Cranberry Cake : The Best Sweet Dessert for Every Occasion

If there’s one dessert that captures the cozy flavor of the holidays, it’s the cranberry cake. This soft, buttery, and slightly tangy treat combines the sweetness of cake with the bright pop of cranberries — creating a flavor contrast that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a chilly weekend, this easy cranberry cake recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

You’ll find this recipe incredibly simple: no complicated steps, no fancy tools, just classic ingredients that come together beautifully. Plus, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet after-dinner treat. For other festive desserts, check out our Easy Christmas Desserts collection on Recipe Easily.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cake

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

What makes cranberry cake stand out is its balanced flavor profile. The cranberries add a tart freshness that cuts through the sweetness of the buttery batter, giving each bite a lively burst of flavor. Unlike heavier desserts, this cake feels light yet satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that impresses guests without overwhelming them — perfect for holiday dinners or simple family gatherings.

Easy Holiday Cake with Simple Ingredients

You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off. This easy cranberry cake recipe calls for basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen — flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and fresh cranberries. The best part? It comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time. If you enjoy quick, beginner-friendly desserts, you might also love our Simple Vanilla Cake for an everyday treat.

Why Cranberries Make This Cake So Special

Fresh cranberries bring color, moisture, and a distinct tartness that elevates this cake from ordinary to festive. They not only add vibrant pops of red throughout the crumb but also infuse every bite with juicy flavor. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which makes this dessert a slightly healthier indulgence compared to sugar-heavy cakes. For more ideas featuring this seasonal fruit, explore our Cranberry Muffin Recipe.

Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Cake

When baking a cranberry cake, the secret to success lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The right combination of sweetness, acidity, and fat gives this cake its perfectly moist texture and rich flavor. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you’ll need — plus simple swaps if you’re missing something from your pantry.

Fresh or Frozen Cranberries — Which to Use?

Both fresh and frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. Fresh cranberries will give your cake a bright, tart flavor and a burst of color, while frozen cranberries are a convenient choice when the fruit is out of season. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before folding into the batter. Avoid using dried cranberries — they’ll make your cake dense and overly sweet.

Pantry Essentials — Flour, Sugar, and Butter

• Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect crumb structure.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar is standard, but light brown sugar can add a subtle caramel note.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for a smooth, creamy batter. If you’re short on butter, substitute with half butter and half oil for extra moistness.

Flavor Boosters — Vanilla and Orange Zest

To elevate your cranberry cake recipe, include a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a touch of orange zest. The citrusy aroma enhances the natural tartness of the cranberries and adds a holiday touch. You can also add a dash of almond extract for a nutty undertone.

Here’s a quick ingredient reference table for clarity:

Ingredient	Quantity	Substitution Option
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups	Use gluten-free blend for GF version
Sugar	1 cup	Half white & half brown sugar
Butter	½ cup (softened)	Replace with ¼ cup oil + ¼ cup butter
Eggs	2 large	Use ½ cup yogurt for egg-free
Fresh cranberries	2 cups	Frozen cranberries (thawed)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Almond extract for variation
Orange zest	1 tsp	Lemon zest for a sharper taste

For another dessert that uses similar pantry ingredients, check out our Butter Pound Cake Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cranberry Cake

Step 1 – Prepare the Batter Correctly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and orange zest. Slowly add flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined — don’t overmix, as that can make your cake dense.

Step 2 – Fold in the Cranberries Gently

Coat the cranberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking. Use a spatula to fold, not stir — gentle movements keep the batter airy and soft.

Step 3 – Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the cranberries burst and caramelize slightly in the oven.

Step	Temperature	Time	Pan Size
Bake	350°F (175°C)	40–45 minutes	9-inch round or loaf pan

For best results, let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before removing it from the pan. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday finish. If you enjoy fruit-based cakes, our Blueberry Lemon Loaf is another reader favorite.

Step 4 – Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once the cake is cool, slice it into wedges and serve it as is or with whipped cream. The slightly crisp edges and soft crumb make every bite irresistible. It’s equally delicious warm or at room temperature. For added flair, top it with orange glaze or a handful of candied cranberries.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Cake Every Time

Even the simplest cake recipes can go wrong without the right techniques. To help you make a perfect cranberry cake every time, here are tried-and-true baking tips from top sources like The Kitchn and Preppy Kitchen.

How to Keep the Cake Moist and Fluffy

A great cranberry cake should be soft inside and slightly crisp on the edges. To lock in moisture, don’t overmix your batter once the flour is added. Using room-temperature butter and eggs also helps the batter emulsify smoothly. For extra moistness, fold in a spoonful of sour cream or plain yogurt.

If you love this texture, you might also enjoy our Moist Lemon Pound Cake.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overbaking — the cake continues to cook for a few minutes even after you take it out of the oven. Set a timer for 40 minutes and test with a toothpick. Also, make sure cranberries are well-dried after washing, so they don’t add excess moisture. Finally, always use the correct pan size for even heat distribution.

Expert Tricks from The Kitchn and Preppy Kitchen

According to The Kitchn, dusting cranberries with flour prevents them from sinking. Preppy Kitchen also recommends adding almond extract or orange zest to balance the tartness. Combining these methods results in a cake that’s flavorful, balanced, and visually beautiful — a true holiday showstopper.

Delicious Variations of Cranberry Cake

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and small tweaks can transform it into something new and exciting every time.

Cranberry Orange Cake Twist

Add a tablespoon of orange juice and double the zest for a bolder citrus kick. Top with a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and juice. This version tastes like Christmas morning in every bite.

Cranberry Almond Loaf

For a nuttier version, add ½ cup of sliced almonds to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. Almond extract pairs beautifully with cranberries, creating a rich, bakery-style aroma.

Gluten-Free or Vegan Cranberry Cake Options

Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for an entirely plant-based version.

For more dietary-friendly bakes, try our Vegan Banana Bread.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Cake

Best Toppings and Frosting Ideas

Dust your cake with powdered sugar for a classic finish, or drizzle it with cream cheese glaze for extra richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the tart cranberries perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Holidays and Gatherings

This cake shines as a breakfast treat, tea-time snack, or festive dessert. Serve it on a cake stand with fresh cranberries scattered around for a picture-perfect presentation. For more party-worthy desserts, visit our Holiday Baking Recipes.

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Cake

Once completely cool, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap slices individually before freezing to make serving easier later.

FAQ About Cranberry Cake

Conclusion

Why This Cranberry Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Dessert Table

There’s something timeless about a simple, homemade cranberry cake. Its tart bursts of fruit, buttery crumb, and festive colors make it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake guarantees smiles and seconds.

Try This Cranberry Cake for a Simple Yet Impressive Treat

Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and undeniably delicious — this cranberry cake recipe proves that great desserts don’t need complicated steps. Bake it once, and it’ll become a cherished tradition in your kitchen.

For another cozy dessert idea, try our Apple Cinnamon Loaf.

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