Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—the *cranberry Christmas cake*! It’s this stunningly moist and flavorful cake that just screams festive cheer! Every year, my family and I bake it together, filling the kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of cranberries and vanilla. I remember the first time I made it; I was so excited to surprise everyone at our holiday gathering. The vibrant red from the cranberries makes it not just delicious but also a showstopper on the dessert table. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this cake to your holiday traditions—everyone will be asking for a slice! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!
Ingredients for Cranberry Christmas Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful cranberry Christmas cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base and gives the cake its structure.
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cake beautifully, balancing out the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Adds that rich, buttery flavor that makes every bite delightful.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce – The star of the show! It brings moisture and that festive burst of flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk – Helps keep the cake tender and moist.
- 2 eggs – These are essential for binding everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives the cake a lovely rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works wonders alongside the baking powder for a perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cake.
Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start baking—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Cranberry Christmas Cake
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the exciting part—making this scrumptious cranberry Christmas cake! Follow these steps, and I’ll guide you through the whole process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first—set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your batter is ready!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Trust me, you want this step to be perfect!
- Add the eggs: Crack in 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
- Mix in the cranberry sauce: Stir in 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vibrant color and aroma are just heavenly!
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Blend it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it!
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Cool and serve: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once it’s cool, you’re ready to slice and enjoy!
And there you have it! You’ve just made a beautiful cranberry Christmas cake. I can almost taste it now! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry Christmas cake is not just any dessert; it’s a festive celebration on a plate! Here are a few reasons why you’re going to adore it:
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of cranberry sauce and butter creates a cake that’s incredibly moist and bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant red color from the cranberries makes it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to whip up, even if you’re new to baking.
- Perfect for Sharing: It yields 8 generous slices, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
- Delicious Leftovers: If you have any left, it tastes even better the next day, allowing those flavors to meld perfectly!
Trust me, this cake will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect cranberry Christmas cake is all about those little details! Here are some tips to ensure your baking adventure goes smoothly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend better, giving you a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a cranberry Christmas cake that’s sure to impress!
Variations of Cranberry Christmas Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this cranberry Christmas cake! Here are a few delightful variations to try:
- Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking!
- Spices: Spice it up by incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Orange Zest: Brighten the cake with a tablespoon of fresh orange zest—this adds a wonderful citrusy aroma and taste.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips. The combination of cranberry and chocolate is simply divine!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Experimenting with these variations can give you a new favorite version of this festive cake!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Christmas Cake
Oh, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty! I love to top my cranberry Christmas cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream—it adds a lovely lightness that balances the richness of the cake. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully over the warm cake. Trust me, the combination is heavenly! A sprinkle of fresh cranberries or a drizzle of icing can make it even more festive. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cranberry Christmas cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. It’s so delicious when it’s slightly warm, and the flavors just shine! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note on nutritional information—while I’ve provided some approximate values for this cranberry Christmas cake, keep in mind that these can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always best to check the labels for the most accurate information. So, enjoy this delicious cake with all its festive flavors, but remember that the nutrition facts are just a guideline!
FAQ About Cranberry Christmas Cake
I know you might have some questions about this delightful cake, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce? Absolutely! Just chop them up and toss them in with a bit of extra sugar, as they can be quite tart.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? You can use salted butter, but just reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid it being too salty.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
How do I know when the cake is done baking? Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions—happy baking!
Imprimer
Cranberry Christmas Cake: 7 Blissful Steps to Festive Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive cranberry Christmas cake that is moist and flavorful.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or icing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 34g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: cranberry, christmas, cake, dessert
