Almond Extract: Introduces delicate nutty essence that complements cranberry's tartness.
For Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation and tender crumb for the breakfast cake.
Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy rise and soft texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor profiles.
For Sweet and Fruity Elements:
Granulated Sugar: Creates tender sweetness and helps develop golden-brown caramelization.
Egg: Binds ingredients, adds richness, and contributes to cake's smooth consistency.
Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, smooth base and helps create tender crumb.
Fresh Cranberries: Introduces vibrant tartness, beautiful color bursts, and seasonal excitement.
Sparkling Sugar: Provides delightful crunch and decorative shimmer on cake's surface.
Tools That Help Bake Cranberry Breakfast Cake
9×9 inch baking pan: essential for creating the perfect cake shape and size.
Parchment paper: helps with easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
Large mixing bowl: necessary for combining and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer or stand mixer: crucial for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
Measuring cups and spoons: ensures precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Spatula: helps scrape down bowl sides and fold in cranberries gently.
Toothpick: used to test cake doneness by checking for clean insertion.
Cooling rack (optional): provides even cooling if you want to remove cake from pan quickly.
How to Make Tart and Sweet Cranberry Breakfast Cake
Breakfast Sweet Delight
Preparation Setup Kitchen workspace prepped with essential baking tools and a cozy atmosphere creates the perfect environment for crafting this delightful morning treat.
Liquid Magic Homemade buttermilk emerges by combining creamy half and half with tangy lemon juice, setting the stage for a tender, moist cake.
Butter Bliss Softened butter and sugar dance together, creating a fluffy base that promises a light and dreamy texture.
Flavor Harmony Egg and aromatic extracts join the mixture, bringing depth and warmth to the cake's character.
Flour Integration Gentle mixing of flour and buttermilk creates a smooth batter, with careful strokes preventing overmixing.
Cranberry Surprise Vibrant cranberries tumble into the batter, adding bursts of tart excitement throughout the cake.
Baking Magic Cake transforms in the oven, rising to golden perfection with a sprinkle of sparkling sugar creating a crisp, sweet topping.
Cooling Moment Patience rewards with a cake that settles and develops rich flavors, ready to be sliced and savored.
Serving Joy Warm or cooled, this breakfast cake becomes a centerpiece of morning comfort and delight.
Tips for Moist Crumb in Breakfast Cake
Replace cranberries with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the cake exciting and adaptable.
Fold in toasted chopped almonds or pecans to add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that complements the tangy cranberries perfectly.
Drizzle a simple vanilla or orange-infused glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness that elevates the entire dessert experience.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter to introduce warm, comforting notes that beautifully highlight the cranberry's tartness.
Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, almond milk, and vegan butter to create a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Serving Cranberry Cake with Morning Coffee
Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Slice this delightful cranberry cake as the star of your weekend brunch spread, pairing perfectly with fresh coffee or mimosas.
Morning Wellness Companion: Enjoy a slice alongside Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced, nutritious breakfast that feels like a treat.
Elegant Dessert Transformation: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated after-dinner delight that impresses guests.
Portable Picnic Treat: Cut into neat squares and pack for outdoor adventures, creating a delicious homemade snack that travels beautifully in a picnic basket.
How to Store Cranberry Breakfast Cake
Breakfast Cake Care Guide
Refrigeration Wisdom: After 2 days at room temperature, transfer the cake to the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent potential spoilage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in.
Freezing Strategy: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These slices will stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.
Room Temperature Revival: When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. For a just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake batter the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, allowing for a more even and fluffy texture.
Sweet cranberry breakfast cake combines tart berries with a buttery crumb for a delightful morning treat. Homemade comfort emerges from simple ingredients that welcome morning gatherings with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups (470 ml) whole cranberries (frozen works fine, but do not thaw)
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup (120 ml) half and half (or a combination of milk and cream)
2 tsp baking powder
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
¾ tsp vanilla extract
¾ tsp almond extract
2 tbsps sparkling sugar
Instructions
Pan Preparation: Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless cake removal.
Buttermilk Creation: Combine half and half with lemon juice, allowing it to curdle and develop a rich, tangy profile while preparing other ingredients.
Butter Mixture: Cream softened butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale, approximately 4 minutes, ensuring thorough incorporation and scraping bowl sides.
Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend egg, vanilla, and almond extracts into the butter mixture, achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Gently fold baking powder and salt into the batter, maintaining a delicate texture and preventing overmixing.
Batter Development: Alternatively add flour and buttermilk, stirring minimally to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and prevent gluten development.
Cranberry Infusion: Tenderly fold fresh cranberries throughout the batter, distributing evenly without crushing the delicate fruit.
Baking Preparation: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface and artfully arranging additional cranberries on top for visual enhancement.
Sugar Topping: Liberally sprinkle sparkling sugar across the surface to create a crystalline, golden crust.
Baking Process: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick.
Cooling and Serving: Rest cake in pan for 15-20 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper. Slice and serve warm or allow to cool completely for a firmer texture.
Notes
Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to keep the cake tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands that can make the texture dense and chewy.
Master Buttermilk Hack: Creating a homemade buttermilk substitute with half and half and lemon juice adds tanginess and helps activate baking powder for better rise.
Cranberry Distribution Tip: Gently fold berries to prevent breaking, ensuring even spread throughout the cake for consistent bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
Sugar Crust Secret: Sprinkle sparkling sugar before baking to create a delightful, crispy top that adds texture and a subtle sweet crunch to the breakfast cake.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.