Go Back

Cranberry Christmas Cake

A festive holiday cake bursting with tart cranberries, sweet buttery crumb, and a bright cranberry glaze. Perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Christmas
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp cranberry juice
  • fresh cranberries for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Cake pan
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
  2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Fold in fresh cranberries.
  7. Spread batter into prepared pan and bake 45–55 minutes.
  8. Let cool completely.
  9. Mix powdered sugar and cranberry juice to make glaze.
  10. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and top with fresh cranberries.

Notes

For extra brightness, add more orange zest or finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.