Cranberry Christmas Cake

Celebrate the Holidays with Cranberry Christmas Cake

Introduction: The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting desserts, and Cranberry Christmas Cake fits the bill perfectly. This cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of cake batter, creating a delightful balance of flavors. With its moist texture and beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Here’s how to make this festive treat, along with some tips for serving and variations.

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
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh mint leaves and cranberries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar for about 5-7 minutes, until thick and light in color. This step is crucial for the cake’s texture.
3. Add Butter and Vanilla: Beat in the softened butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix in Flour: Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
5. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cranberries for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pairing: Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
• Garnish: Fresh mint leaves and cranberries add a festive look and can be arranged on top just before serving.
• Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, bake the cake in a bundt pan and drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Variations:

• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the cranberries.
• Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion: Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delightful holiday dessert that is both simple to make and beautiful to serve. Its combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake is sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and presentations to make this cake your own!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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