Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake. Bursting with tart cranberries, sweet orange zest, and warm spices, this cake is the perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice of seasonal joy, this cake is sure to spread cheer all around!
Deck the halls with the delightful aroma of our Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with festive flavors, this cake is a holiday must-have. From its vibrant red cranberries to its warm and cozy spices, every bite is a taste of seasonal bliss.
Resume of the recipe:
Elevate your holiday baking with our Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake. With its moist and tender crumb, juicy cranberries, and hint of citrus, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Exciting Story:
The inspiration for our Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake comes from cherished memories of holiday gatherings with loved ones. From trimming the tree to singing carols by the fire, the holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. With its festive flavors and cozy aroma, this cake is a celebration of all the things we love about the season.
Why This ‘Cranberry Christmas Cake’:
- Festive Flavors: With its tart cranberries, sweet orange zest, and warm spices, our Cranberry Christmas Cake captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a dessert at your holiday feast or enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy winter evening, our Cranberry Christmas Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Selling Points:
Why This ‘Cranberry Christmas Cake’
Underneath the title, write the selling points of the recipe. Explain what makes it unique, what ingredients are used, and what flavors to expect.
What i need to make Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cranberries: In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until coated. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and orange zest until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sugared cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips For Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake:
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before tossing with sugar.
- Orange Zest: The orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor to the cake, but you can omit it if you prefer or substitute with lemon zest for a different twist.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake:
- Walnuts or Pecans: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make a gluten-free version of this cake.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake:
- Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe if you prefer a less sweet cake. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as erythritol or stevia, for a lower-calorie option.
“And there you have it – a slice of holiday cheer with our Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake. Whether enjoyed as a festive dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to spread joy all season long!”
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen cranberries? While fresh or frozen cranberries are preferred for their tart flavor and juiciness, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier than fresh or frozen cranberries, so adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time and freeze it? Yes, you can make the Cranberry Christmas Cake ahead of time and freeze it for later. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different type of fruit in place of cranberries? Yes, you can substitute other fruits for the cranberries in this recipe. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples would all work well as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What can I serve with this Cranberry Christmas Cake? This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze would also be a delightful addition.
Can I make this cake in advance and store it at room temperature? Yes, you can make the Cranberry Christmas Cake in advance and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
- For the Cranberry Layer:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of one orange
- For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Embark on a festive fusion with Cranberry Christmas Cake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with sugar and orange zest until evenly coated.
- Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spread the sugared cranberries evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter, ensuring the cranberries are covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve this Cranberry Christmas Cake as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
