Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe turns out every single year. It’s such a festive treat that’s perfect when you want to bring a little homemade cheer to your holiday table. The fresh cranberries give it this beautiful tart pop that balances perfectly with the sweet, buttery cake, making it a standout dessert for Christmas morning or any holiday gathering.

When I first tried this cranberry cake, I was amazed at how simple the ingredients came together to create something so special. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving — you don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe. Whether you’re serving friends or family, this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is guaranteed to impress and become a holiday favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors. When you pick your cranberries, fresh ones will give you that vibrant bite, and don’t overlook the orange zest—it’s the little secret that elevates this cranberry cake to another level.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture so your cake rises beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for a smooth batter and rich flavor without extra salt.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, homey aroma that complements the cranberry flavor.
• Almond extract: Just a hint gives the cake a subtle nutty depth—don’t skip it, I promise it’s magic.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated zest wakes up the cake with citrus brightness. I like using a handheld grater to get just the peel without the bitter white pith.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, it keeps everything sturdy but tender.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Fresh cranberries: Adds bursts of tartness and a festive look. Fresh works best here for texture and flavor.

Variations

I love to switch this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own with these fun tweaks—personalizing your cake keeps the recipe fresh and exciting every year!

• Adding Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch—I think it pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries.
• Using Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried work fine—but reduce the sugar slightly since dried cranberries are sweeter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and you’ll have a festive cake everyone can enjoy.
• Spice it Up: Adding cinnamon or nutmeg gives it an extra cozy, holiday vibe—perfect for chilly mornings.

How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your 13×9-inch baking dish generously with baking spray, or if you prefer, use my homemade cake release (a mix of butter and flour rubbed onto the pan). This little step ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Beat Sugar and Eggs Until Fluffy

In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and the eggs together for about 5 minutes. This is one of those small but crucial steps—I learned this trick to get a light and airy batter. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture almost doubles in size and becomes pale and thick.

Step 3: Add Butter and Extracts

Next, add the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Beat everything together for 2 to 3 more minutes until smooth and well combined. The orange zest will start to release its fragrance here, and the almond extract adds a nice depth you don’t want to miss.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Cranberries

Gently add in the flour and kosher salt, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so take it slow here. Then, carefully fold in those fresh cranberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 42 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely before slicing so it sets nicely.

How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this cake with a simple dusting of powdered sugar—it looks like fresh snow falling, which feels just right for Christmas. Sometimes I add a few sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary on top for that festive touch when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate or a warm cup of spiced eggnog. If you’re serving it as breakfast, some creamy whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt balances the tart cranberries nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a playful platter at holiday parties. I’ve also served it layered with a bit of mascarpone frosting between slices to create a simple cake stack—it wowed my guests and was absolutely delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover cranberry cake covered tightly at room temperature, and it stays moist and fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! I wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven. This brings back that just-baked warmth and softness without drying the cake out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe has become one of those comforting traditions I genuinely look forward to every holiday season. It combines simple pantry ingredients with fresh cranberries and bright orange zest to create something both nostalgic and reassuringly delicious. If you’re looking for a holiday cake that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to get compliments, you’ve got to try this—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly Christmas morning!

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