Bright, tangy pops of cranberry meet buttery, golden cake in this festive Cranberry Christmas Cake—a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better! Studded with ruby-red cranberries and balanced by a rich, soft crumb, this easy bake is a true crowd-pleaser that instantly brings holiday joy to your kitchen. Whether you serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or pair it with your favorite cozy beverage, this cake will quickly become a must-have for every celebration and snowy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cranberry Christmas Cake is in its handful of classic ingredients, which work together to create a cakey masterpiece with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Each item pulls its weight in flavor, texture, and color, so don’t skip a thing!
- Eggs (3 large): These add rich structure to the cake and contribute to its tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Don’t be shy—this sweetness levels out the tart cranberries and helps the top form a glistening, golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): For that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth finish—make sure it’s soft before mixing!
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash deepens the flavor and brings warmth to the bake.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of our cake, giving it lift and substance.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t skip it—salt heightens every other flavor and balances the overall sweetness.
- Fresh cranberries (2 1/2 cups): The stars of the show! Their tartness creates bursts of holiday cheer in every bite. (Frozen works, too!)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Add crunch and a subtle nutty note for an extra-special touch.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): For a snowy, festive finish everyone will love.
How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start things off on the right foot—preheat your oven to 350°F, and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing, making sure to get those corners and sides. A well-greased pan makes for cake slices that pop out perfectly, keeping your Cranberry Christmas Cake looking as gorgeous as it tastes.
Step 2: Whip Up the Egg-Sugar Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for a full 4 to 5 minutes. This step might feel like an arm workout, but it’s essential: you want the mixture thick and pale, almost mousse-like—this airy structure helps the cake rise beautifully and keeps it wonderfully tender.
Step 3: Add Butter and Vanilla
Drop in your softened butter and pour in the vanilla extract, then blend until the batter is smooth and silky. The butter brings all the richness, while the vanilla brings depth. This is when the kitchen starts to smell like something special is on the way!
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined—no overmixing here. Keeping a light hand at this stage ensures your Cranberry Christmas Cake stays plush and delicate instead of tough. Don’t worry if you spot a few streaks of flour, as they’ll disappear in the next step.
Step 5: Add Cranberries (and Nuts, If You Like)
Now for the part that makes this cake sparkle: add your cranberries (fresh or frozen), along with chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re feeling nutty. Fold these in gently so every slice gets a burst of fruity color and crunch. The cranberries will look jewel-like, promising pops of tartness in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly to every corner. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. As hard as it is, let the cake cool—this makes slicing (and sharing) much easier!
Step 7: The Finishing Touch
Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra festive. This simple step makes your Cranberry Christmas Cake look positively snowy and ready for its moment on the holiday table.
How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar turns every piece into a winter wonder, but you can also try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. For a rustic look, a scattering of chopped nuts or even a few fresh cranberries add a lovely pop of color and texture on top.
Side Dishes
This sweet, tart cake loves some company. Serve it alongside a mug of spiced chai or classic hot cocoa to amplify those cozy vibes. If you’re setting out a dessert spread, it pairs beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a citrusy sorbet for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cranberry Christmas Cake into festive shapes using cookie cutters, or layer slices with whipped cream in glass jars for a pretty trifle-style presentation. Mini cakes baked in ramekins also make adorable gifts for neighbors and friends—just tie them with ribbon and watch faces light up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cake is cool, wrap individual pieces or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. If you’ve dusted with powdered sugar, you may want to re-dust before serving since it can dissolve during storage.
Freezing
Cranberry Christmas Cake freezes like a dream! Wrap slices or the whole cake in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature overnight—the texture and taste stay spot on.
Reheating
For a just-baked feel, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you’re reheating a larger portion, cover it lightly with foil and bake in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. A little warmth really makes those cranberries sing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can swap frozen cranberries in for fresh ones with no thawing required. Just add them straight into the batter—the result is still that signature tart burst in every slice of Cranberry Christmas Cake.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Both walnuts and pecans add a delightful crunch and gentle earthiness, but you can use whichever you prefer or have on hand. For nut-free needs, feel free to leave them out—the cake is still sensational!
Can I make Cranberry Christmas Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results will still be delicious and festive. Just ensure it’s a blend meant for baking to get the best texture.
How long does Cranberry Christmas Cake stay fresh?
Kept well-wrapped at room temperature, the cake stays moist and fresh for up to two days, or up to a week if refrigerated. For longer storage, freezing works perfectly and makes it easy to plan ahead for parties and gatherings.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or orange zest?
Definitely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a bit of freshly grated orange zest adds a new layer of holiday flavor. The cake is flexible, so feel free to experiment—just don’t skip the cranberries, as they truly make it a Cranberry Christmas Cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s festive, easy, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, make this Cranberry Christmas Cake your holiday tradition. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—so go on, invite some holiday magic into your kitchen and share a slice with someone you love!
