Name: Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 orange, zested (about 2 teaspoons loose zest); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

There’s something about the burst of tart cranberries intermingled with the warm spice and citrus in this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe that just feels like holiday magic on your plate. It’s moist, festive, and absolutely perfect to share with loved ones around the season’s table.

A square piece of cranberry dessert bar sits on top of three stacked white plates. The bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden crumbly crust, the middle layer is bright red with whole and halved cranberries mixed in, and the top layer is a pale, slightly textured crumbly topping with more cranberries. In the background, there is a white baking dish filled with more of the cranberry bars, showing the same red and golden colors. Around the plates are scattered fresh cranberries and slices of orange on a surface with a wood texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe more times than I can count, and every single bake feels like pressing pause on the busy holidays to savor those cozy flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both simple and impressive — trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to pull out year after year.

Bright, Tangy Flavor: The fresh cranberries and orange zest bring a lively tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Easy Prep: Just one bowl and a simple baking dish mean minimal fuss, making this recipe accessible even if you’re pressed for time.
Moist and Crowning Glory: The combination of butter, eggs, and sugar creates a tender crumb that holds the cranberries beautifully.
Festive and Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack alongside a cup of holiday cheer.

A close-up of a square piece of berry dessert being lifted by a spatula above a white baking dish. The dessert has three layers: a light golden, crumbly bottom crust; a middle layer of bright red and purple whole berries that look juicy and soft; and a top layer that is lightly browned and textured with small patches of baked batter and scattered berries. The white marbled surface is blurred in the background, and a woman's hand is holding the light wooden-handled spatula. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe has its part to play, creating that balance of flavor and texture. The fresh cranberries provide that signature tangy pop, while the orange zest lifts the whole cake with citrus brightness.

Flat lay of two brown eggs with clean shells, a small heap of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of clear almond extract, a whole fresh orange with bright orange zest beside it, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small pinch of kosher salt on the side, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh, plump cranberries, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a fine crumb texture when beaten with eggs.
Eggs: They provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully when properly beaten.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth to the cake.
Almond Extract: A subtle nutty note that works surprisingly well with cranberries.
Orange Zest: Fresh zest from a whole orange brightens the flavor profile, so don’t skip this!
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure without making the cake too dense.
Kosher Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the tartness of cranberries.
Fresh Cranberries: The star of the cake – they keep the crumb moist and add that festive pop with every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I enjoy most about the Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I often play around with a few add-ins or swap out flavors to match the mood or occasion.

Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch — it pairs beautifully with the fruity tartness. When hosting friends who prefer gluten-free, I substitute a blend of gluten-free flour and an extra pinch of xanthan gum, and it works surprisingly well!
Spice it Up: For a warmer twist, sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice; it’s amazing with the cranberries.
Sweeten Differently: You can replace some sugar with brown sugar or honey to give a richer flavor and deeper color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything Before You Start

Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 13×9 baking dish with baking spray or your favorite homemade cake release. This simple step saves you hassle later when it’s time to remove your cake. While the oven warms, gather and measure all your ingredients — having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Beat Sugar and Eggs Until Fluffy

This is a crucial step. Beat the granulated sugar with the eggs for about 5 minutes until the mixture roughly doubles in size and turns a pale, light yellow. It almost looks like a creamy mousse. This aeration helps your cake rise and gives it that tender crumb texture we love. Don’t rush this part — the texture depends on it!

Step 3: Add Butter, Extracts, and Orange Zest

Now add the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is fully combined and creamy. The butter enriching the mixture here is what makes this cake feel extra indulgent and moist.

Step 4: Mix in Flour, Salt, and Fold in Cranberries

Gently add the flour and kosher salt, just until everything comes together as a batter. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the batter light. The last step is folding in the fresh cranberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake. This folding instead of stirring helps keep the berries intact and creates those delightful bursts of flavor as you bite in.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 42-45 minutes. Around the 40-minute mark, I start checking with a toothpick — insert it in the center and look for a clean or just slightly crumb-coated stick. Let your cake cool completely in the pan; it helps it set and makes slicing easier. Patience here pays off deliciously!

Top Tip

After lots of trial and error, I’ve learned a few things to make this Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe truly shine. These tips saved me time and guaranteed a perfect cake every time – I’m hoping they’ll do the same for you.

Room Temperature Ingredients: For easier mixing and better texture, always use butter and eggs at room temperature — it really makes a difference.
Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: It adds a fresh brightness that lifts the cranberries, balancing the sweetness and making the flavors pop.
Mix Don’t Overmix: Folding the cranberries in gently preserves their shape and prevents the batter from turning tough.
Check Early When Baking: Ovens vary, so start testing your cake a few minutes before time’s up to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

cranberry Christmas cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping slices of this cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a light spread of softened cream cheese frosting for a little extra indulgence. Fresh cranberries on the side or some chopped pistachios add a pretty festive touch too.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with mugs of hot cocoa, spicy eggnog, or a warm cup of chai tea — all perfect for chilly mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up during the holidays. I often set it out alongside a cheese board or fruit platter for brunch gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like cutting the cake into little squares and serving them on festive platters garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries. It turns a simple cake into an elegant centerpiece. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper and tying with twine makes a sweet edible gift to surprise someone special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers covered tightly at room temperature if I plan to enjoy them within 3-5 days. The cake holds its moisture nicely, and I find it tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully, which is great for holiday prep. I slice it before freezing and wrap the pieces individually in plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

I like reheating slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes to avoid drying out, or briefly in the microwave for about 20 seconds if I’m in a hurry. Adding a tiny dab of butter before warming helps keep it moist and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this cake?

Frozen cranberries can work, but I recommend thawing and draining them well first to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter, which can affect texture. Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so start checking at 40 minutes to ensure perfect moistness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and festive.

How long will this cake keep fresh?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet — up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking — it’s reliable, festive, and invites that cozy feeling of sharing something homemade with people you care about. Give it a try this season — I promise it’ll become one of your new holiday favorites. Plus, nothing beats the smell that fills your kitchen while it’s baking!