? fall-inspired pumpkin cornbread.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake is easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The sweet-tart cranberry flavor paired with creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering experience
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, it suits every occasion beautifully
Friends still rave about that first bite, and their smiles are worth every second spent baking. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Pad Thai recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; choose unbleached flour for a richer flavor and texture.
- Baking Powder: Ensure freshness for that perfect rise; check expiration dates regularly.
- Sugar: Use granulated sugar for sweetness; brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Bring it to room temperature for easy blending; it provides the signature creaminess.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work perfectly; they add a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results; they bind everything together beautifully.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter; it enhances flavors without adding extra saltiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile; avoid imitation if possible.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top, choose finely sifted sugar to create a lovely finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy release later.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Create the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add an egg and mix well until everything is creamy and luscious—this will be your dreamy filling!
Make the Batter Base: In yet another bowl (yes, lots of bowls!), blend butter and remaining sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Add Cranberries to the Mix : Fold in cranberries gently into the batter using a spatula. Their tartness will burst forth like tiny flavor bombs in each bite!
Layer It Up!: Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spoon dollops of cream cheese mixture on top before adding the rest of the batter over it. Swirl gently with a knife for that beautiful marbled effect.
Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—try not to eat all of it before it’s cooled!
Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar—a final touch that makes it sparkle like magic!
Now you have an irresistible Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake ready to impress! Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea while basking in compliments from family and friends who will be begging for seconds! perfect cranberry chutney pairing.
You Must Know
- This delightful Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors
- The moist texture combined with the creamy filling creates a treat that’s ideal for breakfast or dessert
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then prepare your batter while it warms up. Mix the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ones for a smooth consistency.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding orange zest to enhance the cake’s flavor or swap cranberries for blueberries if you prefer. You can also top it with nuts for an extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and fluffiness
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it tender
- Let it cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces and better presentation
Sharing this recipe reminded me of my sister’s birthday last year when everyone raved about how delicious this cake was—it made her day extra special!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before use.
How can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend for excellent results.
What is the best way to serve this coffee cake?
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside freshly brewed coffee for a delightful experience.
Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful harmony of sweet and tart with this Cream Cheese Cranberry Coffee Cake. Soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, this cake features a creamy cheese swirl and tart cranberries that create an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. Perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed and drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add one egg and mix until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and remaining sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in cranberries.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, add dollops of cream cheese mixture on top, then layer remaining batter over it. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg



