There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cranberry sauce cake wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Imagine fluffy layers infused with tartness, kissed by sweet holiday memories. sweet cranberry dessert option The moment you cut into this cake, its rich red hue gleams like rubies, inviting you to take a bite.
This delightful dessert is perfect for those festive gatherings when family and friends gather around the table, eager to indulge. Trust me; every slice promises an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds and thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry sauce cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
- Its unique flavor profile balances tart and sweet perfectly, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy
- The vibrant color makes it a showstopper at any gathering or potluck
- Ideal for holidays but versatile enough as an everyday treat!
I still remember the first time I made this cranberry sauce cake; my friends couldn’t believe I had created such a masterpiece from scratch! perfect drink pairing.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; both work beautifully in this recipe. seasonal fall cookie recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for that fluffy texture; sift it for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Baking Powder: This helps your cake rise, creating that light, airy bite we all love.
- Eggs: They provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs yield the best results.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; melt it for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth of flavor; opt for pure extract if possible.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the batter creamy and rich; you can substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully!
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 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout your cake.
Create the Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk melted butter with eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and slightly frothy—this means you’re on the right track!
Combine Everything Together: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix unless you want an overly chewy cake—nobody wants that!
Add Cranberry Sauce: Fold in the cranberry sauce carefully until evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll notice swirls of red beginning to appear—it’s a beautiful sight!
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine during this time!
Once it’s done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cake is perfect served warm or at room temperature, maybe even topped with whipped cream or powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy!
So there you have it—a scrumptious cranberry sauce cake ready to impress! Enjoy every slice while reminiscing about those cherished moments shared around your own dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Apple Cider Punch recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry sauce cake is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter!
- The blend of tart cranberries and sweet cake creates a flavor explosion
- Plus, it’s simple enough for a beginner but impressive enough to wow your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cranberry sauce first and let it cool while you mix the batter. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully in your cake.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding orange zest or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. These variations can elevate your cranberry sauce cake to new heights. For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor
- If using canned, drain them well before mixing
- Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dryness
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it for better spreadability
I remember the first time I made this cranberry sauce cake for Thanksgiving; my family devoured it faster than I could say “seconds.” They even asked for the recipe! savory cranberry dish.
FAQ
What can I substitute for cranberries in this recipe?
You can use any tart fruit like cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped.
Is there a gluten-free option available?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
Warm Cranberry Sauce Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of this warm cranberry sauce cake, a showstopper for any occasion. With its vibrant red hue and a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Each slice offers a burst of flavor that evokes cherished holiday memories, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the cranberry sauce until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
