Blood orange coffee cake pairs the rich creaminess of a dense cake with the bright, zesty flavors of blood orange. The result? A delightful breakfast treat or afternoon snack that deserves a spot on your table. Each bite promises a tender crumb and a burst of citrus that balances beautifully with the sweet crumble on top.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Blood Orange Coffee Cake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Blood Orange Coffee Cake

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, it was an act of culinary serendipity—I was browsing the farmers market, and that vivid red-orange hue of blood oranges caught my eye. Their unique flavor inspired this cake, which has become a favorite in my home. Whether it’s an inviting brunch with friends or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, this blood orange coffee cake holds the magic to elevate any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this beauty in under an hour, perfect for a last-minute gathering!
Irresistible Flavor: The tangy sweetness of blood oranges brightens the rich, buttery cake.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its stunning color and beautiful crumble make it a showstopper!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert—it’s versatile!
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup (107 grams) light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the citrus perfectly. You can also use dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour: For the streusel topping, creating that delightful crunch.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the streusel, adding comforting spice notes.
½ stick (2 ounces) cold butter: Essential for the streusel; keeps it crumbly. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content.
2 sticks (226 grams) butter, at room temperature: This rich base creates a tender crumb in the cake.
1½ cups (297 grams) granulated sugar: Main sweetener for the cake, balancing the tartness of the blood oranges.
2 tablespoons freshly grated blood orange zest: Intensifies that citrus flavor throughout the cake. Always use fresh zest for the best aroma.
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour: The structure of your cake; measure carefully.
2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking powder: Helps the cake rise, leading to a fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon (3 grams) baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for leavening.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness. Always include a pinch in baked goods.
3 large eggs: Adds moisture and helps bind all ingredients together.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor beautifully. Use pure vanilla for a deeper taste.
½ teaspoon fior di sicilia (optional): Adds a lovely floral note; great with citrus flavors.
1 cup (8 ounces) crème fraiche or sour cream: Adds moisture and richness; you can substitute with Greek yogurt if necessary.
2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice: Ties in all the blood orange flavors. Fresh juice is always best!
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch more of this classic flavor.
¼ teaspoon fior di sicilia (optional): A lovely optional addition that accentuates the cake’s flavor.
1¼ cups (142 grams) powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, adding a sweet finish.

How to Make Blood Orange Coffee Cake

Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9- or 10-inch Bundt pan by buttering and flouring it thoroughly, avoiding nonstick spray for a better texture.

Make the streusel: In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Use your fingers to work in ½ stick of cold butter until it resembles sand. This crumbly goodness will create a delightful textural contrast on top of the cake.

Cream the butter: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream 2 sticks of room temperature butter until soft and airy. This process gives our cake its lightness. Mix 1½ cups of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated blood orange zest, then rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers. This brings out the oils in the zest, enriching the flavor.

Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mixture is crucial as it forms the structure of your cake.

Incorporate eggs: Once your butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add 3 large eggs one by one, allowing each to blend in fully (about a minute each). Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of fior di sicilia if you’re using it. Follow up with 1 cup of crème fraiche, mixing until everything’s well combined.

Mix in flour: Gradually add the dry flour mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed. When it’s almost incorporated, switch to a spatula to finish mixing so that you don’t overwork the batter. It should be thick but smooth.

Layer the batters: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly. Next, take half of your streusel mix and sprinkle it over the batter. Add the remaining cake batter on top, followed by the leftover streusel. This layering creates a beautiful, moist cake with a crunchy topping.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven, letting it bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges look golden.

Cool down: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this step—allowing the cake to cool will help maintain its structure.

Prepare the glaze: For that final touch, whisk together 1¼ cups of powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed blood orange juice until smooth. Drizzle it over your completely cooled cake, adding a lovely shine and extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your blood orange coffee cake fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you wish to prolong its life, refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Note that the texture may change slightly, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar can refresh its appeal!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this can lead to a dense cake.
For best results, ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing; this helps with smooth incorporation.
If your cake cracks on top, it might be slightly overbaked; keep an eye on the time as every oven is different.
Consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel for an extra crunch.
Make ahead by preparing the batter a day in advance and baking it fresh—just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping!

Blood orange coffee cake is a citrusy dream that’s sure to brighten your day! The sweet, subtle tang of blood oranges enveloped in a soft, buttery crumb makes it an exceptional treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding your own twists, whether that’s enhancing the glaze or swapping in various citrus fruits. Embrace this special recipe, and enjoy every slice—cheers to delicious moments shared with family and friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

While blood oranges provide a unique flavor and vibrant color, regular oranges can be used in a pinch. Just be aware that the taste will differ slightly, lacking the berry-like sweetness that blood oranges offer. You might want to adjust the sugar to balance the tartness!

How can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Easily adapt this recipe by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results. You may also want to ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and sugar, are gluten-free.

Can I freeze the batter?

Sure! You can prepare the batter and freeze it in a well-sealed container for up to a month. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before pouring it into the Bundt pan and proceeding as directed.

What’s the best way to serve blood orange coffee cake?

This cake shines at brunch but is equally delightful alongside your afternoon coffee or tea. Consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!