Cranberry Christmas Cake

Cranberry Christmas Cake is a festive dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of holiday flavors. It’s moist, tender, and easy to make, allowing for customization with fruits like blueberries or apples. Plus, you can consider gluten-free options if needed. This cake can be topped with white chocolate buttercream or simply dusted with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Now, let’s explore the history behind this delightful treat and how you can make it for your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try making a Cranberry Christmas Cake, you’ll quickly see why this recipe stands out. First, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like cranberries, which are full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. You’ll appreciate the lower sugar content from natural sweeteners, making it a healthier option. The recipe’s versatility allows you to swap cranberries for blueberries or apples, catering to your taste. Additionally, you can find gluten-free alternatives using different flours, so everyone can enjoy it. The combination of buttermilk, orange zest, and healthy fats makes the cake tender and moist. Furthermore, this cake is made with nourishing simple ingredients, ensuring that it not only tastes great but also contributes positively to your health. With a simple process and an impressive look, especially when topped with sugared cranberries, you’ll love serving this delightful treat at your holiday gatherings.

History

Cranberry Christmas Cake has a rich history that reflects both ancient traditions and modern adaptations. Early European cultures baked honey cakes, including those with cranberries, to honor female divinities and celebrate fertility.

The night we now call Christmas Eve was originally known as Mothers Night, marking the start of Yule festivities filled with feasting and honey cakes. As Christianity spread, women continued the tradition, baking honey cakes in honor of Mary, linking back to older goddess traditions.

Over time, variations emerged globally, with similar cakes appearing in Jewish and French celebrations. Today, modern recipes incorporate cranberries, blending these ancient customs with contemporary tastes, while maintaining the festive spirit that has persisted for centuries. This cake is highly rated with 4.88 from 1075 votes, making it a perfect Christmas dessert option.

Recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs (at room temperature)
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Parchment paper (for lining the cake pan)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the center rack position. Line a 9×13 inch cake pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Then, mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of orange zest until well incorporated.
Gradually add in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Gently fold in the whole cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about one hour.
After cooling, carefully lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Extra Tips

For a more festive touch, consider swirling in some cranberry sauce before baking for added moisture and flavor. Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a fluffy and light cake.

If you want to elevate your cake, you can top it with white chocolate buttercream or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist, and enjoy it for days to come!

Final Thoughts

Baking a Cranberry Christmas Cake not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also creates a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. This cake embodies the warmth and joy of the season, combining tart cranberries with a sweet, buttery texture. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste, whether you prefer a simple presentation or a more elaborate decoration with icing and fresh fruits. The cake draws from various culinary traditions, making it a unique addition to your holiday table. It’s a versatile dessert that pairs well with many holiday dishes, and you can enjoy it as a layered cake featuring traditional Christmas flavors.

Enjoy this delightful treat at parties, or as a comforting dessert after a family meal, and make your celebrations even more special.

FAQ

If you’re curious about making a Cranberry Christmas Cake, this FAQ section is here to help answer your questions.

Typically, you’ll need about 20-30 minutes to prepare and 35-50 minutes to bake at 350°F. This cake serves around 16 people, perfect for holiday gatherings. The cake is made with fresh cranberries, which are in season during the holidays, adding a delicious tanginess to the flavor.

After baking, cool it completely before cutting, and store it at room temperature for the best taste.

Nutritionally, each serving has roughly 243 calories, with 37g carbohydrates and 10g fat.

You’ll need 12 oz of fresh or thawed cranberries, 2 cups of sugar, and 3-4 large eggs.

For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla or almond extract.

Don’t forget to use room temperature ingredients for the best results!