Cranberry Christmas Cake is a festive and delightful dessert, perfect for the holiday season. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs beautifully with a tender, buttery cake that’s not overly sweet, making this dessert a lovely balance of flavors. With hints of vanilla and almond, this cake is moist and flavorful, complemented by the bright pops of juicy cranberries throughout. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze, it’s an eye-catching and delicious addition to your Christmas dessert table, sure to impress guests with its seasonal charm.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 2 cups)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale. This step is crucial to give the cake a light and airy texture.
- Add butter and flavorings: Gradually beat in the softened butter until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, and mix well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Add cranberries: Fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The batter will be thick, but this helps suspend the cranberries in the cake as it bakes.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting it into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch, or serve with whipped cream if desired.
This Cranberry Christmas Cake is the perfect combination of sweet and tart, making it a delightful holiday dessert that everyone will love!