Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe | Festive Holiday Dessert 2024

The Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a sweet, buttery cake. With a soft texture and a hint of almond and vanilla, this cake is an easy-to-make dessert that will brighten any holiday table. This recipe serves 16, making it an ideal choice for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.

🍽️ Recipe Overview:

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 16
🍴 Course: Dessert
🍪 Calories: Varies depending on portion size
🌟 Difficulty: Easy

🍴 Ingredients:

3 large eggs (room temperature) 🥚: Helps create a rich and fluffy cake.
2 cups sugar 🍬: Balances the tartness of cranberries.
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦: Infuses the cake with a lovely, aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon almond extract 🌰: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle nutty note.
2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾: Provides structure for the cake.
12 oz fresh cranberries 🍒: These fresh berries add a burst of tartness and color.
Powdered sugar (for garnish) ❄️: A finishing touch for a festive look.

🥄 Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the cake.

2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale. This will take about 2-3 minutes. When you lift the beaters, the mixture should form soft peaks.

3️⃣ Add Butter and Extracts:

Incorporate the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the egg mixture. Continue mixing for another minute until the ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.

4️⃣ Add the Flour and Cranberries:

Gradually sift in the flour, mixing just until it’s incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries using a spatula, ensuring that the berries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5️⃣ Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6️⃣ Cool and Garnish:

Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the pan on a wire rack.
After the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar to give it a lovely snowy effect, perfect for the holiday season.

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake into 16 pieces, and enjoy the delightful contrast of sweet cake and tart cranberries!

🌟 Serving Suggestions:

This Cranberry Christmas Cake is the perfect holiday dessert and works well for:

Holiday Brunches: Serve with a side of coffee or tea for a light yet flavorful treat.
Dessert Tables: The vibrant cranberries and snowy powdered sugar topping make it a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
Gift Giving: This cake can also be packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift during the festive season.

🎄 Why You’ll Love This Cake:

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making it an easy choice for bakers of all levels.
Tart and Sweet: The fresh cranberries provide a delicious tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Festive Look: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes this cake look as festive as it tastes.
Easy to Prepare: The recipe involves straightforward steps, requiring minimal preparation time, so you can focus on enjoying the season.
Perfect for Sharing: With 16 generous servings, it’s ideal for gatherings, whether with family or friends.

🌿 Healthier Alternatives:

For those looking for lighter options, here are a few modifications you can try:

Reduce Sugar: Substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, keeping in mind that this may slightly change the texture of the cake.
Use Applesauce Instead of Butter: To cut down on fat, swap the butter for an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.
Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour in place of part of the all-purpose flour adds more fiber and nutrients to the cake without sacrificing too much flavor.

🎉 Cranberry Christmas Cake FAQs:

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation.

Q2: Can I substitute frozen cranberries for fresh?
Frozen cranberries can be used, but it’s important to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Q3: How do I freeze this cake?
This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.

Q4: How can I make this cake more festive?
In addition to powdered sugar, you could decorate the cake with candied cranberries or a simple glaze. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add even more seasonal flavor.

Q5: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes! You can use this batter to make cupcakes. Just divide the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

🌟 Final Thoughts:

This Cranberry Christmas Cake is the perfect combination of flavors for your holiday celebrations. The sweet cake paired with the tart cranberries, topped with a festive dusting of powdered sugar, is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a Christmas dinner, or looking for a sweet treat to bring to a party, this easy-to-make cake will add the perfect touch of sweetness and holiday cheer to your festivities.

Get ready to create a memorable dessert that your friends and family will love, and enjoy the season with this delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake! 🎄🍰