Delightful Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe to Savor

The aroma of a freshly baked Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of holiday cheer. Picture this: a moist, buttery cake speckled with tart cranberries that burst like tiny flavor fireworks in your mouth, all while cinnamon and vanilla dance together like old friends at a holiday party. cranberry apple sweet potatoes

Every bite is a delightful reminder of cozy family gatherings, where laughter and love fill the room just as much as the scent of baking treats. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an invitation to create memories over steaming cups of cocoa or shared stories around the fireplace.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow guests
  • The tangy cranberries balance beautifully with sweet vanilla, creating an unforgettable flavor profile
  • Its vibrant red and green colors make it visually stunning on any festive table
  • This cake is versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert, making it perfect for any holiday gathering

Sharing this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake recipe at our annual holiday get-together left everyone asking for seconds and thirds. savory spinach puff pastry

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a rich flavor that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
  • Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that enhances the cake’s overall sweetness and helps create that lovely crumb.
  • Eggs: Fresh large eggs are key to binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cake; sift it to ensure lightness and avoid lumps.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for giving your pound cake that beautiful rise, making it fluffy rather than dense. fluffy dinner rolls recipe.
  • Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best aroma and flavor, enhancing every other ingredient.
  • Cranberries (fresh or frozen): These tart gems add bursts of flavor; if using frozen, don’t thaw them first.
  • Cinnamon: A sprinkle adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the cranberries perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes; you want a nice fluffy texture here.

Add Eggs One at a Time: Incorporate eggs into the mixture one by one, fully blending each before adding another. This helps create an airy batter that bakes beautifully.

Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps aerate these dry ingredients ensuring even distribution throughout your batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your butter mixture alternating with milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your cake stays light!

Add Cranberries Last: Gently fold in fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed. The trick is to keep some cranberries whole for those wonderful bursts of flavor when you slice into the cake.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan; bake for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Enjoying this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake will surely become a cherished holiday tradition in your home! For more inspiration, check out this explore more holiday recipes recipe.

You Must Know

  • This delightful Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is perfect for holiday gatherings
  • Its vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavors will impress guests
  • The aroma of baking will fill your home, creating a cozy feeling that’s hard to resist

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter and sugar first; this creates a fluffy base. Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine everything for a smooth batter.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add nuts or swap cranberries for blueberries if you prefer. A splash of orange zest can also elevate the flavor profile and make it extra festive. festive cranberry orange muffins.

Storing & Reheating

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
  • Avoid over-mixing to keep your pound cake light and airy
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and better presentation

Baking this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. For more inspiration, check out this find delicious dessert ideas recipe.

FAQs

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 the pound cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when baked perfectly.

Can I freeze leftover pound cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Print
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Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake


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  • Author: platesdaily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Description

Indulge in the warmth of the holidays with this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake. Moist and buttery, each slice features bursts of tart cranberries complemented by hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake not only captivates with its vibrant colors but also fills your home with a delightful aroma that invites family and friends to gather around. Create lasting memories over this delicious treat that’s sure to become a holiday favorite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, blending fully after each addition.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternately with milk until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in cranberries.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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