Festive Cranberry Cake Delight

Cranberry cake recipe is the perfect dessert or snack, incredibly easy to make, and utterly delightful. Imagine savoring a warm slice with a comforting cup of coffee – it’s truly the best treat for any time of day. This vibrant cake perfectly balances the sweetness of a classic cake with the bright, tangy burst of fresh cranberries, making it a favorite for holidays and everyday enjoyment alike.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how extraordinary this simple cranberry cake recipe turns out. It requires only a few basic ingredients, yet it delivers an exquisite blend of sweet and tart flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. While often associated with festive gatherings, this Christmas Cake Recipe is wonderfully versatile, serving equally well as a show-stopping dessert or a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee.

If you’re as passionate about cranberries as we are, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes: our delicious Cranberry Muffins and our comforting Cranberry Bread. Both are incredibly simple to prepare and make for perfect grab-and-go breakfast options. For another festive dessert idea, don’t miss our charming Candy Cane Cookies.

Table of Contents: Delicious Cranberry Cake

• What Makes This Cranberry Cake So Special?
• Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Cranberry Cake
• Cranberry Cake Recipe Variations to Explore
• Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Perfect Cranberry Cake
• Expert Cranberry Cake Baking Tips for Success
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Cake
• More Festive & Delicious Cake Recipes to Try
• Cranberry Cake Recipe Card

What Makes This Cranberry Cake So Special?

This cranberry cake stands out because it strikes the perfect balance, being neither overly sweet nor bland. The natural tartness of the cranberries cuts through the cake’s richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is utterly addictive. The vibrant red cranberries, studded throughout the golden cake, also lend a beautiful, festive appearance, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday celebrations. However, its irresistible taste ensures it’s far too good to be limited to just the festive season; you’ll want to enjoy this cake all year long!

Beyond its aesthetic appeal and balanced taste, the texture of this cake is wonderfully tender and moist. Each bite offers a delightful pop from the baked cranberries, releasing an extra burst of their signature flavor. It’s a simple pleasure that feels both gourmet and comforting, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday feasts. This homemade cranberry cake truly embodies the warmth and joy of baking, offering a delightful experience with every slice.

Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Cranberry Cake

One of the many charms of this cranberry cake is its straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making it incredibly convenient to whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes. The magic truly happens when these simple components combine to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying cake with minimal fuss. Gathering these high-quality ingredients is the first step towards a perfectly baked treat.

• Large Eggs: These are crucial for providing structure and helping the cake achieve its light, airy texture. When beaten with sugar, they incorporate air, which acts as a natural leavening agent for this cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Not only does sugar provide essential sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries, but it also contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and tender crumb.
• Softened Butter: High-quality butter is key for adding rich flavor and an incredibly tender texture to the cake. Ensuring it is properly softened (at room temperature) is vital for easy creaming, which is part of the leavening process.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic and indispensable flavor enhancer, vanilla extract beautifully complements the bright notes of cranberries and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall cake profile.
• All-purpose Flour: This is the foundational dry ingredient, providing the necessary structure and body for the cake. Measuring it correctly is important for the right consistency.
• Fresh Cranberries: The undisputed star of the show! Their distinctive bright, tangy, and slightly bitter flavor is what truly defines this cake and makes it so special. While fresh cranberries are ideal for their vibrant burst, frozen ones can also be used effectively with a simple adjustment.

For the precise measurements and quantities of each ingredient, please refer to the detailed and printable recipe card conveniently located at the very bottom of this post. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this delectable and easy cranberry cake.

