Oh, the joy of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking my delightful cranberry Christmas cake. This cake is like a burst of festive cheer in every slice, with its vibrant red cranberries contrasting beautifully against the buttery, sweet cake. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the aroma filled the house, and I could barely wait for it to cool before slicing in! This cake has become a staple at our holiday celebrations, embodying the spirit of togetherness and joy. Trust me, once you try this cranberry Christmas cake, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday festivities too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare the Cranberry Christmas Cake
Preparing the Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your cake rises beautifully right from the get-go! While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease and flour treatment. You want to make sure the cake comes out easily once it’s baked, and this little trick prevents any sticky situations. Trust me, nobody wants a cake that leaves half behind in the pan!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s move on to the fun part—creaming together the softened butter and sugar! In a large mixing bowl, beat them together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You really want that air to get in there because it’s what gives your cake that delightful, tender texture. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld one works just fine—just make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results!
Combining Ingredients
Next up, we’re going to mix our ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, start adding this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. I usually start and end with the dry ingredients—this helps to keep the batter nice and smooth. Mixing it like this prevents the flour from clumping and ensures everything combines evenly. Just be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay!
Adding Cranberries and Baking
Finally, it’s time to fold in those beautiful cranberries! Gently stir them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up too much. Then, pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into that preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just a quick tip: keep an eye on it towards the end of baking, as ovens can vary! Let it cool a bit before slicing in, and enjoy the festive flavor of your cranberry Christmas cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This cranberry Christmas cake comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive Flavor: The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with the sweetness of the cake creates a delightful balance that screams holiday cheer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake this cake a day in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red cranberries on top add a stunning pop of color, making it a showstopper on your holiday dessert table.
- Versatile: Serve it as a dessert or even enjoy a slice with your morning coffee—it’s delicious any time of day!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its delightful flavors and moist texture, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at any gathering.
Tips for Success
Ah, the secret to a perfect cranberry Christmas cake lies in a few simple tips that I’ve gathered through my baking adventures! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom make all the difference.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother batter, leading to a light and fluffy cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that! A few lumps in the batter are perfectly okay.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for that pop of tartness. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work too, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- Baking Time Check: Ovens can be tricky! Start checking your cake at the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
- Cool Properly: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart and gives it a chance to set properly.
- Flavor Boost: If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider mixing in some orange zest or a dash of cinnamon to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the cranberries and adds that extra festive touch!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious cranberry Christmas cake that will wow your friends and family. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delightful cranberry Christmas cake, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! Start by letting the cake cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days on your counter, or you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week!
If you want to savor it later, feel free to freeze the cake! Just slice it first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, you can reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy every bite of that festive flavor!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this cranberry Christmas cake! Each slice is packed with flavor, and here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugars: 22g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the festive flavors in moderation, right? So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this scrumptious cranberry Christmas cake and feel good about it!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my beloved cranberry Christmas cake? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my friendly answers to help you out.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. This prevents excess moisture, keeping your cake from getting too soggy.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. It works like a charm and still gives you a deliciously moist cake!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries for an added crunch. It gives the cake a lovely texture and flavor contrast!
What’s the best way to frost this cake?
While it’s delightful on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries. You could also try a cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor!
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Of course! Simply use a dairy-free butter substitute and almond or oat milk. It’ll still taste amazing, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you create your own holiday magic with this cranberry Christmas cake!
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Cranberry Christmas Cake: 5 Reasons to Bake This Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cranberry cake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cranberry christmas cake
