The holiday season is a magical time filled with delightful aromas of spices and sweet treats wafting through the air. Imagine a Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake, rich and buttery, bursting with tangy cranberries and a hint of citrus that dances on your palate like an elf at a holiday party. twice baked sweet potatoes with cranberries This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a moment to savor while sipping hot cocoa and sharing laughter with loved ones.
Now, picture this: you’re sitting by the fireplace, surrounded by festive decorations, and someone brings out this stunning cake adorned with a sprinkle of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. You take a bite, and it’s as if the flavors are singing carols in your mouth! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even as an indulgent breakfast treat. fluffy dinner rolls recipe Trust me, this cake will make your taste buds sing louder than Mariah Carey on repeat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is incredibly easy to prepare—even novice bakers can nail it!
- The flavor profile balances buttery richness with tart cranberry goodness
- Visually, it’s festive and inviting, perfect for any holiday table display
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy at any time of day or occasion!
Sharing this cake at our family Christmas dinner was unforgettable—everyone went back for seconds (and thirds!). savory spinach puff pastry
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a rich flavor—trust me; it’s worth it!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; avoid using brown sugar for this recipe.
- Large Eggs: Bring them to room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Sifted flour helps create that light texture we all love in pound cakes. For more inspiration, check out this find additional cake recipes recipe.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh; nothing says “holiday flop” quite like flat cake! For more inspiration, check out this explore more holiday recipes recipe.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Cranberries: These provide that delightful tartness; frozen can work too if fresh aren’t available.
- Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness that complements cranberries perfectly; don’t skip it!
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished cake—like snow on top of a winter wonderland!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan so the cake can slide right out when it’s done!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs One at a Time: Crack each egg into the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to be well incorporated before moving on!
Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures you don’t end up with lumps in your beautiful batter!
Combine Mixtures with Cranberries: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Gently fold in fresh cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed—don’t overmix!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Your kitchen will smell heavenly as this beauty bakes! Once done, let it cool slightly before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy making this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake that’s sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your festivities! festive cranberry orange muffins.
You Must Know
- This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience!
- The balance of sweet and tart flavors will have you dreaming of sugarplums
- Its rich texture pairs perfectly with a cozy evening by the fire
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or sprinkle in some nuts for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour; fold gently
- Use fresh cranberries for vibrant flavor, or frozen if needed
- Always let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape
The first time I made this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake, my family devoured it so quickly I barely got a slice! Their joyful reactions inspired me to bake it every holiday season.
FAQ
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water first for better texture and flavor.
How long does the pound cake last?
It stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about five days.
Can I freeze the cranberry pound cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing flavor.
Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake, a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and citrus undertones enveloped in a rich, buttery cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this cake is sure to enchant your taste buds and create cherished memories around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed. Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg