Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a holiday treat that really captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It features a rich and buttery pound cake base that’s generously studded with tart, bright cranberries and a hint of zesty orange to give it that festive pop. Finished with a luscious vanilla glaze, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for everything from holiday parties to cozy mornings with your favorite cup of coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients sets the foundation for a perfect Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the butter creating that tender crumb or the cranberries adding bursts of tangy freshness that brighten every bite.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture for a tender cake texture.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a light, fluffy crumb.
• 4 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds a bright citrus lift that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for our cake batter—use good quality for best results.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ cup sour cream: Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour): The star ingredient providing tartness and festive color while staying evenly distributed.

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet finish.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts glaze consistency perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle flavor to complement the cake.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Proper preparation is key, so grease and flour your 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your beautiful cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and setting up a tender crumb in your Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest

One by one, mix in the eggs, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and creamy. Then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest to infuse that lovely holiday aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt for balanced flavor and rise.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream—start and finish with the flour mixture. This technique keeps the batter smooth, moist, and evenly textured.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold the cranberries, which you’ll toss in flour beforehand to prevent sinking. This little trick helps spread tart bursts of cranberry throughout the cake instead of gathering at the bottom.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over the top of the cooled cake for that final festive touch.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the cake’s holiday charm with a few extra touches. Fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even a gentle dusting of powdered sugar make delightful garnishes that add color and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of tangy crème fraîche to complement its rich and fruity flavors. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, slice the cake and place individual servings on pretty holiday plates. Layer slices with cream and cranberries for a quick trifle, or gift wrap a whole loaf with festive ribbon to share the joy of this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more.

Freezing

This pound cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked feel, especially if you’ve added the glaze afterward.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones, but be sure to toss them in flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in the same quantity to maintain the cake’s moistness and subtle tang.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free butter and a plant-based sour cream alternative, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free while still enjoying the same great flavor and texture.

Is this cake suitable for gift-giving?

Definitely! The Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe creates a beautiful, festive cake that wraps well and makes a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.

How long will the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this delicious pound cake will stay moist and fresh for about 3 days.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe enough if you want to bring a little extra joy to your holiday table. Its perfect blend of buttery richness, tart cranberries, and bright orange zest, all topped with a smooth glaze, will quickly make it a new festive favorite. Give it a go and watch it become the star dessert everyone asks for year after year!

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