Oh, the magic of baking during the holidays! There’s something truly special about filling your home with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon and fresh cranberries. When I whip up my cranberry Christmas cake, it’s like I’m wrapping my family in a cozy blanket of festive cheer. This cake has been a staple at our holiday gatherings for years, and I can still remember the delight on my grandma’s face as she took that first bite. It’s fluffy, tangy, and sweet all at once, and it just screams « celebration! » Whether it’s served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or as the perfect ending to a holiday feast, this cake brings everyone together. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this holiday delight!
Ingredients for Cranberry Christmas Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful cranberry Christmas cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go. It makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Christmas Cake
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of preparing this cranberry Christmas cake! It’s easier than you might think, and the end result is oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a festive masterpiece!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a well-heated oven helps the cake rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will ensure your cake comes out effortlessly, without any sticky surprises!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this step is super important! It creates the base for your cake and helps incorporate air for a delightful texture. I usually mix for about 3-5 minutes, and trust me, it’s worth the wait to get that perfect creaminess!
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen! You want to ensure that all those flavors meld together beautifully, so don’t skip on the mixing here!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, which is key for a well-risen cake. Once mixed, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Be gentle here, so you don’t overmix—this will keep your cake tender and delightful!
Folding in Cranberries
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the fresh cranberries! Gently fold them into your batter with a spatula, being careful not to smash them. You want those beautiful bursts of tartness throughout the cake. Plus, they add such a festive touch—just wait until you see those ruby red gems peeking through!
Baking and Cooling
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because it helps the texture set perfectly before you serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry Christmas cake is not just delicious; it’s a holiday showstopper! Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive flavors that scream Christmas cheer!
- Moist and fluffy texture with a delightful tartness from the cranberries.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- Versatile—enjoy it plain or dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!
Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a beloved tradition in your home!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry Christmas cake even more fabulous, here are some of my top tips! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for a few minutes to curdle. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some orange zest to the batter! Once baked, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or pop it in the fridge for a little longer. And don’t forget, this cake is delightful topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra festive touch!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful cranberry Christmas cake! Each slice offers about 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also get around 35 grams of carbohydrates, including 15 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and measurements you use. So, while you indulge in this festive treat, remember it’s all about balance and enjoying the holiday spirit!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my cranberry Christmas cake, and I’m here to help you out!
How should I store the cake?
After it’s cooled, store your cranberry Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake, either whole or in slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It should stay good for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What can I use instead of fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. Dried cranberries work too, but remember they’re sweeter, so adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve slices plain for a cozy treat, or dress them up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra festive touch! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures with this cranberry Christmas cake! Please leave a comment below sharing your experiences or any tweaks you made to the recipe. And if you enjoyed it, feel free to rate it and share your holiday baking joy on social media. Happy baking, friends!
Imprimer
Cranberry Christmas Cake: 5 Reasons to Bake This Delight
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive cranberry Christmas cake that brings holiday cheer to your table.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For added flavor, consider adding orange zest.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: cranberry, christmas, cake, dessert, holiday
