Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Welcome the holiday season with a truly delightful cranberry christmas cake recipe bursting with festive cheer. This vibrant and visually appealing cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a standout dessert for any celebration. Its rich texture and stunning presentation ensure it becomes a cherished classic on your holiday table. Prepare to bake a dessert that promises warmth, joy, and incredible deliciousness in every single slice. This straightforward creation will surely impress all your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Christmas Cake

You will find many reasons to adore this cranberry christmas cake.

• It presents a perfectly festive holiday treat, radiating seasonal cheer.
• The baking process is straightforward, yet it yields impressive and professional-looking results.
• Enjoy a wonderfully balanced profile of sweet cake and tart cranberry flavors.
• A creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting complements the cake’s richness beautifully.
• This dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings or serves as a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Ingredients

To create this stunning cranberry christmas cake recipe, gather these fresh and high-quality ingredients. They ensure the best possible flavor, texture, and overall outcome for your holiday baking project.

For the Cake:

• 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 2/3 c. granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 c. whole milk, room temperature
• 1/2 c. sour cream, room temperature
• 1 c. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 egg + 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 c. cranberries, fresh or frozen and thawed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp. whole milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 c. powdered sugar

For the Candied Cranberries (Optional Garnish):

• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 c. cranberries, fresh or frozen thawed
• 1 c. sparkling sugar

Notes & Substitutions

Understanding these specific notes and potential substitutions will help ensure success with your festive cranberry cake.

• You can use either fresh or thawed frozen cranberries. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry to avoid excess moisture.
• For a different tangy note, consider using buttermilk in place of whole milk and sour cream. Adjust quantities to maintain consistency.
• If you do not have sparkling sugar for the garnish, granulated sugar or demerara sugar makes a suitable alternative for a similar crystallized effect.
• Always advise sifting powdered sugar if it appears clumpy. This step guarantees a wonderfully smooth and velvety cream cheese frosting without any undesirable lumps.
• Always stress using room temperature ingredients for both the cake and frosting. This promotes even mixing and a cohesive, light batter and a smooth, well-emulsified frosting.

Baking experts emphasize that using room temperature ingredients is crucial for a tender crumb and a well-emulsified frosting.

Equipment

Gathering the proper equipment beforehand makes preparing this delightful cranberry christmas cake a streamlined and enjoyable process. Having these items ready ensures smooth transitions between steps.

• 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment, essential for efficient mixing.
• Mixing bowls of various sizes for separate ingredients.
• Whisk or spatula for gentle folding and scraping.
• Small saucepan for preparing the candied cranberry syrup.
• Wire rack for cooling the cake and drying candied cranberries.
• Parchment paper to line baking sheets for easy cleanup.

Instructions

Follow these comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to bake your beautiful and flavorful cranberry christmas cake recipe. Careful attention to each step ensures a successful and delicious outcome for your holiday celebration.

• Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly spray a 13-by-9-inch cake pan with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring a clean release later.
• Step 2: Combine Dry and Initial Wet Cake Ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Add the room temperature whole milk and sour cream, mixing on low speed until they are just combined.
• Step 3: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients. Slowly incorporate the melted and cooled unsalted butter, the lightly beaten egg and egg whites, and the vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed only until the ingredients are fully combined. Avoid overmixing the batter at this stage to maintain a tender crumb.
• Step 4: Fold in Cranberries. Use a spatula to scrape down the bottom and sides of the mixer bowl, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated. Gently fold in the fresh or thawed cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.
• Step 5: Bake the Cake. Transfer the prepared batter to your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake’s edges turn lightly golden and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean. This baking process typically takes between 30 to 35 minutes.
• Step 6: Cool the Cake Completely. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Place the hot pan directly onto a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely. This full cooling process is essential before applying the frosting, preventing any melting or sliding.
• Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting Base. While the cake cools, begin preparing the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until it becomes light, smooth, and fluffy. This usually takes about 1 minute.
• Step 8: Finish the Frosting. Beat in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until it is fully combined and the frosting achieves a wonderfully smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Step 9: Frost the Cake. Once the cake is entirely cool, use an offset spatula or knife to spread the creamy cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cranberry christmas cake. Ensure a consistent layer for a beautiful presentation.
• Step 10: Begin Candied Cranberries (Optional). If you are adding candied cranberries, start by combining the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring this sugar mixture to a rolling boil and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely before the next step.
• Step 11: Coat Cranberries in Syrup. Add the fresh or thawed cranberries to the cooled simple syrup. Toss them gently until each cranberry is thoroughly coated in the sticky syrup mixture.
• Step 12: Dry Candied Cranberries. Transfer the syrup-soaked berries to a cooling rack, which you have set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the cranberries sit undisturbed for at least 1 hour, or until the simple syrup coating has dried slightly and become wonderfully sticky on the cranberries.
• Step 13: Sugar the Cranberries. Once sticky, toss the cranberries in the sparkling sugar until they are completely covered. This creates a beautiful, glistening effect.
• Step 14: Decorate Your Cake. Place the sugared cranberries back on the wire rack until you are ready to decorate the frosted cranberry christmas cake. Artfully arrange them on top for a festive and elegant finishing touch.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These expert tips and troubleshooting solutions will assist you in achieving the best possible holiday cranberry cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure all cold ingredients, such as milk, sour cream, eggs, and especially cream cheese, reach room temperature before mixing. This promotes smoother batter and frosting, preventing curdling or lumps.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix only until the batter is just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a dense and tough cake texture instead of a light, tender crumb.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: To keep your cranberries suspended throughout the cake rather than sinking to the bottom, toss them lightly in about a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This coating helps them adhere.
• Check Cake Doneness Precisely: Rely on the toothpick test. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is baked through. If wet batter adheres, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat your softened cream cheese until it is exceptionally smooth and light before incorporating any other ingredients. This step is fundamental for achieving a silky, lump-free frosting texture.
• Gradual Powdered Sugar Addition: Add powdered sugar to the frosting gradually, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. This prevents a powdery mess and ensures the sugar fully dissolves for a consistent, smooth frosting.
• Thoroughly Cool Candied Cranberries: For the best results, allow the syrup-coated cranberries to cool completely and become sticky before tossing them in sparkling sugar. This ensures the sugar adheres properly, creating a beautiful sparkle.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enhance your experience with this delightful cranberry christmas cake through these suggestions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices warm or chilled.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or sparkling cider.
• Garnish with extra cranberries, powdered sugar, or orange zest.

