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Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

This Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful holiday treat featuring fresh cranberries folded into a tender, buttery cake. Lightly sweetened and wonderfully moist, this festive dessert is perfect for Christmas gatherings and parties. The recipe offers a gluten-free alternative, making it accessible for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

Gluten-Free Alternative

  • Substitute all-purpose flour with 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by buttering it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Beat Eggs and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the 3 eggs and 2 cups sugar together for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color, slightly thickened, and nearly doubles in size. Lift the beaters to check if the batter forms a ribbon, which ensures proper aeration and acts as the leavening agent.
  3. Add Butter and Vanilla: Mix in the softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gently stir in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Add Cranberries: Fold in the 12 oz fresh cranberries evenly through the batter to disperse them.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, preferably around 43 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into small slices approximately 1 inch by 2 inches, ideal for party servings. Enjoy your festive cranberry cake!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
  • The eggs act as the primary leavening agent, so thoroughly beating them with sugar is crucial for the cake’s texture and rise.
  • Cutting the cake into smaller slices (about 1″ x 2″) makes it perfect for serving at holiday parties and gatherings.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cool before slicing to maintain clean cuts and prevent crumbling.

Keywords: cranberry cake, Christmas cake, holiday dessert, gluten-free cranberry cake, festive cake, baked cranberry cake, party dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/cranberry-christmas-cake-recipe/