Fresh cranberry cake is a delicious dessert made with tart cranberries that are balanced out with sweet ingredients. It is a perfect dessert for the fall and winter seasons when cranberries are in season. This cake is moist and tender, with a hint of citrus flavor from the orange zest. The fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness and a lovely pop of color to the cake.
To make this cranberry cake, you will need basic baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. The recipe also calls for fresh cranberries, which can be found in most grocery stores during the fall and winter months. The cranberries are chopped and folded into the batter, creating pockets of tangy goodness. This cake is best served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. It is a crowd-pleasing dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
The Fresh Cranberry Cake recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make this delicious cake, you will need these easily accessible ingredients. The all-purpose flour serves as the base of the cake, while the fresh cranberries provide a tart and fruity flavor. Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake, and unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Milk and eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the cake a fluffy texture. Baking powder is used as a leavening agent to make the cake rise, while salt enhances the overall flavor. Lastly, vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma to the cake.
Step-by-step instructions for making Fresh Cranberry Cake
Here are the detailed steps to make a delicious Fresh Cranberry Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups (240 grams) of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to mix.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (113 grams) of unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in 2 cups (225 grams) of fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup (57 grams) of chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, you can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for an added touch. Enjoy!
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Fresh Cranberry Cake
When it comes to making a delicious fresh cranberry cake, professional chefs have a few tried and true tips that can elevate your baking game. Here are some expert recommendations to help you create a perfect cranberry cake:
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key to achieving a tart and vibrant flavor in your cake. Avoid using frozen cranberries as they tend to release more liquid during baking, which can affect the texture of the cake.
- Add orange zest: To enhance the flavor profile of your cranberry cake, consider adding some orange zest to the batter. The citrus notes will complement the tartness of the cranberries, creating a well-balanced and refreshing taste.
- Add a touch of spice: To add warmth and depth to your cranberry cake, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These aromatic spices will complement the tartness of the cranberries and create a more complex flavor profile.
Remember to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the baking time and temperature as needed. Successful baking is often the result of careful measurements and precision. Enjoy your homemade fresh cranberry cake!
Reviews
I recently tried the Fresh Cranberry Cake and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the tart cranberries with the sweet cake was a perfect balance. The cake itself was moist and fluffy, and had a lovely vanilla flavor that complemented the cranberries beautifully. The cranberries added a tangy burst of flavor, and their vibrant red color made the cake look festive and inviting. It was the perfect treat for the holiday season!
What I loved most about this cake was how easy it was to make. The recipe was straightforward and the ingredients were simple, yet the end result was impressive. I followed the instructions precisely and the cake turned out perfectly. It was a hit with my family and friends, who couldn’t stop raving about it. Even those who aren’t usually fans of cranberries were won over by the flavors in this cake.
I highly recommend trying the Fresh Cranberry Cake. It’s a great way to incorporate cranberries into your holiday baking, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering or simply enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is a delightful treat that will leave you wanting more.
As a fan of cranberries, I couldn’t resist trying out the Fresh Cranberry Cake recipe. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The cake turned out to be incredibly moist and perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness. The tartness of the cranberries provided a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the cake.
What I particularly enjoyed about this recipe was the generous amount of cranberries used. They added a burst of vibrant color and a tangy taste that complemented the cake’s sweetness. The texture of the cranberries also added a delightful bite, making each slice a sensory delight.
The recipe itself was easy to follow, and the instructions were clear and concise. The cake baked beautifully, with the edges turning golden brown while the center remained soft and moist. The aroma that filled the kitchen while it was baking was simply tantalizing.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Fresh Cranberry Cake to anyone who enjoys the combination of tangy and sweet flavors. Whether you are a fan of cranberries or simply looking for a new dessert recipe to try, this cake is sure to impress. It is the perfect treat for any occasion, be it a family gathering or a dinner party.
I recently tried the Fresh Cranberry Cake recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the tart cranberries and the sweet cake was perfect. The cake itself was moist and had a light and fluffy texture, which complemented the burst of flavor from the cranberries. I loved how the cranberries added a pop of color to the cake, making it visually appealing as well.
The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were simple and easy to find. The cranberries were the star of the show and brought a unique and refreshing taste to the cake. I also enjoyed the slight tanginess that the cranberries added to the overall flavor. The cake was not overly sweet, which I appreciated, as it allowed the natural sweetness of the cranberries to shine through. I served slices of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream, and it was the perfect dessert for a cozy winter evening.
I would highly recommend trying this recipe if you’re a fan of cranberries or if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful cake. It’s a great option for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. The Fresh Cranberry Cake is a definite crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone asking for the recipe. I can’t wait to make this cake again and enjoy it with family and friends!