Moist Cranberry Cake Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Treat

The holidays make me want a warm, inviting treat to share with my family and friends—one that has just the right amount of sweet and sour tastes. And that's when the cranberry cake comes in. This cake is great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family get-together because it is light fluffy and full of fresh cranberries. It's not only really tasty, but also really simple to make, which makes it a great recipe for busy holiday homes. So, are you ready to wow your guests? Let's get started on this delicious Cranberry Cake recipe!

The Best Time to Make Cranberry Cake

Most of the time, cranberry sauce is the star of Thanksgiving dinner, but cranberries are often forgotten as an ingredient in desserts. That's not the case with this cake. The cranberries’ tart and slightly sweet taste goes well with the creaminess of the butter and sugar. This cake can be used for many different occasions, not just Thanksgiving. It's great for any holiday or casual get-together. Because it is light, it goes well with coffee or tea in the afternoon, and its bright color makes it just as appropriate for the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cake Recipe

Cranberry cake is a simple treat that doesn't need a lot of complicated steps or fancy ingredients to be special. It is simple to make, and when it's done, it turns into a tasty cake that's great for sharing during the holidays. When you mix the sour cranberries with the sweet and sour orange zest and lemon juice, you get a delicious taste that everyone will love.

The cranberries really make this cake stand out, though, because they keep their shape so well while baking and add a wonderful burst of flavor to every bite. Plus, it doesn't take long to make and only needs a few simple items, so you can enjoy the party instead of working hard in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup unsalted butter at room temperature (for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
1 Cup sugar (for sweetness and balance)
1/2 Cup milk cream (for richness and moisture)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice (adds a fresh, zesty kick)
1 Tablespoon orange zest (to infuse the cake with bright, citrusy notes)
2 Eggs (providing structure and binding the ingredients together)
3/4 Teaspoon vanilla extract (for depth and sweetness)
2 teaspoons baking powder (to help the cake rise)
1 Teaspoon salt (to balance the flavors)
2 Cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of the cake)
2 Cups whole cranberries (fresh, vibrant, and the star of the show)

How to Make Cranberry Cake?

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy cake. Take your time here—creaming the butter and sugar properly will make a noticeable difference in the texture of your cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar are fully creamed, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix everything togetheruntil smooth and well incorporated. The citrus zest will give the cake a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is essential because it helps prevent clumps of flour and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents (baking powder and salt).

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating as you go. Once incorporated, add the lemon juice to the milk cream and mix it into the batter. Adding lemon juice to the milk creates a buttermilk-like effect, adding a slight tang and tenderness to the cake. Finally, mix in the remaining dry ingredients until everything is well integrated.

Step 6: Add the Cranberries

Gently fold in the whole cranberries. Be careful not to crush them—just gently mix to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cranberries will burst as they bake, giving the cake pockets of tart sweetness.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a baking pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking. A standard 9x9-inch pan works perfectly, but if you prefer a thicker cake, you can use a smaller pan.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into the pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know your Cranberry Cake is done when it has a light, golden color and is firm to the touch.

A pan of Cranberry Cake for Thanksgiving feast.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once your cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. You can sprinkle the top with a little confectioner's sugar and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Zulay's Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cake

Fresh Cranberries vs. Dried: Fresh cranberries work best in this recipe because they provide a juicy burst of flavor. If you must use dried cranberries, be sure to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before folding them into the batter.
Make It a Muffin: If you prefer muffins over cake, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply spoon the batter into a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Add Nuts or Spices: Want to take this cake up a notch? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Cranberry muffins served for Thanksgiving day.

Why Cranberry Cake is the Ultimate Holiday Dessert

Cranberry cake is the perfect holiday treat because it is rich, tasty, and looks beautiful. Each bite is a pleasure because the fresh cranberries are sour and go well with the sweet batter. It tastes bright and lemony from the orange zest and lemon juice, and the buttery cake texture makes it melt in your mouth. This pie is great to serve after a big Thanksgiving meal or even as a coffee-time treat at Christmas morning brunch. This treat is both tasty and easy to make. It looks like it took hours to make, but you'll be done in less than an hour!

Zulay's Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a holiday tradition in the making. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, a tender crumb, and the festive colors of fresh cranberries, it’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends. It’s simple, and delicious, and makes every occasion feel a little more special. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking—you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to become a holiday favorite for years to come.

A Cranberry Cake served for Thanksgiving day.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Have you tried this Cranberry Cake recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or let us know if you have any suggestions for improving this recipe. What other holiday desserts would you like to see next?