Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that perfectly blends tart and sweet, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe. It’s one of those cakes that feels like a warm holiday hug — full of bright cranberry bursts, zesty orange, and a buttery crumb that’s just right. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy morning with coffee, this cake never disappoints. I can’t wait to share all my tips so you nail it every time!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe plays an important role — from creating that moist texture to layering flavor. I’ve learned a few tricks for picking the best ingredients to get your cake just right.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it rise and get that tender crumb; using regular sugar keeps the texture light.
• Eggs: They add structure and help trap air when beaten with sugar — don’t skip the 5-minute beating step for a fluffy result!
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that pairs beautifully with cranberries and orange zest.
• Orange zest: Infuses the cake with citrusy brightness; fresh zest is key, so don’t use pre-packaged stuff.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cake; spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid packing in too much flour.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Fresh cranberries: Bursting with tartness, they keep the cake from being too sweet and make it so festive.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is easy to tweak depending on what you like or what you have on hand. Sometimes I swap almond extract for a bit of cinnamon in winter to add warmth. Feel free to get creative!

• Add nuts: Try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch; I’ve done this and it’s a wonderful texture contrast.
• Use dried cranberries: If fresh aren’t available, dried work too—just soak them for 10 minutes in warm water to plump them up.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix; results have been lovely when I’ve done this for my gluten-sensitive friends.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and preheat your oven

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — accurate temp is key for even baking. While it’s warming, spray your 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray or grease it well with my homemade cake release if you want an extra foolproof non-stick finish. This helps the cake slip out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Beat sugar and eggs thoroughly

In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar with the eggs for a full 5 minutes. I don’t rush this step because this is where the magic happens — the mixture will double in size and get a pale, fluffy look. This airy base makes the cake tender and light.

Step 3: Add butter, extracts, and zest

Throw in the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and that fresh orange zest. Beat everything together for another 2–3 minutes until it’s combined smooth and creamy. The butter blends in, adding richness, while the extracts and zest bring a burst of flavor. The orange zest I use? Always from a fresh, unwaxed orange — it makes such a difference!

Step 4: Incorporate flour and salt gently

Now sift or carefully add your all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the bowl. Mix just until everything is combined — don’t overbeat here. Overmixing can make your cake tough and dense, and that’s not what we want for a light, tender crumb.

Step 5: Fold in fresh cranberries

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries. I love folding so the berries don’t burst and turn the batter pink, but at the same time, some juices here and there add a lovely color swirl. Fresh cranberries give that bright tart punch, making this cake truly special.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven for about 42–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let it cool completely before slicing — this cake firms up and flavors meld during cooling.

How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple and cozy with this cake — a light dusting of powdered sugar is my go-to garnishing trick. For holiday flair, fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary add that rustic, festive vibe. Sometimes, I’ll top a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or even a little cream cheese frosting if I’m feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a warm mug of eggnog or hot chocolate—trust me, the pairing is irresistible. For breakfast or brunch, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit or a sharp cheese plate to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas gatherings, I’ve served this cake on a wooden board surrounded by cranberries and pine branches for a gorgeous showstopper centerpiece. Another favorite is slicing it into small squares and plating with little festive cocktail picks for easy party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover cranberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps nicely for about 5 days — just make sure it’s sealed well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil with great results. It freezes for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and slice the next day.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I like briefly reheating slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds — that way it’s cozy but not dry. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a low-heat oven works beautifully if you want a slight crisp around the edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions because it’s simple, full of joyful flavors, and always impresses family and friends. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade — like a secret holiday gem you want to share again and again. I truly hope you give it a try this season; I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your festive baking lineup too.

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