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Cranberry Christmas Cake recipe

Cranberry Christmas Cake

Stars Cake Editorial
This Cranberry Christmas Cake is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet cake, making it a festive and delicious holiday treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving

  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze before serving.

Storage

  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake light. Toss cranberries in flour to prevent them from sinking.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.
How to Serve: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Freshness: For extended freshness, wrap the cake in plastic wrap before placing in the container.
Make-Ahead Tips: The cake can be made a day in advance. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Keyword Cranberry Christmas Cake, festive cranberry dessert, holiday cranberry cake