Irresistible Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe to Delight You

The sweet, tart aroma of cranberries wafts through the air, mingling with the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Imagine slicing into a beautifully baked Cranberry Christmas Cake, where each bite reveals a tender crumb studded with glistening cranberries that burst with flavor like tiny holiday cheer bombs. fun holiday treats. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry apple dish recipe.

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an annual tradition that brings my family together during the festive season. We gather around the table, laughter filling the room as we savor each slice—an experience that makes my heart swell with joy. Christmas tree treats festive meringue trees The anticipation of sharing this delightful treat transforms any gathering into a warm celebration.

I remember the first time I served this cake at our family Christmas party. Everyone rushed for seconds, leaving only crumbs behind and happy smiles all around. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving appetizers for gatherings recipe.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright, firm berries; they should bounce when dropped—no sad squishiness allowed!

• All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here, but you can substitute gluten-free flour if needed.

• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust on top.

• Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh; otherwise, your cake might not rise as gloriously as you’d hope.

• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices bring that cozy holiday flavor to every bite.

• Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together and give the cake its lovely structure.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavors.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: For that sweet glaze on top—because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?

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

Let’s Make It Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. The spices will create a fragrant cloud that’ll make you feel festive!

Add Wet Ingredients: Next, in another bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should look glossy and inviting.

Combine Mixtures Gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gradually. Mix gently until just combined—this is where you fold in those magical cranberries for added texture!

Bake to Perfection: Transfer your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Glaze It Up!: Once cooled slightly, whisk powdered sugar with water or milk until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cake for a sweet finish that says “holiday cheer.”

Each step brings us closer to enjoying this delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake. Remember to keep an eye on it while baking; your home will be filled with an irresistible scent that’s bound to attract anyone nearby! festive peppermint bark.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then blend in the wet ones for a smooth batter. This sequence ensures even mixing and avoids overworking the batter.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for texture. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze on top for an extra zing. Customization adds personal flair!

Storing & Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate it. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

One Christmas, I served this cake at a family gathering, and my grandmother declared it her new favorite dessert! Her smile made all the baking worth it.

FAQ

What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?

Dried cranberries work well if fresh ones are unavailable; just adjust sugar accordingly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake stores well for several days and tastes even better after resting.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.

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Cranberry Christmas Cake

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• Author: Michaela Thompson
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Cranberry Christmas Cake is a festive delight that combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This moist cake, perfect for holiday gatherings, is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Picture yourselves enjoying this treat together, creating joyful memories around the table. With its stunning appearance and delightful aroma, this cake will transform any occasion into a celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture and fold in cranberries gently.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with water or milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg