Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, festive treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet, this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is a winner. I love how the fresh cranberries pop throughout the cake, giving every bite a burst of vibrant flavor that feels just right for holiday mornings or afternoon tea. You’ll find that it’s not only delicious but also charmingly simple to make, which is a huge bonus when your kitchen is already buzzing with holiday preparations.

When I first tried this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe, I was hooked by the tender crumb and bright zing from the orange zest paired with those juicy cranberries. It’s ideal for gatherings because it’s easy to slice, share, and store. Trust me, once you bake this cake, it’s going to become a go-to in your Christmas baking rotation, especially when you want something that feels homemade but comes together without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe plays a key role—from the richness of the butter to the citrus brightness of fresh orange zest. Here’s what you want to gather before you start so your baking flows smoothly.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances cranberry tartness without overpowering.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help create a light, fluffy texture when properly beaten.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, comforting aroma that enhances every bite.
• Almond extract: Gives the cake a subtle nutty undertone that pairs so beautifully with cranberries.
• Orange zest: Adds fresh, citrus brightness making the cake smell and taste festive.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cake; it’s important not to overmix once added to keep tenderness.
• Kosher salt: A pinch sharpens the overall flavors and rounds out sweetness.
• Fresh cranberries: The star ingredient that surprises you in every slice with tart bursts.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe depending on what I have on hand and the vibe I want to create. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your style—it’s surprisingly forgiving!

• Swap berries: I’ve tried adding frozen blueberries or chopped dried cherries for a twist; they add sweetness and depth while keeping that festive feel.
• Gluten-free: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well here—I’ve made it a few times and the cake still has a lovely texture.
• Nuts add crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans folded in elevate the nutty flavor from the almond extract and add a pleasant crunch.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives it a more classic holiday spice profile if you’re craving that cozy aroma.

How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always spray my 13×9 inch baking dish with baking spray, but if you prefer, you can use my homemade cake release (it works wonders for a clean lift). Getting your pan ready early means no scrambling once your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Beat Sugar and Eggs Until Fluffy

This is a key step you’ll want to take seriously. Beat your granulated sugar with eggs for about 5 minutes—until the mixture doubles in size and looks pale and fluffy. This aeration is what lightens the cake’s texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Butter and Extracts

Next, add in the softened butter, vanilla, almond extract, and that lovely orange zest. Beat everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes—this helps combine flavors and keeps the batter silky. I love how the orange zest really brightens up the aroma here.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cranberries

Sprinkle in your flour and salt, stirring gently just until combined (no overmixing here!). Then fold in the fresh cranberries carefully so you don’t crush them. You’ll notice the batter comes together nicely with those juicy pops suspended throughout.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven for 42 to 45 minutes. It’s ready when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely before slicing—that’s the trick to clean, pretty pieces.

How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Sometimes, a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary gives that festive touch that makes the presentation special but effortless.

Side Dishes

Serving this cake alongside a mug of hot chocolate, a spiced latte, or even a cozy cup of hot apple cider makes the whole experience feel like a holiday hug. It’s also lovely with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a richer treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas brunches, I’ve layered slices with cream cheese frosting and extra fresh cranberries for a festive cranberry layer cake. Alternatively, cut into squares and serve on a holiday platter decorated with pine needles and cinnamon sticks—it’s a Pinterest-worthy crowd pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftover slices covered tightly at room temperature for up to five days. This cake holds moisture well, so it stays soft and delicious without drying out if wrapped properly.

Freezing

When I want to prep ahead, I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making your holiday baking stress-free.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil for a few minutes. This gently revives the cake’s softness without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe because it captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite—fresh, bright, sweet, and perfectly comforting. If you’re after a cake that’s simple to make yet impressive on the table, this one is your new best friend. Give it a try, and I’m sure your family will be asking for it year after year, just like mine does. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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