If you’re looking to bring a festive burst of flavor and vibrant color to your holiday table, this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, tart cranberries dance through a rich, buttery cake that’s perfectly sweetened and spiced just right, creating a treat that feels both comforting and celebratory. Every bite offers a delightful contrast—moist, tender crumb meets the zingy pop of fresh cranberries, making it a showstopper dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy family gathering, this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe will become a beloved tradition you’ll want to bake year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe uses a handful of simple, essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each one plays a key role, from the richness of butter to the bright burst of fresh cranberries, ensuring your cake is moist, flavorful, and festive.
- 3 large eggs (room temp): Eggs give the cake structure and help everything bind perfectly.
- 2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the tender crumb in the cake.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter adds richness and moisture, making every bite irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Just a touch brightens up the taste with a subtle nutty note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing body and crumb.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: These add vibrant color, a uniquely tart kick, and juicy bursts throughout the cake.
- Powdered sugar for garnish: A pretty, snowy dusting to finish your festive creation.
How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Before you dive in, make sure your eggs are at room temperature—this helps them blend smoothly with the butter and sugar. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Get your fresh cranberries rinsed and drained as well. Having everything ready upfront always makes the baking process easier and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps your cake rise beautifully and develop that melt-in-your-mouth texture you want.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the cake with their lovely scents and flavors, perfectly complementing the tart cranberries.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want to keep the cake tender and soft, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Cranberries
Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly so that every slice of cake has those juicy, tart pops of flavor that make this recipe truly special.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the finishing touches.
How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice, resembling a delicate snowfall on your Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe. For an extra festive touch, try adding a few whole cranberries or a sprig of fresh mint. It’s all about that beautiful presentation that makes this cake feel like a real holiday centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries. For a cozy holiday treat, serve with a hot cup of spiced tea, coffee, or mulled wine to bring out the cake’s warm almond and vanilla flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Slice the cake into generous squares and serve on rustic wooden boards with piles of fresh cranberries and edible flowers for a charming, festive vibe. Or, stack smaller slices with layers of mascarpone cream for a unique cake-trifle hybrid that’s bound to become a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked, your Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, ready to be enjoyed a little at a time.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. This refreshes the softness and enhances the cozy aroma of the Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.
Is almond extract necessary for this cake?
While almond extract adds a lovely depth and nutty undertone, you can omit it or replace with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract if preferred.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Enjoy leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe slightly warmed with a light spread of butter or paired with fresh cream to bring back its festive charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing a Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe during the holiday season. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tender textures makes every bite feel special and filled with holiday cheer. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, bake it with love, and watch it become a treasured part of your festive traditions.
Print
Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful and moist dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring fresh cranberries baked into a tender, buttery cake with hints of vanilla and almond, it offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and fold it gently into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Add Cranberries: Fold in the fresh cranberries evenly to distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Fresh cranberries add a lovely tartness; if using frozen, do not thaw them to avoid bleeding into the batter.
- For added texture, you can toss cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
