Indulge in a Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake Delight

The aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Christmas Cake wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of cinnamon and tangy sweetness. perfect holiday cookies Each slice reveals a tender crumb studded with ruby-red cranberries, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds. festive poke cake option delicious cranberry bread recipe fun and festive cookie ideas.

As the holiday season approaches, this cake becomes more than just a dessert; it transforms into a cherished tradition. Picture family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as they savor each bite, creating memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone.

I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright, plump cranberries; frozen ones work too in a pinch if fresh aren’t available.

• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a purer taste and better texture in your cake.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while balancing the tartness of cranberries perfectly.

• Baking Powder: Essential for helping your cake rise and achieve that fluffy texture we all love.

• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, giving your cake that cozy holiday flavor.

• Eggs: Use large eggs to bind the ingredients together and add moisture for a tender crumb.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter enriches the flavor and creates a beautifully moist cake.

• Milk: Adding milk helps create a richer batter; use whole milk for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined; this ensures even distribution of flavors throughout.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy.

Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by milk until fully incorporated. The batter will become smooth and slightly glossy—this is where the magic starts!

Fold in Fresh Cranberries: Gently fold in your fresh cranberries using a spatula to maintain their shape while ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Bake Your Cake: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Once cooled slightly, transfer to a wire rack before slicing into generous pieces. Enjoy this festive delight with friends over hot cocoa or coffee!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking pan while mixing dry ingredients first, then wet ingredients to ensure even blending.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for other berries or add nuts for extra texture. A splash of orange zest can also enhance the flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about this cake at our annual holiday party, especially when they ask for seconds. It feels great knowing I’ve created something memorable!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in the Cranberry Christmas Cake?

For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry stuffing recipe.

Yes, but do not thaw them; add them straight from the freezer.

How long will the Cranberry Christmas Cake stay fresh?

It can last up to three days at room temperature when stored properly.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

Applesauce or mashed bananas work well as egg substitutes in cakes. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipe.

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Cranberry Christmas Cake

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of this Cranberry Christmas Cake, perfect for holiday gatherings. With a tender crumb and a burst of tart cranberries, each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Easy to prepare, this cake not only serves as a delicious dessert but also adds warmth to your holiday traditions. Gather your loved ones around the table to create cherished memories while enjoying this stunning centerpiece.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
4. Beat in eggs one at a time followed by milk until smooth.
5. Gently fold in fresh cranberries with a spatula.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg