Description of this recipe This Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet cake, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully festive, capturing the essence of Christmas in every bite. The combination of the vibrant red cranberries against the golden cake creates a visually stunning dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply want to bake something special for your family, this cake is sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and the result is a cake that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Why you will love this recipe You’ll absolutely adore this Cranberry Christmas Cake because it’s incredibly easy to make and delivers a burst of holiday flavors. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. What sets this cake apart is its moist and tender crumb, achieved through the perfect blend of ingredients and careful baking. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine, instantly evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Plus, the cake’s stunning appearance, adorned with vibrant cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Beyond its delicious taste and beautiful presentation, this cake is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a dessert, a sweet treat with afternoon tea, or even as a delightful breakfast indulgence on Christmas morning. The recipe is also easily customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or a citrus zest for an extra layer of flavor. This Cranberry Christmas Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, one that you’ll cherish and recreate for many holiday seasons to come. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and its festive look adds a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional Garnishes & Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration
- Extra cranberries for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If you’re using fresh cranberries, make sure to remove any stems or bruised berries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them; you can use them directly from the freezer. Set aside a small handful of cranberries to use as a topping for the cake, as this will add an extra burst of color and flavor to the finished product.
Step 2: Mix the Batter Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure that your cake bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture. While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan or a 10-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to remove the cake from the pan once it has cooled. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated during this step is essential for creating a tender crumb in the cake.
Step 3: Add Butter and Vanilla Add the softened butter to the egg and sugar mixture. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as this will allow it to incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter. Beat the mixture until the butter is fully combined and the batter is creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor of the cake and complement the tartness of the cranberries.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Cranberries Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser texture. Gently fold in the cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Reserve a few cranberries to sprinkle on top of the cake before baking, adding a pop of color and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved cranberries over the top of the batter, arranging them in a decorative pattern if desired. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check the cake regularly. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the cake to set slightly and make it easier to remove from the pan. After the initial cooling period, carefully lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, dust it generously with powdered sugar, which will add a touch of sweetness and create a beautiful snowy effect. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries for a festive presentation. Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: This Cranberry Christmas Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect as a dessert after a holiday meal, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee, providing a sweet and tangy treat. For a festive breakfast or brunch, serve slices of the cake alongside a warm beverage like spiced cider or hot chocolate. The cake can also be dressed up with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a cranberry glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips:
- To prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them lightly in flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the cake as it bakes.
- If you prefer a more subtle cranberry flavor, you can coarsely chop the cranberries before adding them to the batter. This will release more of their juice and create a more uniform distribution of flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These warm spices complement the cranberries beautifully and add a cozy touch to the cake.
- If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will meld together even more over time, making the cake even more delicious.
- To add a festive touch, you can decorate the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and cranberry juice. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake and let it set before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 60-70 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.) Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving Protein: Approximately 4-5g per serving Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg per serving
Conclusion This Cranberry Christmas Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the holiday season in every bite. Its combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake, coupled with its moist and tender texture, makes it a truly irresistible treat. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that anyone can create this festive masterpiece, and the stunning presentation makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, this cake is guaranteed to impress and spread joy. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a Cranberry Christmas Cake that will become a cherished tradition for years to come. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the magic of the holiday season with this delightful and easy-to-make cake.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Question 1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen? Answer: While fresh or frozen cranberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use dried cranberries if that’s all you have on hand. However, dried cranberries tend to be chewier and sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness. Also, consider soaking the dried cranberries in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the batter to plump them up and prevent them from being too dry.
Question 2: Can I make this cake gluten-free? Answer: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that is designed for baking and contains a mix of flours like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. When using gluten-free flour, you may also want to add a binder like xanthan gum to help improve the texture of the cake. Follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour package for the appropriate amount to use.
Question 3: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? Answer: To ensure that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan, it’s essential to properly grease and line the pan before adding the batter. Grease the pan generously with butter or cooking spray, making sure to cover all the corners and edges. Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will create a sling that you can use to lift the cake out of the pan once it has cooled.
Question 4: Can I add nuts to this recipe? Answer: Absolutely! Nuts can add a wonderful crunch and flavor to this Cranberry Christmas Cake. Consider adding about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter along with the cranberries. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the cake before baking for a decorative touch.
Question 5: How should I store the leftover cake? Answer: To store leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re storing it in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
