Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries is a festive dessert combining sweet, buttery cake and tart cranberries, topped with creamy frosting and optional candied cranberries.
The flavor is rich, sweet, and slightly tangy, making each bite delicious and memorable. I made this cake inspired by a holiday baking show I was watching, wanting to bring warmth and joy to the season.
I will now share step by step instructions to prepare this delightful Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries.
Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries
The Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries is a festive, rich, and moist dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness.
Its main speciality lies in the use of fresh cranberries, which add a bright, tangy flavor and vibrant red colour, making it visually striking and seasonally festive.
The creamy cream cheese frosting complements the tart cranberries, while optional candied cranberries add a sparkling, decorative touch.
This Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries is not only delicious but also embodies the traditional holiday spirit, making it a standout centrepiece for Christmas celebrations.
How To Prepare Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking/Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Western / Holiday
Yield: 12 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for candied cranberries)
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For The Frosting:
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Candied Cranberries (Optional):
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sparkling sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat The Oven And Prep The Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick. Set it aside for now.
2. Cream Butter And Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients And Cranberries
Gradually fold in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in 12 ounces of fresh cranberries so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them.
4. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make The Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth. Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
6. Frost The Cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
7. Optional: Candied Cranberries For Decoration
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 1/2 cups cranberries and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re coated. Remove from heat and toss them in 1 cup of sparkling sugar. Let them cool, then use them to decorate the frosted cake.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Recipe Variations
➣ Substitute half of the all purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and moist texture.
➣ Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter to enhance the tartness of the cranberries.
➣ Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy, rich element.
➣ Replace the cream cheese frosting with a white chocolate ganache for a sweeter, decadent finish.
➣ Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness and festive colour.
Secrets To Perfect Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries
➢ Use fresh cranberries for a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.
➢ Beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender, airy texture.
➢ Fold the cranberries gently into the batter to prevent crushing and maintain bursts of flavor.
➢ Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting or sliding.
➢ Candied cranberries add a festive sparkle and enhance both texture and presentation.
Usage Suggestions
Serve slices of this Christmas Cake Recipe with Cranberries as a centrepiece dessert during holiday meals, bringing colour and flavor to the table.
Pair it with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or mulled wine to enhance the festive experience. Decorate slices with extra cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added charm.
Share portions with friends and family, use it for holiday parties, or enjoy as a special treat throughout the season.
Why This Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries stands out because it balances sweetness and tartness beautifully, creating a rich, flavourful dessert that satisfies every bite.
The combination of fresh cranberries, buttery cake, and creamy frosting creates layers of texture and taste that feel festive and indulgent.
Candied cranberries on top add elegance and a touch of crunch. This recipe delivers consistent results, impressive presentation, and unforgettable holiday flavor, making it a reliable choice for holiday celebrations.
Storage & Make Ahead
This Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries can be prepared in advance and stored to maintain freshness. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Frosting can be prepared ahead and kept chilled. Candied cranberries can be made a day before and stored separately.
This allows for easy assembly and ensures the cake stays moist, flavourful, and ready to serve during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen cranberries and drain excess liquid before adding to the batter to prevent extra moisture.
How Do I Prevent The Cake From Sticking To The Pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
Can This Cake Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance, frosted the next day, and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I Use A Different Frosting?
Yes, butter cream or whipped cream frosting can be used instead of cream cheese frosting.
Are Candied Cranberries Necessary?
Candied cranberries are optional but add extra flavor, texture, and festive decoration.
Conclusion
Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries was such an easy and enjoyable experience, and the delicious result was a complete success!
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself this holiday season. It’s simple to make, yet impressively festive and flavourful.
I’m excited for you to bake it soon don’t forget to share just how delicious it turns out after you make Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries!
If You Love Cake Recipe Try These Out!
Chantilly Cake Recipe | Best Ever
Chiffon Cupcake Recipe | Fluffy And Light
Banana Cake Sara Lee Recipe || Best Here
Delicious Sourdough King Cake Recipe
Paul Newman Cake Recipe || Best Ever
Christmas Cake Recipe With Cranberries
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for candied cranberries)
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For The Frosting:
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Candied Cranberries (Optional):
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sparkling sugar
Instructions
Preheat The Oven And Prep The Pan
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick. Set it aside for now.
Cream Butter And Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully blended.
Add Dry Ingredients And Cranberries
- Gradually fold in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in 12 ounces of fresh cranberries so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them.
Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make The Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth. Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
Frost The Cake
- Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
Optional: Candied Cranberries For Decoration
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 1/2 cups cranberries and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re coated. Remove from heat and toss them in 1 cup of sparkling sugar. Let them cool, then use them to decorate the frosted cake.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350 kcal | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Sugar: 35 g | Protein: 4 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”