Celebrate the festive season with the delightful flavors of Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake. This moist and flavorful cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of a classic pound cake, creating a perfect holiday treat. Whether served as a dessert centerpiece or given as a heartfelt gift, this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries, Orange Zest, and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Transfer to Bundt Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little orange juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Decorate (Optional): Decorate the cake with additional cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.
Tips:
- Dust cranberries with a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the glaze, depending on your preference.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting into the cake.
In conclusion, Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table, bringing together the seasonal flavors of cranberries and a classic pound cake. With its festive appearance and delicious taste, this cake is sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions. Share the joy of the season with friends and family by serving this delectable Christmas treat.
