Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that beautifully balances tart, sweet, and zesty flavors, this Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with fresh cranberries, bright orange zest, and a crumbly pecan streusel topping, every bite feels like a cozy hug wrapped in festive fall vibes. What makes this coffee cake stand apart is its almond flour base, giving it a moist, tender crumb with a lovely nutty undertone, perfect for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re baking it for a special brunch or simply craving a comforting homemade dessert, this recipe promises a fantastic mash-up of flavor and texture that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieve the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and that irresistible crumbly top. Each component plays its role in creating the luxurious texture and rich flavor that define this Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe.

• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness while helping to bind the ingredients together.
• ½ cup coconut oil (melted, or avocado oil): Adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor while keeping the cake tender.
• ½ cup pure maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness and a hint of complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, rounding out the citrus and spice notes.
• 2 cups almond flour (leveled): The heart of the cake that lends a delicate, nutty crumb and gluten-free goodness.
• ½ cup tapioca flour (leveled): Helps achieve that perfect light and fluffy texture while absorbing moisture nicely.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy spice element that complements the cranberries and orange zest perfectly.
• 1.5 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises just right for a tender texture.
• ½ tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 Tbsp orange zest: Bursting with fresh citrus oils, this brightens the whole cake with a lovely zing.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved): Tart and juicy, these little bursts of flavor make every bite exciting and colorful.
• ⅔ cup almond flour: For the streusel topping, adding a crunchy nutty texture.
• ¾ cup raw pecans (chopped): Enhance the crumble with their buttery crunch and earthy flavor.
• ⅔ cup coconut sugar: Sweetens the streusel naturally while contributing a slight caramel note.
• 5 Tbsp coconut oil (melted or melted butter): Binds the streusel ingredients together with a rich mouthfeel.
• 1 ½ Tbsp ground cinnamon: Adds a fragrant spice to the streusel that pairs beautifully with pecans and cranberries.
• Pinch sea salt: Elevates the streusel’s flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping and Preheating

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This step ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. If you prefer, an 8-inch round or 9-inch cake pan works just as well for this recipe.

Step 2: Making the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, gently stir together almond flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil (or butter), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. This crumbly topping will give your coffee cake that irresistible texture contrast and a burst of flavor, so set it aside until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Combining these first helps create a smooth base that will blend seamlessly with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir almond flour, tapioca flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Mixing them thoroughly ensures an even distribution of leavening and spices, which is crucial for a consistent rise and balanced flavor.

Step 5: Forming the Batter

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until you get a smooth, cohesive batter. Be careful not to overmix; this helps maintain a tender crumb once baked.

Step 6: Preparing the Cranberries

Cut the fresh cranberries in half and toss them with about 1 teaspoon of tapioca flour. This simple trick prevents the cranberries from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring a delightful burst of tartness in every slice.

Step 7: Adding Zest and Cranberries

Fold the orange zest and floured cranberries carefully into the batter. The citrus zest brings a bright, aromatic note while the cranberries add color and a juicy complexity to the cake.

Step 8: Layering the Batter and Streusel

Pour half of the coffee cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Repeat the process by layering the remaining batter and topping, creating delightful pockets of crunch throughout.

Step 9: Baking the Cake

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake on the center rack for 30 minutes. Removing the foil halfway through allows the top to brown beautifully and develop golden edges while the cake finishes baking evenly.

Step 10: Checking for Doneness

The cake should be fully baked when an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit is reached. If you have a meat thermometer, poke it into the center of the cake to check. Alternatively, a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your serving experience, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze to add a glossy sweetness on top. Fresh orange slices or a few whole cranberries left aside before baking can double as charming visual accents, perfect for impressing guests.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a more hearty brunch spread, serve alongside Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts or a simple spinach salad topped with toasted pecans to complement the nutty notes in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board with extra streusel scattered around for a cozy, inviting look. For festive occasions, plate individual portions with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary for a pop of green contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This short-term storage preserves its moist texture and fresh flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its tender crumb and fresh-tasting cranberries.

Reheating

To warm up slices, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds. This will revive the cake’s softness and enhance the comforting aroma of orange and cinnamon.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh for this Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe?

While fresh cranberries provide a juicier burst of flavor and a nice texture contrast, you can substitute dried cranberries. Just soak them briefly in warm water to plump them up before folding them into the batter to avoid dryness in the finished cake.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Thanks to using almond flour and tapioca flour instead of traditional wheat flour, this Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a grain-free treat.

What can I substitute for coconut oil in this recipe?

If you prefer, melted avocado oil or unsalted melted butter can be used instead of coconut oil. Each will offer slightly different flavors but will still help keep the cake moist and rich.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this coffee cake vegan, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes and use melted vegan butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind, textural differences might occur, but with a bit of care, you’ll still end up with a delicious treat.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the halved fresh cranberries in a teaspoon of tapioca flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps suspend the berries evenly throughout the cake during baking, giving a perfect distribution of tart flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Almond Flour Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake Recipe is truly a treasure in any baker’s repertoire, offering incredible flavor with wholesome, simple ingredients. Its tender crumb, tangy bursts of cranberry, and citrusy brightness are just the kind of homemade magic that warms you from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite for your gatherings or quiet moments at home with a good cup of coffee.

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