Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, buttery richness of a classic crumb cake. This festive dessert is perfect for the holiday season, offering a burst of bright red cranberries in every bite, which not only add a splash of color but also a zesty flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the cake. Topped with a thick layer of cinnamon-spiced crumble that bakes to a crispy golden brown, this cake is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. It’s ideal for a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack with coffee, or as a comforting dessert to end a festive meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treating yourself, Cranberry Crumb Cake is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
For the crumb topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Directions:
- Prepare the crumb topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix together both sugars, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Add the flour and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
- Make the cake batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the cranberries.
- Assemble the cake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, covering it completely.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cranberry Crumb Cake is a visually appealing, deliciously moist cake that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season. Its vibrant cranberries provide a lovely contrast to the sweet, spiced topping, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good fruit-filled dessert.
