Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats. This cranberry christmas cake perfectly captures that festive spirit. It’s a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that will quickly become a cherished tradition. Get ready to bake a truly delicious cake that’s perfect for sharing!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Christmas Cake

You will absolutely adore baking and sharing this simple cranberry christmas cake. It combines classic holiday flavors with an incredibly easy process, perfect for any home baker.

• This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for beginners.
• It is an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
• You will enjoy the vibrant, tart flavor of fresh cranberries.
• Experience a wonderfully moist and tender cake texture.
• The cake boasts a beautiful, festive appearance on any table.

Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake

A bright and cozy holiday cranberry Christmas cake with tart fresh cranberries baked into a tender, buttery cake — perfect for festive gatherings or cozy mornings. (Reconstructed classic recipe style)

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cranberry Cake Batter

• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all‑purpose flour
• 12 oz fresh cranberries or frozen, use without thawing
• powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. (Standard cranberry cake prep) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is slightly thickened and lightened in color, about 5–7 minutes — this gives the cake its lift. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract; mix for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. Stir in the flour until just combined; avoid overmixing. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
5. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries so they are evenly dispersed. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
7. Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Notes

This festive cranberry cake pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze. Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for 2–3 days. For added flavor, stir a teaspoon of orange zest into the batter before baking. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Ingredients

Gather these essential ingredients to create your moist and flavorful cranberry christmas cake. This recipe focuses on fresh, quality components for the best taste.

• Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Fresh Produce:
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Use a good quality flour for the best texture.

• Flour: All-purpose flour yields a classic crumb. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Butter: Softened butter incorporates smoothly into the batter. If your butter is cold, microwave it in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer the best vibrant flavor and texture. You can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them first; add them directly to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the richest flavor. It enhances the sweetness and aroma of the cake significantly.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to bake this wonderful cranberry christmas cake. Standard kitchen items will do the trick.

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer works well)
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Toothpicks for testing doneness

Instructions

Creating this delightful cranberry christmas cake is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, festive treat.

1. Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious cake.
2. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes. The mixture will become light in color, thick, and almost double in size. When you lift the beaters, the mixture should form a thick ribbon that slowly dissolves back into the bowl. This “ribbon stage” is crucial, as the eggs act as the primary leavening agent for this cranberry christmas cake. According to King Arthur Baking, the ribbon stage is essential for creating a thick, foam-like batter that gives cakes their light texture.
3. Add Butter and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix for an additional two minutes, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
4. Fold in Flour: Gently add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, or fold it in by hand with a spatula, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Stir in Cranberries: Add the fresh (or frozen, unthawed) cranberries to the batter. Gently stir them in using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. A light dusting of flour on the cranberries before adding can help prevent them from sinking.
6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the cake batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter smoothly and evenly across the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when it is lightly golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. My cake typically bakes perfectly around 43 minutes.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the cranberry christmas cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice it. Cooling is essential for the cake to set properly and prevent crumbling.
9. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut the cake into your desired portions. For parties, I recommend smaller pieces, about 1×2 inches, making them easy to enjoy. Serve and savor your homemade festive cake!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve baking success with these helpful tips and learn how to fix common issues. Making a perfect holiday cranberry cake is easier than you think.

Pro Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beaten.
• Ribbon Stage: Don’t rush beating the eggs and sugar. This crucial “ribbon stage” creates air, which gives your cake its light texture.
• Flour Cranberries: Lightly toss your cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the flour until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a dense and tough cake.
• Test Doneness: Always use the toothpick test. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Troubleshooting

• Cake is too dense or dry: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or overbaking. Mix flour only until combined and watch the baking time closely.
• Cranberries sinking to bottom: Make sure to lightly flour the cranberries before adding them to the batter. Also, ensure your batter isn’t too thin.
• Cracked top surface: A cracked top can occur if the oven temperature is too high or the batter is too stiff. Ensure accurate oven temperature and avoid overmixing.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile cranberry christmas cake offers many serving options and can be stored for enjoyment later. Get creative with easy additions!

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a cozy treat.
• Serve it plain for a simple, elegant dessert that highlights the cranberry flavor.
• Pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for added indulgence.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Proper storage techniques, as outlined by Martha Stewart, can help baked goods stay fresh longer.
• Refrigerated: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

• Citrus & Spice: Add 1-2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, zesty twist. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg also enhances the festive flavor of this holiday cranberry cake.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cranberries for added texture and richness.
• Simple Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon or orange glaze over the cooled cake. Combine ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of citrus juice.
• Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of crunch, sprinkle a buttery streusel topping (made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon) over the batter before baking.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for your festive cranberry christmas cake. Please note these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates. Consult a professional for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions about this delightful cranberry christmas cake, and we have the answers! These common inquiries will help you bake with confidence.

Conclusion

This cranberry christmas cake is truly a holiday showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its moist texture, tart cranberries, and festive appeal make it an instant favorite for gatherings or a quiet treat at home. We encourage you to try this recipe and fill your kitchen with the joyous aromas of the season. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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