Festive cranberry desserts
Festive cranberry desserts like the Cranberry Christmas Cake are a beloved holiday treat, offering the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet buttery cake. The combination of these flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. As we dive into the world of festive cranberry desserts, let’s focus on this Cranberry Christmas Cake, a true holiday favorite.
This cake is an instant favorite among those who try it, and the best part is that it requires minimal effort to make. The absence of icing or topping makes it a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. So, let’s get started and explore the world of festive cranberry desserts, beginning with this amazing Cranberry Christmas Cake.
A Holiday Favorite with a Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet
The Cranberry Christmas Cake is a holiday favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet buttery cake is a match made in heaven. This cake is perfect for any holiday gathering, and its simplicity makes it a breeze to prepare.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic instructions, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to be a hit. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is an instant favorite among those who try it, and for good reason. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet buttery cake is a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, the recipe requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy holiday schedules.
The absence of icing or topping makes this cake a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a large party or just a small family gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit. So, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and instructions for making this delicious Cranberry Christmas Cake.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. However, if you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can substitute them with frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a combination of brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch. Simply mix together 1 1/4 cup brown rice flour, 1/2 cup potato starch, 1/4 cup tapioca starch, and 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to create a gluten-free flour blend.
These substitutions will help you create a delicious and festive cranberry dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. So, let’s move on to the instructions and get started on making this amazing Cranberry Christmas Cake.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment. These include a 9×13 inch baking pan, a mixer, and some measuring cups and spoons. Make sure to have these on hand before you start making the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Beat the 3 eggs with the 2 cups sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Continue beating for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened, light in color, and has almost doubled in size, forming a ribbon when the beaters are lifted.
- Add the 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the egg mixture. Mix for an additional two minutes until well combined.
- Stir in the 2 cups all-purpose flour until just incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in the 12 oz fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be very thick.
- Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, pressing it gently to form a flat layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is very lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the Cranberry Christmas Cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into slices.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you make the recipe, keep an eye on the texture and color of the batter. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with a light color and a smooth texture. When you add the cranberries, the batter will become even thicker, but this is normal.
When you spread the batter into the pan, make sure to press it gently to form a flat layer. This will help the cake bake evenly and prevent it from becoming too dense. Finally, keep an eye on the cake as it bakes, and remove it from the oven when it’s lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is to beat the eggs and sugar mixture adequately. This will help to create a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for the cake. If you don’t beat the mixture enough, the cake may be dense and heavy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can customize the recipe to your taste. For example, you can add nuts or orange zest to the batter for extra flavor and texture. You can also use blueberries instead of cranberries for a different twist on the recipe.
If you’re having trouble with the recipe, don’t worry! There are a few common issues that can arise, but they’re easy to fix. For example, if the cake is too dense, it may be because the eggs and sugar mixture wasn’t beaten enough. If the cake is too dry, it may be because it was overbaked. To fix these issues, simply adjust the recipe accordingly and try again.
In terms of troubleshooting, here are a few common issues that can arise and how to fix them:
- Cake is too dense: Beat the eggs and sugar mixture for a longer period of time to create a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Cake is too dry: Check the cake for doneness earlier, and remove it from the oven when it’s lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cake doesn’t have enough flavor: Add more vanilla or other flavorings to the batter to give the cake a boost of flavor.
By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can create a delicious and festive cranberry dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – and most importantly, have fun! If you’re looking for more delicious desserts, consider trying our Cranberry Brie Bites or our Easy Pumpkin Pie recipes.
Storage & Freezing
To store the cake, simply place it in an airtight container at room temperature or loosely cover it with plastic wrap. The cake will keep for several days, and it’s perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or parties.
If you want to freeze the cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will keep for several months, and it’s perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or parties. To thaw the cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cranberry Christmas Cake recipe:
- Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberries? A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberries. Simply thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Q: Can I make the cake gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make the cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a combination of brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch.
- Q: Can I bake the cake in a bundt pan? A: Yes, you can bake the cake in a bundt pan. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
- Q: How do I know when the cake is done? A: The cake is done when it’s lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Q: Can I customize the recipe to my taste? A: Yes, you can customize the recipe to your taste by adding nuts, orange zest, or other flavorings to the batter.
- Q: How do I store the cake? A: To store the cake, simply place it in an airtight container at room temperature or loosely cover it with plastic wrap.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here is the nutritional information for the Cranberry Christmas Cake recipe:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 40g
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delicious and festive holiday dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. With its perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet buttery cake, this cake is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Cranberries are native to North America and have been cultivated for centuries, making them a traditional holiday ingredient. So, don’t be afraid to try the recipe and experiment with different flavorings and substitutions to make it your own. For more holiday dessert ideas, check out our Melted Snowman Cookies recipe.
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experiences with the recipe. Happy baking, and happy holidays!
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Beat the 3 eggs with the 2 cups sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Continue beating for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened, light in color, and has almost doubled in size, forming a ribbon when the beaters are lifted.
- Add the 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the egg mixture. Mix for an additional two minutes until well combined.
- Stir in the 2 cups all-purpose flour until just incorporated and no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in the 12 oz fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be very thick.
- Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan, pressing it gently to form a flat layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is very lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the Cranberry Christmas Cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into slices.