Cranberry Christmas Cake is like a holiday hug in dessert form—sweet, tangy, and bursting with festive cheer. Imagine slicing into a moist cake that’s studded with vibrant cranberries, releasing a wave of warm, inviting aromas that scream “Christmas is here!” The first bite delivers a delightful balance of tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the sugar, making your taste buds dance like sugar plums (or maybe just your aunt’s questionable dance moves at the family party).
Every holiday season, I whip up this Cranberry Christmas Cake while reminiscing about my childhood—when my grandma’s kitchen was a magical place filled with laughter and the scent of baking. It’s perfect for those cozy gatherings when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some delicious memories!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Christmas Cake combines ease of preparation with a burst of festive flavor that will wow your guests.
- Its rich colors and textures create an eye-catching centerpiece for any holiday table.
- You can easily adapt it to suit various tastes by adding nuts or spices.
- Perfect as a dessert or even for breakfast with coffee!
Ingredients for Cranberry Christmas Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use good quality flour for the best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors in the cake; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; make sure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Fresh Cranberries: Tart and juicy, these are the star of the show; choose plump ones for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds wonderful aroma and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Orange Zest: This brightens up the flavor profile with a hint of citrus—perfectly festive!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan so that our lovely cake doesn’t stick like an unwanted guest during the holidays.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Prepare yourself—this will smell like pure baking magic!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until it’s a delightful pale yellow cloud of joy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time (think of them as little drops of happiness), then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest. Your kitchen should now be filled with blissful aromas.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overdo it! Gently fold in those fresh cranberries like they’re VIP guests at your holiday party.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in that preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (no one likes soggy cake!).
Now comes the hard part—let it cool before slicing into this heavenly Cranberry Christmas Cake. Transfer to plates and serve with whipped cream or simply enjoy it plain because sometimes simplicity is key!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry Christmas cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy to any holiday table.
- With vibrant cranberries and warm spices, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during the merry season.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the wet ingredients first, then fold in the dry ones gradually for a smooth batter. Bake until golden brown, and let cool before icing for that perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries if you’re feeling adventurous! Add some orange zest for a citrusy twist or sprinkle in nuts for extra crunch. Make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy cold—it’s delicious either way!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your cranberry Christmas cake is moist and flavorful, be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness, and let the cake cool completely before frosting it to avoid melting.
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about last Christmas when my family devoured this cake so fast that I barely got a slice! It was a hit, sparking laughter and joyful memories around the dinner table.
FAQs :
What ingredients are used in Cranberry Christmas Cake?
Cranberry Christmas Cake features a mix of essential ingredients that include fresh or dried cranberries, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder. Additionally, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to the flavor profile. You can also incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. For a festive twist, consider using orange zest or juice to enhance the cake’s citrus notes. These ingredients collectively create a deliciously moist cake perfect for the holiday season.
How long does it take to bake Cranberry Christmas Cake?
Baking Cranberry Christmas Cake typically takes about 50 to 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times may vary depending on your oven’s specific characteristics. To ensure perfect results, check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I make Cranberry Christmas Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare Cranberry Christmas Cake ahead of time! This cake actually benefits from resting as the flavors meld together. You can bake it up to a week in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Just ensure it is well-wrapped in foil or freezer-safe plastic. When ready to serve, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it back to room temperature.
What is the best way to serve Cranberry Christmas Cake?
The best way to serve Cranberry Christmas Cake is slightly warmed or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. Pairing it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates the experience further and adds a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries. This festive treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be sliced into squares for easy serving during parties and celebrations.
Conclusion for Cranberry Christmas Cake :
In summary, Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful holiday dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this cake makes an excellent addition to your festive table. Remember that baking times may vary, so always keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Preparing this treat ahead of time can enhance its flavors while making your holiday planning easier. Enjoy serving this delicious cake warm or with whipped cream for an unforgettable festive experience!
Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Christmas Cake is a festive delight, combining sweet-tart cranberries with a moist cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this simple recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plump)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in fresh cranberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Experiment with nuts or substitute cranberries with blueberries or cherries for different flavors. This cake is also great for breakfast; enjoy it with coffee!
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