Description

This Cranberry Bliss Coffee Cake is a delightful and festive treat perfect for holiday mornings or special occasions. It features a moist and flavorful cake studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, extra cranberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. The subtle hints of ginger and orange zest add a warm aromatic touch that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ – 1 tsp ground ginger
½ cup melted butter
½ cup buttermilk or sour cream
¾ cup white chocolate chips
¾ cup dried cranberries (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, drained and towel dried)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp orange extract or zest of ½ orange

Topping Ingredients

2 Tbsp white chocolate chips (melted)
⅔ cup dried cranberries (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, drained and towel dried)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a 10-inch round pan with nonstick spray or butter and flour it to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger to the egg mixture. Whisk gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
Add Butter and Buttermilk: Slowly mix in the ½ cup melted butter and ½ cup buttermilk or sour cream, whisking after each addition until the batter is smooth and consistent.
Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Cranberries: Gently fold the ¾ cup white chocolate chips and the ¾ cup dried cranberries (soaked, drained, and dried) into the batter to evenly distribute them without deflating the mixture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl, whisk together the 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon orange extract or zest until smooth and creamy.
Melt White Chocolate: Melt the 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips in short bursts in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth with no lumps. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small ziplock bag and snip off a corner to create a piping bag.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Sprinkle the ⅔ cup of soaked, drained, and dried dried cranberries over the frosting.
Drizzle White Chocolate and Set: Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the cranberries and frosting. Allow the white chocolate to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

Soaking dried cranberries helps them plump up and prevents them from drawing moisture from the cake.
Use fresh buttermilk or sour cream for best results to keep the cake moist and tender.
For a more intense citrus flavor, use freshly grated orange zest instead of orange extract.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting without lumps.
You can substitute white chocolate chips with chopped white chocolate bars if preferred.
This cake is best served the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days covered to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cranberry bliss coffee cake, cranberry coffee cake, white chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, holiday coffee cake, festive cake