Imagine slicing into a moist, golden cake bursting with ruby-red cranberries. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and a tangy pop of flavor. It’s a dessert that turns any gathering into a celebration!
This Cranberry Celebration Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience. The bright cranberries add color and excitement, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve something special. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can create magic right in your kitchen.
Think of the smiles on your family and friends’ faces when they taste this irresistible cake. The mix of soft cake and juicy cranberries will have everyone asking for seconds. Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe will make you feel like a pro!
Are you ready to whip up something amazing? Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking! The Cranberry Celebration Cake is waiting for you to make it the star of your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Holidays & Celebrations: This cranberry cake is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
- Moist and Flavorful: With the addition of sour cream, this cake has an ultra-moist crumb. The fresh cranberries burst in every bite, offering a tangy balance to the sweet base.
- Spice Harmony: The cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the cake, making it feel cozy and comforting.
- Versatile Cake: Serve this cake as-is, or top it with a glaze, whipped cream, or ice cream to elevate the dessert.
- Easy to Make: Even with fresh cranberries and walnuts (optional), the preparation and baking process are simple and straightforward.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s make sure you have the right tools for the job. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10-inch Bundt Pan: This classic cake pan gives the cake a beautiful, evenly baked shape.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine your dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: For effortlessly beating together the wet ingredients and incorporating the flour.
- Whisk: To evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowl and folding ingredients together.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cake after it’s done baking.
Ingredients for Cranberry Celebration Cake
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this festive cake (don’t worry, the exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich base for the cake.
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist crumb.
- Eggs (4 large): Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure of the cake.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A warm spice that complements the cinnamon and enhances the holiday feel.
The Cranberries:
- Fresh Cranberries (2 cups): These provide that signature tartness and a pop of color.
- Chopped Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a bit of texture and a nutty flavor. You can skip this if you prefer a nut-free version.
Decoration:
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Gives the cake a lovely finishing touch and adds a little extra sweetness.
Variations for Cranberry Celebration Cake
This cake is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways you can adjust it to your tastes or dietary needs:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter variation, you can fold in white or dark chocolate chips with the cranberries for a delicious contrast.
- Use Orange Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest to the batter for an extra citrusy boost. This complements the cranberries wonderfully.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use a non-dairy butter (like vegan butter or coconut oil). Use dairy-free sour cream or applesauce as a replacement for the sour cream.
- Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, top the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Try Different Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, you could swap them for pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to create this wonderful Cranberry Celebration Cake from start to finish.
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly dust it with flour. This ensures your cake comes out of the pan easily once it’s baked.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important to incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake its light texture.
Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and sour cream, and continue to beat until smooth. The sour cream will help keep the cake moist and tender.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevents any lumps from forming in your batter.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
5. Add the Cranberries & Nuts
Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter with a spatula. The cranberries will naturally break open as you mix them in, releasing their tart juice and creating pockets of flavor throughout the cake. If you’re using walnuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
6. Pour the Batter Into the Bundt Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
7. Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should have slightly pulled away from the edges of the pan.
8. Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely on the rack.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar & Serve
Once the cake is cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Cranberry Celebration Cake
This Cranberry Celebration Cake is perfect on its own, but here are a few fun ways to serve and elevate the presentation:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cake with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Whipped Cream & Berries: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and extra fresh cranberries or other berries.
- Glazed: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice for extra sweetness.
- Coffee Pairing: Pair this cake with a cup of coffee or a spiced tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storing Cranberry Celebration Cake
- Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
Cranberry Celebration Cake FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to toss them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Can I make this cake in a regular round cake pan?
Absolutely! You can use two 9-inch round cake pans instead of a Bundt pan. Just reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness after about 35-40 minutes.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily leave them out. The cake will still be delicious without them.
Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup. The cranberries will still provide a tart balance to the flavor.
Conclusion
Cranberry Celebration Cake is truly the epitome of a festive dessert. It combines the freshness of cranberries with the warmth of spices and a soft, moist texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast or a casual gathering, this cake will make any occasion feel special. Its vibrant flavor and beautiful appearance will surely earn you rave reviews!
# Recipe Card
Cranberry Celebration Cake
Yield: 12-16 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: ~1.5 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg).
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in cranberries and walnuts (optional).
- Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your Cranberry Celebration Cake!