Tangy Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake – A Festive Morning Treat

Tangy Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake is the ultimate blend of sweet and tart flavors wrapped into a soft, moist cake topped with buttery crumbs. Fresh cranberries bring a bright pop of flavor, while the cinnamon-streusel topping adds cozy warmth and irresistible crunch. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or even as a mid-afternoon coffee companion, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: Tart cranberries balance the sweetness perfectly.
Cozy Streusel Topping: Buttery crumbs make every slice irresistible.
Great for Sharing: Serves a crowd and looks gorgeous on the table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist and flavorful for days.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup low-fat sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

3. Mix the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Stir in sour cream.
Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in cranberries.

4. Assemble the Cake
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over the batter.

5. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Optional Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with milk or orange juice. Drizzle over cooled cake for extra sweetness.

7. Serve
Slice into squares or wedges and enjoy with coffee or tea.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix: Keep the cake tender by mixing only until combined.
• Chill Before Slicing: Letting the cake cool slightly makes for cleaner cuts.
• Flavor Boost: Try orange zest in the batter for a festive citrus twist.

Why This Recipe Works

The tang of cranberries paired with buttery streusel creates layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Sour cream adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cake stays soft and tender for days. The crumble topping makes it feel indulgent while keeping prep easy and approachable.

Tangy Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake is a festive, flavorful treat that’s just right for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. With its tender crumb, tart-sweet cranberries, and buttery streusel topping, this cake will quickly become a holiday favorite—and a year-round go-to whenever you crave something cozy and homemade.