Healthy Holiday Coffee Cake

Featured in: Desserts

This fluffy coffee cake combines Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and fresh cranberries, finished with a gentle almond glaze. Great for festive get-togethers!

Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:49:41 GMT
A single piece of cranberry dessert with powdered sugar on a decorative plate and a fork nearby. Pin it
A single piece of cranberry dessert with powdered sugar on a decorative plate and a fork nearby. | twistytaste.com

I've gotta share my treasured holiday Cranberry Coffee Cake that'll wow everyone at your next get-together! Through countless kitchen trials, I've nailed this incredibly soft bundt cake packed with zingy cranberries. Adding Greek yogurt gives it amazing softness and that sweet almond topping? It's downright wonderful. Every time I make this, my home smells absolutely heavenly!

What Makes This Coffee Cake Special

This cake has turned into my must-have holiday breakfast tradition! The way those tangy cranberries contrast with the smooth, buttery cake is just right. And that subtle almond flavor? Total game-changer! I'm crazy about how it's ready in less than an hour but still looks fancy with its simple topping. It's what I turn to when I need something impressive without being stuck in the kitchen forever.

What You Need For This Treat

  • Greek Yogurt: This is what makes our cake unbelievably moist.
  • Butter: Splurge on quality butter as it truly changes everything!
  • Sugar: The perfect amount to cut through cranberry tartness.
  • Eggs: They bring richness and help hold everything together.
  • Flour Blend: Mixing different flours creates an amazing texture.
  • Baking Powder & Soda: They work together for the ideal lift.
  • Cranberries: Go with fresh or frozen, they'll both turn out great.
  • Vanilla & Almond Extract: Together they create magic in your mouth.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes that beautiful finishing touch.

Baking Instructions

Begin With Fundamentals
Beat your butter and sugar until it looks fluffy and pale. Don't rush this part, it's what gives us amazing texture!
Blend Wet Stuff
As you mix in eggs and yogurt, you'll see everything come together beautifully.
Dry Ingredient Mix
Combining dry ingredients in a separate bowl helps spread the leavening agents evenly.
Mix Carefully
This matters so much! Stir just until everything's combined, then gently add those gorgeous cranberries.
Prep The Bundt
Grease every corner of your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent any sticking disasters!
Watch While Baking
Your home will fill with wonderful aromas during baking! Check it around the 40-minute mark.
Final Touch
The almond topping is like the perfect finishing touch on an already amazing creation.

Insider Tricks

  • Watch Your Temps: Everything mixes better when it's not cold from the fridge!
  • Don't Overdo It: Light mixing keeps your cake soft and fluffy.
  • Choose Wisely: When possible, grab fresh cranberries for best results.
  • Custom Topping: Make the glaze thinner or thicker depending on what you like.
  • Bundt Preparation: Always take extra time greasing that intricate pan!

Storage Advice

This cake stays amazing for days! It'll last two days wrapped on your counter or up to five when kept in your fridge. Need to plan way ahead? Pop it in the freezer tightly wrapped. It's such a time-saver during the crazy holiday rush!

Common Questions

I've gotten tons of great questions from folks who've tried this! Yes, you can definitely swap in dried cranberries but use a smaller amount. Got no yogurt? Sour cream works just as well. And making mini loaves? They turn out super cute and make perfect little gifts!

A sliced bundt cake topped with cranberries and dusted with powdered sugar on a decorative plate. Pin it
A sliced bundt cake topped with cranberries and dusted with powdered sugar on a decorative plate. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap fresh cranberries for frozen?

Sure, you can! Just let them thaw, then pat them dry to avoid extra water making the batter too runny.

→ How long will it last?

Keep it wrapped up tight, and it'll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. You can also freeze it for 3 months.

→ Is regular whole wheat flour okay?

White whole wheat flour makes it lighter, but regular whole wheat flour will still work. Just expect it to be a bit denser.

→ What type of yogurt works best?

All Greek yogurt is fine, but low-fat or full-fat yogurt makes the richest, moistest cake. Fat-free will work, but the texture won’t be as soft.

→ Why mix wheat and all-purpose flour?

Using both flours keeps the cake soft and fluffy while adding the nutrition of whole wheat.

Conclusion

This vibrant and soft coffee cake brings together a healthy spin on classic flavors, making it ideal for holidays or relaxing weekend mornings.

Holiday Coffee Cake

A light and tender cake featuring fresh cranberries, creamy Greek yogurt, and whole wheat, finished with a sweet almond glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 bundt cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup and 2 tbsp granulated sugar.
02 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (1 stick).
03 2 eggs, at room temp.
04 1 tsp natural vanilla.
05 3/4 cup cranberries, fresh.
06 2 cups whole wheat white flour.
07 1 cup plain Greek yogurt.
08 1/2 tsp almond flavoring.
09 3/4 cup regular flour.
10 1 tsp baking soda.
11 1 tsp baking powder (no aluminum).
12 1/2 tsp table salt.
13 3/4 cup powdered sugar (to glaze).
14 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (to glaze).
15 1/2 tsp almond flavoring (to glaze).

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Coat a 10-cup bundt pan with butter and dust it with flour.

Step 02

Beat together the butter with sugar until airy. Add eggs one by one, then mix in yogurt with vanilla and almond flavors.

Step 03

Combine both types of flour with salt, soda, and baking powder by whisking.

Step 04

Mix dry with wet until smooth. Gently stir in cranberries.

Step 05

Pour the batter in the pan. Bake for 40-45 mins until a toothpick inserted comes out dry.

Step 06

Blend yogurt, almond flavor, and powdered sugar together. Adjust for thickness with more sugar.

Notes

  1. Frozen cranberries can be subbed in if they're defrosted.
  2. Good for 2 days at room temp.
  3. Keep frozen for as long as 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bundt pan (10-cup).
  • 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 (butter, yogurt).
  • Contains wheat (flour).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has nut flavoring (almond extract).

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