Cranberry Cake Recipe Variations to Explore

While this cranberry cake recipe is absolutely perfect as is, offering a delightful sweet and tart experience, it also provides a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to customize it to your liking, adapt it for different occasions, or cater to specific dietary needs. Baking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Elegant Frosting or Drizzle: This cake is so rich in natural flavor that it truly doesn’t *need* a heavy frosting. However, for those who adore an extra touch of indulgence, a simple cream cheese frosting (made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and a hint of vanilla) or a delicate lemon-vanilla glaze can elevate it further. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving also adds a touch of elegance and a lovely contrast in texture and temperature.
• Blueberry Bliss: Easily transform this into a delightful blueberry cake by making a direct swap: use fresh or frozen blueberries in place of the cranberries. The baking method and times generally remain the same, yielding a wonderfully moist, flavorful cake with sweet, juicy blueberry bursts. This is a fantastic option when cranberries are out of season, or if you simply prefer the milder, sweeter taste of blueberries in your baked goods.
• Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of savory flavor by folding in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter along with the cranberries. The warm, earthy notes of nuts pair exceptionally well with the fruit, and many find the satisfying sweet and salty combination they provide to be irresistible. For an even deeper, more complex flavor, lightly toast the chopped nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
• Invigorating Flavored Extracts and Zests: To deepen and brighten the cake’s flavor profile, consider incorporating additional extracts or fresh zests. Orange zest, grated directly from the peel of a fresh orange, or a few drops of orange extract work exceptionally well, as the bright, aromatic citrus notes are a classic and highly recommended complement to cranberries. Almond extract is another excellent choice, adding a subtle, sophisticated warmth and a hint of nutty aroma that enhances the overall experience. The synergy of these added flavors with the natural tartness of the cranberries creates a truly unforgettable and festive cake.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Making this delicious cake gluten-free is surprisingly simple! Just use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for the all-purpose flour. Most reputable blends are designed to work seamlessly in standard recipes. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking and ideally includes a binder like xanthan gum for optimal structure and texture in the finished cake.
• Versatile Cake Pan Options: Our recipe is perfectly designed for a standard 9×13 inch rectangular cake pan, which is excellent for serving a crowd or a family gathering. However, you can easily adapt this versatile batter for other bakeware. Bake them in a muffin pan to create individual cranberry muffins, ideal for breakfast on the go, lunchboxes, or portion control. Alternatively, use mini bread pans to craft charming individual loaves, which make wonderful, heartfelt edible gifts during the holidays or for sharing with friends. Remember to adjust your baking time significantly when using smaller pans; muffins or mini loaves may only require around 25-35 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
• Convenient Disposable Pans: If you’re planning to take this festive cranberry cake to a potluck, dinner party, holiday gathering, or to gift it to neighbors, baking it directly in a 9-inch disposable aluminum cake pan is an absolute game-changer. These convenient pans often come with a clear domed lid, making transport incredibly easy and completely mess-free. This thoughtful approach not only simplifies your cleanup but also provides a lovely, professional presentation for the recipient, making your homemade gift even more special.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Perfect Cranberry Cake

Baking this cranberry cake is a straightforward and rewarding process, even for novice bakers. By following these clear and simple instructions, you’ll achieve a beautifully moist, tender, and flavorful cake every single time. The key to its light texture lies in the careful mixing of the wet ingredients, so pay close attention to those initial steps!

• Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Begin by accurately preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Allowing your oven to fully preheat ensures it is at the correct temperature when the cake goes in, which is crucial for promoting even baking and a consistent rise.
• Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with non-stick baking spray. For even easier removal of the cooled cake and significantly simpler cleanup, we highly recommend lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Leave a slight overhang on the sides of the parchment paper; these will act as convenient “handles” to lift the cake out later.

Step 3: Cream Eggs and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl (preferably using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a powerful hand-held electric mixer), combine the large eggs and granulated sugar. Begin beating them together on medium-high speed. Continue to beat for several minutes until the mixture transforms into a pale yellow, thick, and wonderfully airy consistency, almost doubling in volume. When you lift the beater, the mixture should form large, soft peaks that hold their shape for a few seconds before slowly melting back into the bowl. This critical step incorporates a significant amount of air, which is fundamental to the cake’s tender and light crumb structure.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Once your egg and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, carefully add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed until all these additional ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture appears smooth and cohesive, usually requiring about 1-2 more minutes of beating. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as needed with a rubber spatula to ensure that everything is well-integrated and no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cranberries. With the electric mixer turned off, carefully add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture in the bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon, gently stir by hand until the flour is *just* combined with the wet ingredients. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing at this stage, as excessive stirring can develop the gluten in the flour too much, which could result in a tough, dense cake. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter to ensure every slice gets a burst of tart flavor.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan. Carefully spoon the thick cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. The batter will be quite dense, so don’t be afraid to use your spatula to gently spread and press the batter into the corners and ensure it’s leveled across the entire pan. An even layer is important for consistent baking and an appealing final presentation.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. Keep in mind that exact baking times can vary slightly depending on your individual oven’s calibration. The cake is done when it appears lightly golden brown on top, the edges have started to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve. Once your beautiful cranberry cake is baked, remove it from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes is crucial as it allows the cake to set fully and makes it much easier to slice neatly without crumbling. Once slightly cooled or at room temperature, carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper handles (if used), slice into desired portions, and serve this delicious homemade treat. Enjoy every sweet and tart bite!

