Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Are you ready to bring some holiday magic into your kitchen? This Cranberry Christmas Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a symbol of love, warmth, and togetherness during the most wonderful time of the year. With its vibrant red cranberries and fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family nights. I promise, it’s an easy recipe that will fill your home with a comforting aroma, making it feel like Christmas every day!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Holiday Cake
You might be wondering what makes this Cranberry Christmas Cake so special. Well, let me tell you! First of all, cranberries are a quintessential holiday ingredient. Their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, this cake is incredibly versatile; whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack, it fits perfectly into any occasion.
Another reason to adore this recipe is its simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time. You don’t need to be a culinary genius to whip up this showstopper. And let’s not forget about the presentation! A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top transforms this cake into a festive centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Cake
Ready to bake? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for making this delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it comes together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Gently fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Cake
Once your cake is perfectly baked and cooled, it’s time to dig in! But how should you serve it? There are several delightful ways to enjoy this Cranberry Christmas Cake:
- Warm Slices: Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert that feels like a hug.
- Brunch Delight: Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful brunch treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that your friends and family will rave about.
- Festive Presentation: For a more festive touch, consider arranging slices on a platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint or parsley for a beautiful holiday display.
How to Store Cranberry Holiday Cake
Got leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to keep your Cranberry Christmas Cake fresh:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat!
Tips to Make Cranberry Holiday Cake
Here are some expert tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Freshness Matters: If using fresh cranberries, choose plump berries without any blemishes. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them – just fold them into the batter directly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This creates a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Add Zest: For an extra festive touch, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a burst of citrus flavor.
Delicious Variations of Cranberry Cake
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to customize your Cranberry Holiday Cake:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Coconut Twist: Toss in a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Chocolatey Treat: Mix in some chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or white) for a sweet combination that’s simply irresistible.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will help plump them up.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it wrapped to keep it fresh, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Just ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
There you have it! A delightful and festive Cranberry Christmas Cake that even a beginner can master. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it. Happy baking, my friend!
Print
Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cake featuring fresh cranberries, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family nights during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Gently fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg