Indulgent Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

There is something truly magical about bringing together festive flavors in a dessert that everyone will adore, and this Indulgent Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe does exactly that. Bursting with tangy fresh cranberries, warm cinnamon, and a dreamy cream cheese and white chocolate frosting, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for family or guests, this cake effortlessly blends vibrant colors, luscious textures, and rich tastes to fill your kitchen with joy and anticipation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a simple but essential role, from the tart cranberries that add a pop of color and flavor to the creamy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness. Together, they create a harmonious blend that makes this cake distinctly festive and utterly delicious.

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy crumb; whole wheat flour works well for a nuttier twist.
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises just right for a soft texture.
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps balance acidity and lightens the batter perfectly.
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness shine.
• 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture; margarine or dairy-free spread is a fine alternative.
• 1 cup Brown Sugar: Offers deep sweetness with hints of caramel, key to that cozy holiday feel.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes every bite taste simply irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest: Gives a fresh citrus brightness; lemon zest can be used if preferred.
• 2 Eggs: Bind everything together; flax eggs are a vegan-friendly swap.
• 0.5 cups Sour Cream: Adds tang and moistness; Greek yogurt works perfectly here too.
• 2 cups Fresh Cranberries: The star ingredient, introducing tangy bursts of flavor and festive color.
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese: At room temperature for smooth, creamy frosting.
• 1 cup White Chocolate: Melted for a luscious sweetness in the frosting; dairy-free versions work well.
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to your preferred level of indulgence.

How to Make Indulgent Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan generously—this step ensures the cake releases cleanly and bakes evenly, setting the stage for your festive masterpiece.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly now will prevent any lumps and create a well-balanced base for your cake batter’s structure and flavor.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. This incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cake stay light and tender, while the brown sugar adds warmth and depth.

Step 4: Adding Flavor and Eggs

Next, mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest to infuse your cake with a burst of aromatic, citrusy freshness. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to ensure a smooth, rich batter that will hold together beautifully.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture alternately with sour cream, breaking it into three batches. This folding technique prevents overmixing while building the ideal texture—moist yet light, with just enough density to carry the fruit and frosting.

Step 6: Incorporating Cranberries

Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries—you want them evenly distributed but handled gently to avoid bursting. Their tartness will come alive baked into the tender crumb, adding color and surprise in every bite.

Step 7: Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 27 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma during baking will fill your home with irresistible holiday cheer.

Step 8: Cooling the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cool cake is crucial before frosting to achieve that perfect consistency without melting your luscious topping.

Step 9: Preparing the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the melted white chocolate and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and silky. This frosting is decadently sweet with a subtle tang, a perfect partner to the tangy cranberries and cinnamon-spiced cake.

Step 10: Frosting the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the frosting generously on top, smoothing it out or creating peaks with a spatula. Feel free to get creative with garnishes for that extra festive touch before serving.

How to Serve Indulgent Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cranberries and a few orange zest curls on top add color and charm, making each slice look as delightful as it tastes. You can also dust with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar or add a few white chocolate shavings for a sparkling finish.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For something more indulgent, a warm drizzle of caramel sauce or even a cup of spiced mulled wine on the side makes your celebration extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on elegant holiday platters lined with sprigs of rosemary or pine needles for an inviting centerpiece. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares and top each with a tiny cranberry or mint leaf for an adorable finger-food presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps well covered at room temperature for up to two days. For best results, store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake unfrosted wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving to preserve its fresh, indulgent texture and flavors.

Reheating

This cake is delightful served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not usually necessary. If you prefer your cake slightly warm, heat individual slices briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid warming the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries work well but since they are less tart and sweeter, you may want to slightly reduce the brown sugar in the batter to keep the balance just right.

Is there a vegan version of this cake?

Yes, swap the eggs for flax eggs, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and select vegan white chocolate. Sour cream can be replaced by a plant-based yogurt, making the cake indulgently delicious while vegan-friendly.

How long does the frosting stay good?

The cream cheese and white chocolate frosting remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always keep the cake covered or stored in an airtight container to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain structure and texture.

What’s the best way to get the cranberries evenly distributed?

Toss the cranberries lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring an even burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Indulgent Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is truly a heartwarming celebration in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, invites compliments, and creates memories around the holiday table. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the joy of this festive cake with your loved ones—it’s a showstopper you’ll want to bake again and again!

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