Description
This Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake is a sweet, buttery, and slightly tart treat that’s perfect for cozy mornings. Fresh cranberries create a glossy, ruby-red topping that pairs beautifully with a soft, tender cake beneath. Ideal for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunch, this recipe is as easy as it is stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the Topping: Melt 4 tablespoons butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan. Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Scatter cranberries in a single layer on top.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix just until smooth—don’t overmix.
- Assemble: Spread batter evenly over the cranberry layer and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Flip: Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Remove parchment and admire the glossy cranberry top.
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy release and a perfect flip. You can replace cranberries with raspberries or cherries for a fruity twist. Add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for the perfect breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg