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Festive cranberry Christmas cake with golden crumb, dotted with bright cranberries, topped with creamy white frosting and sparkling candied cranberries, holiday greenery and lights in background.

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.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
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.