Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake is a bright, tender, and buttery cake bursting with fresh orange flavor and pops of tart cranberries. Finished with a sweet crumb topping and optional orange glaze, this coffee cake is perfect for Christmas mornings, holiday brunches, and cozy winter gatherings.
The combination of citrus and cranberry creates a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, while the soft crumb makes every slice irresistible. Easy to make and wonderfully festive, this coffee cake is a holiday favorite that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
- Soft, moist, and buttery texture
- Bright orange flavor with tart cranberries
- Perfect for Christmas breakfast or brunch
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Beautiful holiday presentation
- Great for make-ahead baking
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love classic coffee cake with a seasonal twist, this recipe is for you. The orange zest adds freshness, the cranberries bring balance, and the crumb topping adds irresistible texture. It’s a crowd-pleasing bake that feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Coffee Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Orange Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
How to Make Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
Step 1 — Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3 — Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4 — Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Step 5 — Add Orange Flavor
Mix in orange zest, orange juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6 — Combine Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in cranberries gently.
Step 7 — Assemble
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Step 8 — Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9 — Glaze (Optional)
Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together. Drizzle over cooled coffee cake before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
- Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor
- Toss cranberries lightly in flour to prevent sinking
- Do not overmix the batter
- Let cake cool before glazing
- Use full-fat sour cream for moist texture
Variations & Substitutions
- Use dried cranberries (reduce amount to 1 cup)
- Swap lemon zest for orange
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping
- Make gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Add a cream cheese swirl for extra richness
What to Serve With Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Tea or spiced chai
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
- Holiday brunch spreads
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking (leads to dry cake)
- Using bottled orange juice without zest
- Skipping parchment paper
- Overmixing the batter
- Adding glaze while cake is hot
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before serving
Conclusion
Festive Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake is a bright, cozy holiday bake that’s perfect for Christmas mornings and winter gatherings. With its tender crumb, vibrant citrus flavor, and tart cranberries, this coffee cake feels both comforting and celebratory. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, it’s sure to become a seasonal tradition.
General Information
- Course: Breakfast / Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 9 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better the next day.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Can I skip the crumb topping?
Yes, but it adds great texture and sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.