Cranberry Christmas Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy to your taste buds while making your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. Picture this: the tangy sweetness of cranberries mingling with warm spices and buttery cake, creating a delight that dances on your palate. Each slice is a festive celebration, perfect for those chilly holiday evenings when all you want to do is cozy up with something delicious and comforting.
Now, let me take you back to my grandma’s kitchen during Christmas time. The air was thick with the scent of baking cakes, laughter, and the occasional clatter of mixing bowls as we all tried to “help.” This Cranberry Christmas Cake was always the star of the show, stealing hearts (and stomachs) as we gathered around the table for our festive feast. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll understand why it deserves a prime spot on your holiday dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake is simple to make, even for novice bakers.
- The balance of tart cranberries and sweet cake creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will impress everyone.
- Its beautiful red hue makes it visually appealing and perfect for any festive occasion.
- Serve it as a standalone treat or pair it with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Cranberry Christmas Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Use plump, vibrant cranberries for the best balance of tartness and sweetness in each bite.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to sweeten the cake while balancing the natural tartness of cranberries.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most baking recipes, it gives structure to your cake.
- Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and has a light texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Eggs: They bind everything together, adding moisture and richness to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
For Spices:
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth and complements the cranberries beautifully.
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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan (9 inches works well) with butter or nonstick spray so that your cake slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cranberries
Rinse those fresh cranberries under cold water and pat them dry. If you like some extra sweetness, toss them in a tablespoon of flour; this prevents them from sinking during baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix! Gently fold in those beautiful cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve slices dusted with powdered sugar or paired with whipped cream for an indulgent treat that screams holiday cheer!
You Must Know
- The Cranberry Christmas Cake not only tastes divine but also fills your kitchen with the scent of holiday cheer.
- This cake is a showstopper that combines tart cranberries with sweet spices, making it perfect for family gatherings or festive parties.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect Cranberry Christmas Cake, start by mixing your dry ingredients separately before combining them with wet ingredients. Bake until golden and let it cool while you prepare the frosting. This sequence ensures even baking and a moist cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Cranberry Christmas Cake by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You can also swap out cranberries for dried cherries if you’re feeling adventurous. Spice things up by adding a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest!
Storing & Reheating
Store your leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Cranberry Christmas Cake turns out beautifully, always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps maintain cake structure.
- And remember, patience is key—let the flavors meld overnight for a richer taste!
Baking this cake reminds me of last Christmas when my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Her laughter echoed through the kitchen as we devoured slice after slice while reminiscing about our fondest holiday memories.
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Christmas Cake?
To make a delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake, gather essential ingredients such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fresh or dried cranberries, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You can also add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor. For a festive touch, consider incorporating orange zest or chopped nuts. This combination will create a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for holiday gatherings.
How long does it take to bake Cranberry Christmas Cake?
Baking your Cranberry Christmas Cake typically takes about 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, the exact baking time may vary based on your oven’s calibration and the size of your cake pan. To ensure it is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Can I use frozen cranberries for the cake?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries when making Cranberry Christmas Cake. Frozen cranberries are convenient and retain their flavor well after thawing. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to your batter. It’s advisable not to thaw them before mixing as this can lead to excess moisture in the cake. Using frozen cranberries can still yield a deliciously tart and sweet flavor profile.
How can I store leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake?
To keep your leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life further, consider refrigerating the cake where it can last for about a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices by wrapping them well and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices as needed for future enjoyment.
Conclusion for Cranberry Christmas Cake:
In summary, making a delicious Cranberry Christmas Cake is simple and rewarding. With key ingredients like fresh cranberries and spices, you can create a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Remember to adjust baking times based on your oven and ensure proper storage for leftovers. This cake not only looks beautiful but also brings joy with its delightful flavors, making it an ideal centerpiece for any festive gathering. Enjoy every slice!
Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of this moist Cranberry Christmas Cake, perfectly blending tart cranberries and warm spices into a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare Your Cranberries: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and pat dry. If desired, toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until creamy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the cranberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Dust slices with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for an extra touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating zest from one orange or substituting some cranberries with chopped nuts like pecans. Allowing the cake to sit overnight can deepen its flavor profile.
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