Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday season. With its moist, buttery texture, bursts of tart cranberries, and a hint of orange zest, this cake is as delightful to taste as it is to look at. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening by the fire.

What Is Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake?

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is a rich, dense cake infused with festive flavors. It features a tender crumb from butter and sour cream, tangy cranberries, and the refreshing aroma of orange zest. The orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness, making this cake an irresistible holiday dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and a few fresh additions.
• Burst of flavor: Combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange glaze.
• Festive and versatile: Perfect for Christmas celebrations or gifting.
• Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or bundt pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Adding the Cranberries and Orange Zest

6. Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest using a spatula. Ensure the cranberries are evenly distributed.

Baking the Cake

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Orange Glaze

10. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this pound cake as a standalone dessert or pair it with:

• A dollop of whipped cream.
• A scoop of vanilla or orange ice cream.
• Hot beverages like coffee, tea, or mulled wine.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dried cranberries: Substitute fresh or frozen cranberries with dried cranberries, rehydrated in warm orange juice.
• Citrus twist: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon or lime for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. Use them straight from the freezer to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to help them stay suspended.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is a must-try recipe for the holiday season. Its vibrant colors, festive flavors, and moist texture make it a showstopper on any dessert table. Try it for your next gathering and watch it become a family favorite. Let us know how your cake turns out—we’d love to hear your feedback!

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