This Cranberry Cake is a delightful holiday treat, filled with tart fresh cranberries and topped with a cinnamon-pecan streusel. Whether you serve it as a coffee cake for brunch or a simple dessert by the fire, this flavorful and festive cake is sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)

For the Streusel Topping:

¾ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of fine sea salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, milk, sour cream, and vanilla, whisking until smooth and well combined.
Create the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.
Prepare the Streusel:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter with a fork until clumps form. Add the chopped pecans if using.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate for 12 servings):

Calories: 398
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 57mg
Sodium: 258mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g
Vitamin A: 451 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 101mg
Iron: 2mg

The Origins of Cranberry Desserts

Cranberries have long been a staple in North American cuisine, particularly during the fall and winter seasons. Indigenous peoples used cranberries for their natural tartness, incorporating them into food, medicine, and even dye. As settlers arrived, cranberries became an essential part of Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions, often featured in pies, sauces, and breads.

Cranberry cakes, like this one, are a modern evolution of those traditions. They highlight the berry’s natural tartness, balanced by the sweetness of the cake and the warmth of spices like cinnamon. This recipe takes it up a notch with a pecan-studded streusel topping, making it the perfect marriage of texture and flavor.

Why Cranberry Cake is Perfect for the Holidays

Seasonal Ingredients:
Cranberries are at their peak during the fall and winter months, making them a perfect ingredient for holiday baking. Their vibrant color and tangy flavor bring festive flair to any dessert table.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:
The tart cranberries and sweet, spiced streusel create a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience. It’s not overly sweet, making it a hit even with those who prefer less sugary desserts.
Versatility:
This cake can be served in various ways—warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, at room temperature with coffee, or dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert.
Ease of Preparation:
Despite its impressive appearance and flavor, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. It’s a great choice for holiday hosts looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Cake

Cranberry Cake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your holiday table:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slices of warm cake with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an airy, creamy contrast to the dense cake and crunchy streusel.
Glazed: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or orange glaze to enhance the cake’s festive appeal.
Coffee Cake: Serve it with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
Elegant Plating: Garnish each slice with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a sophisticated presentation.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Cranberry Cake

Making a flawless cranberry cake requires attention to a few key details. Follow these tips to ensure your cake is as delightful as it is delicious:

Choose Fresh or Frozen Cranberries:
Both fresh and frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them before mixing them into the batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined for a tender crumb.
Evenly Distribute Cranberries:
To prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter.
Perfect Streusel Texture:
Use a fork to mix the streusel topping until it forms small clumps. This ensures a crumbly, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Check for Doneness:
Ovens vary, so use a toothpick to check the cake’s doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences or add a unique twist:

Citrus Infusion:
Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy aroma that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Nutty Delight:
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds in the streusel for a different nutty flavor.
Chocolate Lovers:
Fold white or dark chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent twist.
Gluten-Free:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Mini Cakes:
Bake the batter in muffin tins or mini loaf pans for individual servings, perfect for gifting or portion control.

Why Cranberry Cake Stands Out

Cranberry Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its vibrant color, tantalizing aroma, and harmonious flavors make it a standout dish during the holidays. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to different occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual family brunch or an elegant evening dinner.

The combination of tart cranberries and spiced streusel creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, its straightforward preparation makes it an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

Storing and Freezing Cranberry Cake

One of the best features of this cake is its ability to be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules:

Storing:
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing:
Once baked and cooled, wrap the cake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

The Joy of Baking Cranberry Cake

Baking Cranberry Cake is as enjoyable as eating it. From the moment you mix the batter to the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen, this recipe brings warmth and joy. It’s a reminder of the holiday season’s simple pleasures—spending time with loved ones and indulging in homemade treats.

Conclusion

Cranberry Cake is a must-have addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Its tart cranberries, spiced pecan streusel, and soft, moist crumb make it an irresistible treat that fits any occasion. Whether served as a brunch centerpiece, a cozy coffee cake, or a show-stopping dessert, this cake is sure to impress.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a few pantry staples and fresh cranberries, you can create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning. Plus, the ease of preparation ensures you have more time to spend enjoying the holiday festivities.

As you savor each bite, let this Cranberry Cake remind you of the season’s joy, warmth, and the magic of homemade creations. Share it with friends, family, and loved ones, and watch as it becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Pin2

2 Shares