Name: Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2½ cups fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’re searching for the perfect centerpiece to brighten your holiday dessert table, let me introduce you to Cranberry Christmas Cake. This cake is a holiday showstopper: snowy-white, adored with tart cranberries peeking through its tender golden crumb, and so delightfully simple that you’ll want to bake it again and again even after the holidays fade. With its irresistible balance of sweet and tart, buttery richness, and pop of festive color, Cranberry Christmas Cake truly tastes like celebration in every bite.

Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Christmas Cake relies on just a few pantry staples and brilliant fresh cranberries to deliver layers of flavor and a wonderful texture. Each ingredient here truly earns its place, so don’t hesitate to use the best you can find—the result is pure festive magic!

Eggs: Beating three large eggs with sugar builds the cake’s lofty, tender base and provides a lovely structure.
Granulated sugar: Two cups sweeten the cake perfectly, helping achieve that crackly golden top and balancing the cranberries’ tartness.
Unsalted butter: Three-quarters of a cup gives rich flavor and a moist crumb—make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Vanilla extract: One teaspoon offers a warm depth and classic holiday aroma in each forkful.
All-purpose flour: Two cups are just enough to bind everything together without making the cake heavy.
Fresh cranberries: Two and a half cups is generous, bringing sparkling bursts of color and tang—use them whole for the juiciest result.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): A half-cup, if you like, adds lovely crunch and a toasty note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A flutter of this on top gives a snowy, festive finishing touch you won’t want to skip.

How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with butter, then dust with flour to ensure the cake comes out cleanly after baking. Taking the time to prepare your pan properly is a secret for those crisp, neat slices that look so inviting on a platter.

Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer on high speed for a solid 5 to 7 minutes. This isn’t just about mixing—beating them this long creates a thick, pale, almost mousse-like mixture that gives your Cranberry Christmas Cake its signature lightness and gorgeous crackle-top once baked. Don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla

Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, and beat everything until fully combined. The butter should disappear completely, leaving you with an even, glossy batter that smells like pure holiday cheer.

Step 4: Fold in Flour

Gently fold in the flour using a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Go slow to avoid over-mixing: you want the batter just combined with no dry streaks. This gentle touch ensures your cake bakes up tender, not tough.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts

Now for the fun part! Stir in the fresh cranberries, and the chopped nuts if you’re using them. The batter will be thick, so don’t worry—this keeps the cranberries and nuts evenly distributed. As the cake bakes, the cranberries will burst, creating bright pockets of tart flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If your kitchen fills with a sweet, toasty scent, you’ll know you’re almost there! Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing into generous squares.

Step 7: Dust and Serve

Once cooled, dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar to complete your Cranberry Christmas Cake. This simple step not only makes the cake look like a wintry wonderland but adds a delicate sweetness with every bite.

How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but during the holidays, I love to add a few extra whole cranberries and maybe even a sprig of rosemary for a touch of green. For a citrusy pop, a bit of freshly grated orange zest on top is divine—especially if you took the optional zest tip in the recipe. If you’re feeling truly celebratory, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Christmas Cake is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter alongside silky custard, a thick spoonful of crème anglaise, or a simple yogurt parfait if you’re serving it at brunch. Coffee and tea are natural companions, and for a holiday dinner, it pairs beautifully with mulled wine or sparkling cider.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into elegant bars or triangles and arrange on a festive platter; use mini-cookie cutters for bite-sized shapes at a dessert buffet. For gifts, wrap individually in parchment and tie with ribbon. Or, serve warm with a pitcher of orange sauce for a stunning plated dessert. However you present it, Cranberry Christmas Cake always looks and tastes like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover Cranberry Christmas Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. The cranberries help keep it fresher, longer!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy holidays. Slice the cake, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy a piece of holiday happiness whenever you need it!

Reheating

If you love your Cranberry Christmas Cake just a touch warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This revives the cake’s softness and makes the flavors extra vibrant, especially if you serve it with a scoop of ice cream or custard.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen work very well. Don’t thaw them—just fold frozen berries right into the batter to prevent the color from bleeding too much.

Does Cranberry Christmas Cake work with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that works well in cakes, and keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Definitely. The nuts are optional and can be left out entirely for a nut-free Cranberry Christmas Cake. You won’t miss out on flavor or texture—the cranberries are still the stars!

How far ahead can I bake the cake for a party?

You can bake Cranberry Christmas Cake up to two days before your gathering and keep it wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. If you want to prepare even earlier, freeze the cake and thaw the day of your event.

What’s the secret to getting that amazing crackly top?

Beating the eggs and sugar together for a solid 5–7 minutes is essential. This creates volume and the signature crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb inside. Don’t shortcut this step!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopping, foolproof dessert that delivers nostalgia and joy in every bite, you’ll fall in love with Cranberry Christmas Cake. Try it for your next holiday (or any day that needs a touch of celebration), and I can almost guarantee it’ll earn a place in your family’s festive traditions!

Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Cranberry Christmas Cake. Bursting with fresh cranberries and optional nuts, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

3 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2½ cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add the butter and vanilla extract, then fold in the flour. Stir in the cranberries and nuts, if using.
Bake the cake: Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. Allow the cake to cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.