Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

What’s a Cranberry Christmas cake recipe? I’m itching to make this every year. Every year, as soon as the first cranberries appear at the store, I can’t stop thinking about it. Think of it like a coffee cake, but with the festive zing of cranberries and warm, buttery crumb. What are some foods that melt in your mouth? Is it really that easy to make a cake? I remember my grandmother’s baking, filling the house with that comforting, sweet smell. What is the perfect holiday treat?

What is Cranberry Christmas Cake?

Cranberry Christmas Cake is a moist, flavorful cake studded with tart cranberries and served with whipped cream. Often topped with a sweet glaze or streusel. Is it a celebration of winter flavors, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy? The name “Christmas cake” comes from its popularity during the holiday season, where it often graces the table. What are some of the best festive table settings? Think of it as a cranberry-studded coffee cake, but dressed up for the holidays. What is the kind of cake that makes everyone smile?

Why do I love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is how incredibly moist and flavorful it is. The cranberries add this burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness, making it absolutely addictive. It’s not overly sweet like some desserts can be, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. I’ve even made it with my kids, and they love helping to stir in the cranberries. Speaking of the ingredients, they’re all pretty budget-friendly. We’re talking flour, sugar, butter, eggs – things you probably already have in your pantry. And the versatility! You can serve it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a delightful afternoon snack, or as a stunning dessert after Christmas dinner. It’s honestly so much more exciting than a plain old coffee cake!

How do you make a Cranberry Christmas cake?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Cranberry Christmas cake? How do you mix up a simple batter, fold in the cranberries, and bake it until golden brown. What’s the best part about baking? What is the best way to make a moist cake? What’s a good glaze to drizzle over the top? It adds the perfect touch of sweetness and makes it look extra festive.

Ingredients Notes:

For the Main Batter:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, of course! But also, it helps with the texture of the cake.
Baking Powder: This is what gives our cake that beautiful rise. Don’t skip it!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. I’ve used almond milk for years and it works great!
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor and adds warmth.

For the Cranberry Component:

Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Frozen cranberries work too, just don’t thaw them.
Orange Zest: A little orange zest brightens the cranberries and enhances their flavor.

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: This is what makes our glaze smooth.
Milk: Just a little to thin out the glaze. Add more to get thinner consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds extra flavor to the glaze.

How do I start

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get my oven to 350°F (180°C)? Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or loaf pan – both work great!). How do you remove a cake from sticking? I always line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance. Is it worth the extra minute?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to whisk baking powder evenly? Do not skip this step!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Set aside. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is properly softened – not melted – for the best texture. I usually leave mine out for about an hour before I start baking.

Step 4: Combine

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix! If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, which can result in a tough cake. I always stop mixing flour when the batter comes together. I have a few streaks of flour on my hands.

Step 5: Prepare Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest. Make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter. What are some of the best ways to brighten up cranberries? I like to add cinnamon to my soup. I can’t help but add a pinch.

Step 6: Pour & Bake

How do I spread the batter in a cake pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. How long does it take to bake a cake? I always start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. How do I make a cake that doesn’t stick to the pan? What is the best way to slice a potato while it’s still warm?

Step 8: Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the cake and serve. What’s better: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or some peanut butter? I always serve this with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best recipes for Cranberry Christmas Cake? What are some great ideas for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack?

For Breakfast:Can you serve this cake with a cup of coffee? The tart cranberries are a nice contrast to the warm, comforting flavors of the cake. I like to sprinkle cinnamon on top of everything I eat.

For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. What are some of the best ways to add a festive touch to your brunch table? Is it a good idea to drink sparkling wine or mimosa?

As Dessert:What is a good dessert to serve with vanilla ice cream? What is whipped cream? I sometimes drizzle a little extra glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness. A glass of dessert wine or port would also be a nice pairing.

For Cozy Snacks:What are some ways to enjoy a slice of this delicious cake with hot cocoa or apple cider? What is the best way to warm up for the holidays? I love to curl up with a slice of this cake and good books.

How can I make a perfect cranberry Christmas cake?

How do I make a Cranberry Christmas cake?

Cranberry Prep: Use fresh or frozen cranberries – both work great! If using frozen, don’t thaw them first. I always give them a quick rinse before adding them to the batter.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour.

Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this cake to your liking. Try adding different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can also swap out the milk for almond milk or buttermilk. I’ve even added a handful of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Baking Tips: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! Try adding a little lemon zest or orange juice for extra flavor. You can also use a different extract like almond or maple. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for warmth.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe ahead of time? Here are a few tips for storing and reheating:

Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. I recommend bringing it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Do not glaze before freezing.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The tart cranberries provide a lovely contrast to the sweet cake, making it absolutely addictive. I love how easy it is to make, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday baking recipes! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!