Expert Cranberry Cake Baking Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect cranberry cake is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind. These expert insights will help ensure your cake is beautifully moist, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully textured every single time you bake it. Following these guidelines will elevate your baking experience and guarantee a delicious outcome.

• Thawing Frozen Cranberries: If you decide to use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones (which works perfectly!), it’s highly recommended to thaw them completely before you mix them into the cake batter. While some recipes suggest adding frozen fruit directly, for this particular cake, thawing helps prevent the batter from becoming excessively thick and ensures that the cranberries distribute more evenly throughout the cake. Thawed cranberries also tend to burst beautifully during baking, releasing their tangy juices and infusing the cake with more flavor. Once thawed, you can lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
• Handling the Thick Cake Batter: Don’t be alarmed or concerned if your cake batter appears quite thick after all the ingredients are combined. This is a completely normal and expected characteristic for this specific recipe! Due to its inherent density, you will need to gently press and spread the dough evenly into the prepared cake pan using a spatula. Take your time during this step to ensure an even layer across the entire pan, as this meticulous spreading promotes uniform baking and helps achieve a consistent, delightful texture throughout the finished cake.
• No Need for Chemical Leavening Agents: You might notice a unique aspect of this recipe: it surprisingly doesn’t call for traditional chemical leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, which are common in many cake recipes. The secret to this cake’s impressive rise and wonderfully tender crumb lies entirely in the thorough and vigorous beating of the eggs and sugar during the initial steps. This crucial creaming method incorporates a significant amount of air into the mixture, and it’s this trapped air that expands during baking to create a naturally light and fluffy structure. Trust the process; the aeration from this technique is perfectly sufficient!
• The Importance of Beating Eggs Properly: As highlighted earlier, the step of beating the eggs and sugar together until they form “large peaks” is absolutely vital for the success of this cranberry cake. This means the mixture should become noticeably light in color, significantly increased in volume, and when you lift the beaters, the mixture should hold its shape for a few seconds before slowly melting back into the bowl. This meticulous technique, a cornerstone of the creaming method, is the key to effectively incorporating enough air into the batter to achieve the desired light, airy, and tender texture without relying on additional chemical leavening.
• Lining Baking Pans for Ease: To make removing your beautiful cranberry cake from the pan an absolute breeze and to significantly simplify cleanup, always consider lining your baking pan with parchment paper. When doing so, allow a slight overhang on the sides of the paper; these will effectively create handy “slings” or handles that allow you to easily lift the entire cooled cake out of the pan. This thoughtful preparation also makes slicing the cake much simpler on a flat surface, helping to prevent any potential damage to the cake’s delicate structure and ensuring picture-perfect slices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Cake

More Festive & Delicious Cake Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with this cranberry cake and are looking for even more delightful treats to bake, especially during the holiday season or for other special occasions throughout the year, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic and highly recommended cake recipes from our collection that are sure to impress your family and guests, bringing joy and sweetness to your table:

• Christmas Jello Poke Cake Recipe
• Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe
• Christmas Dirt Cake Recipe
• Red Velvet Pound Cake Recipe

We genuinely encourage you to try one of these wonderful recipes today. They are all designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment to let us know which one you tried and how beautifully it turned out for you! Happy baking!

Cranberry Cake Recipe Card

Cranberry Cake Recipe

This cranberry cake is the perfect dessert or snack – incredibly easy to make with a delightful sweet and tart flavor. Pair a slice with your favorite coffee for the ultimate treat!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 16

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 252 kcal

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 oz. fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray or line with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and almost doubles in size, forming large peaks.
4. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly stir in the all-purpose flour by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, pressing gently to level the surface.
8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 252kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 89mg, Potassium: 49mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 323IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg