Cranberry Bliss Cake: A Festive Delight
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a moist, delicious cranberry cake? This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, promising a delightful treat that's sure to impress your friends and family. Get ready to bake up some holiday cheer!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a 9x13 inch cake. Adjust quantities as needed for different sized pans.
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Baking Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from crumbling.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Frosting the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can get creative with your frosting techniques!
Tips for Cranberry Cake Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
This cranberry cake is perfect served with a cup of coffee or tea. It's also a great dessert to enjoy during the holidays or any special occasion. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped pecans for extra flair!
Enjoy your delicious homemade cranberry cake! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy baking!
