There’s something magically festive about the aroma of a Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake wafting through the house. It’s as if each slice holds a sprinkle of holiday cheer, bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the warmth of spiced butter. festive cranberry orange muffins Imagine a cake that hugs your taste buds while whispering sweet nothings of cinnamon and vanilla—now that’s a reason to gather your loved ones around the table!
This delightful treat isn’t just for show; it’s a memory-maker, perfect for cozy family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging after a long day. Picture yourself slicing into this vibrant cake, revealing its jewel-like cranberries nestled in a soft, buttery crumb. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next slice! For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Its flavor profile combines tart and sweet perfectly, satisfying every palate
- The cake’s stunning red and green hues create visual appeal that impresses at any gathering
- It’s versatile enough to enjoy with coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner
I still remember the first time I made this cake for my family during the holidays. The joy on their faces when they took that first bite was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your cake perfectly but don’t go overboard; we want balance here.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together and create that fluffy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it well to avoid lumps in your batter.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; don’t skip this step!
- Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries for a burst of tartness throughout the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the flavors.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch enhances the festive vibes.
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Optional but recommended—who can resist a sweet drizzle?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking like an unwelcome holiday guest.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it looks like sunshine!
Add Eggs One at a Time: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding another. This helps maintain that airy texture we all love.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting is your friend here—no one wants clumps in their cake.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined; over-mixing leads to tough cake—yikes!
Add Cranberries: Gently fold in cranberries using a spatula—be careful not to crush them! We want those glorious bursts of tartness intact.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—this is key!
After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to wire racks.
Now you have crafted an unforgettable Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake! Serve it warm or at room temperature with an optional powdered sugar glaze on top—a sprinkle makes everything better. savory spinach puff pastry.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious holiday treat that’s sure to spread joy around your table!
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake requires patience and attention
- Ensure your butter is softened to create a fluffy texture
- Don’t rush the creaming process; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel
- The scent of cranberries and vanilla wafting through your kitchen is pure holiday magic
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a beautifully baked Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. fluffy dinner rolls recipe Finally, fold in your dry ingredients and cranberries gently to avoid breaking them.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add some zest from an orange or lemon for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different nuts or substitute cranberries with blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous. A sprinkle of cinnamon works wonders too!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. cranberry apple twice baked potatoes Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your ingredients at room temperature before baking; this helps them blend better
- Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off for accuracy
- When folding in cranberries, be gentle to maintain their shape and texture
Baking this cake always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and delicious aromas during Christmas gatherings. Her tips on incorporating love into every bite are lessons I cherish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, just toss them in flour before adding to prevent sinking.
How do I know when my pound cake is done?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean when it’s fully baked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour mix for great results.
Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive charm of Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake, a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and warm spices enveloped in a buttery crumb. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments, this cake not only captivates with its vibrant hues but also delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Serve it fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with a sweet glaze for an extra touch of magic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in cranberries to preserve their shape and tartness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg