Moist Holiday Coffee Cake

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

This soft coffee cake is made with Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and fresh cranberries, finished with a simple glaze for holiday mornings.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 17:37:50 GMT
A single cranberry-studded cake slice topped with powdered sugar sits on an elegant plate next to a fork. Pin it
A single cranberry-studded cake slice topped with powdered sugar sits on an elegant plate next to a fork. | tasteofsavor.com

Here's the thing. This Cranberry Coffee Cake fills my house with the happiest holiday scents. After a bunch of tries, I've nailed how soft and tangy this bundt turns out. Bits of cranberry wake up every bite. Greek yogurt makes it extra soft, and that almond icing? Honestly magic on top. People always want seconds when this comes out of my oven.

Why This Coffee Cake Rocks

Making this cake every holiday morning is just the best! Bright cranberries zing next to that golden, rich batter. Almond flavor? That sneaky touch takes it up a notch. I can't get enough of how fast it all comes together and yet it looks super fancy thanks to the shiny glaze. My favorite fix when I want to wow people but not work too long.

All You Need for Cranberry Coffee Cake

  • Powdered Sugar: This makes the icing melt across the top.
  • Vanilla & Almond Extract: Flavor buddies that make it smell unreal.
  • Cranberries: Use them frozen if you want, honestly either works.
  • Baking Powder & Soda: Puffs it up just right.
  • Flour Blend: I love mixing up a couple flours for the best crumb.
  • Eggs: These hold it together and give it that rich feel.
  • Sugar: Just the ticket to tame those tart cranberries.
  • Butter: Grab the real stuff for the best taste.
  • Greek Yogurt: Makes every bite super tender and moist.

Time for Baking Fun

The Grand Finale
That sweet almond drizzle pulls everything together at the end.
Baking Time
It smells fantastic as it bakes! Start checking it around the forty-minute mark.
Into the Pan
Butter every part of your bundt pan so the cake pops right out.
Gentle Mixing
Only mix enough to blend then softly add those cranberries by hand.
Flour Power
Blend up the dry ingredients separately to get even lift and texture.
Wet Ingredients Magic
Next add eggs and yogurt for a smooth, creamy mix.
Start with the Basics
Cream your butter and sugar until it gets super fluffy and pale.

Top Tips I Swear By

  • Pan Prep: Be generous with that butter—every edge counts!
  • Perfect Glaze: Mess with the ingredients until you get just the consistency you like.
  • Berry Best: Fresh ones really shine here if you've got 'em.
  • Easy Does It: Gentle stirring keeps your crumb soft and not chewy.
  • Temperature Matters: Bringing everything to room temp makes everything smooth together.

Make It Last

This beauty stays tasty for a couple days if you wrap it well and leave it on the counter. Put it in the fridge for about five days if you need more time. Want to stash it away? Toss it in the freezer, wrapped tight, and you're set for busy days ahead!

Need-To-Know Answers

People always ask me for advice on swapping stuff! You can definitely use dried cranberries—just lessen the amount. Swap yogurt for sour cream, no sweat. Mini loaves? They come out super cute and are awesome for gifting!

A bundt cake sliced up with tart cranberries and a dusting of sugar, all sitting on a fancy plate. Pin it
A bundt cake sliced up with tart cranberries and a dusting of sugar, all sitting on a fancy plate. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Are frozen cranberries okay to use?

Frozen cranberries work, but you should thaw them first and dry them well to keep the cake from being soggy.

→ How long will the cake last?

Wrapped tightly, it stays fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ Can I swap in regular whole wheat flour?

White whole wheat flour gives a softer texture, but regular whole wheat will work, though the cake might feel heavier.

→ What’s the best Greek yogurt to use?

Low-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt gives the best moist texture, but you can use fat-free if needed. Just expect a slightly drier cake.

→ Why mix two types of flour?

Blending whole wheat and all-purpose flour balances nutrition with a tender, fluffy texture.

Conclusion

Enjoy this light and delicious coffee cake, filled with festive flavors, perfect for weekend mornings or special holiday events.

Holiday Coffee Cake

Light coffee cake featuring fresh cranberries, wheat flour, and Greek yogurt, finished with a smooth almond yogurt drizzle.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 bundt cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, softened.
02 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of regular sugar.
03 Two large eggs, brought to room temperature.
04 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
05 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, preferably pure.
06 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, pure.
07 Two cups of white whole wheat flour.
08 3/4 cup of standard all-purpose flour.
09 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
10 1 teaspoon of baking powder without aluminum.
11 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
12 3/4 cup of fresh cranberries.
13 3/4 cup of powdered sugar for the glaze.
14 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for the glaze.
15 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for the glaze.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan (10-cup) with butter and dust with flour.

Step 02

Beat together the sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then mix in the yogurt and extracts.

Step 03

In a bowl, stir both types of flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until combined.

Step 04

Gradually mix the dry combo into the wet mix until smooth. Gently stir in the cranberries.

Step 05

Pour batter into the pan and bake 40–45 minutes. Use a toothpick—it should come out clean when done.

Step 06

Whisk powdered sugar, almond extract, and yogurt until it thickens. Add more sugar if needed.

Notes

  1. Thawed frozen cranberries work too.
  2. Keeps for two days at room temperature.
  3. Freezable for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bundt pan (10-cup capacity).
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (yogurt, butter).
  • Contains wheat-based flour.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Includes almond extract (tree nuts).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 376
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 9 g