Storage Instructions

• Store the frosted cranberry christmas cake refrigerated.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• The cake keeps for up to 5 days.
• Candied cranberries soften over time.

Recipe Variations

• Add orange or lemon zest.
• Include chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Try other berries like chopped strawberries.
• Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Consider orange buttercream or a vanilla glaze.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade holiday cranberry cake helps you manage your festive indulgence. This breakdown provides estimated values per serving, allowing for informed choices as you enjoy this delightful treat.

Cranberries are also known for their impressive health benefits, including antioxidant properties and support for urinary tract health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find quick and helpful answers to common questions about preparing and serving this cranberry christmas cake recipe.

• Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can certainly use frozen cranberries. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before incorporating them into the cake batter.
• Should I refrigerate this cake? Absolutely. The cream cheese frosting is dairy-based, so the cake requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness and safety.
• What can I use instead of sparkling sugar? Granulated sugar or demerara sugar makes a suitable substitute. These options still provide a lovely crystallized texture for your candied cranberries.
• How do I prevent cranberries from sinking? To help keep cranberries evenly distributed, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. A slightly thicker cake batter also helps.
• Do I need to sift powdered sugar? Yes, it is advisable to sift powdered sugar if you notice any clumps. Sifting guarantees a wonderfully smooth, lump-free consistency for your cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

This vibrant cranberry christmas cake recipe stands as a truly festive and memorable dessert for your entire holiday season. Its appealing balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with a creamy frosting, makes it a true centerpiece. Baking this cake brings immense joy to any home and effortlessly creates cherished new traditions. We warmly encourage you to bake this delightful treat and share its warmth and deliciousness with loved ones.

Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

This festive recipe features a moist cake infused with fresh cranberries, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, and garnished with sparkling candied cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 2/3 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 c. whole milk room temperature
• 1/2 c. sour cream room temperature
• 1 c. unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
• 1 egg + 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 2 c. cranberries fresh or frozen and thawed

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 package cream cheese 8-oz., softened
• 1 tbsp. whole milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 c. powdered sugar

Candied Cranberries

• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 c. cranberries fresh or frozen thawed
• 1 c. sparkling sugar

Equipment

• 13-by-9-inch cake pan
• Stand mixer
• Spatula
• Wire rack
• Large mixing bowl
• Small pot
• Parchment-lined baking sheet

Method

 

Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13x9-inch cake pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a stand mixer, then add milk, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until just combined, then gently fold in the cranberries.
3. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool the baked cake completely on a wire rack.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Candied Cranberries

1. In a small pot, combine granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Add cranberries to the cooled syrup, toss to coat, and transfer them to a cooling rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Let the cranberries dry for 1 hour until sticky, then toss them in sparkling sugar and place back on the wire rack until ready to decorate.
4. Decorate the frosted cake with the prepared candied cranberries, if using.

Notes

For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. The candied cranberries add a beautiful sparkle and extra festive touch.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com