The holiday season is all about indulging in treats that make the festivities even sweeter, and this Christmas cranberry cake is a perfect example.

Packed with juicy cranberries and a touch of white chocolate, this cake offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet in every bite.

It’s ideal for a holiday party, family gathering, or just a special dessert after dinner.

What makes it even better is that it’s easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

The combination of the festive cranberries and rich, buttery cake creates something that feels just right for the occasion.

Let’s get started and create a dessert that’s sure to bring joy to your celebrations!

Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries (or thaw frozen cranberries)
• 1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips

Instructions

Prep

1. If you’re using frozen cranberries, leave them out to thaw while you get everything ready.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Make The Batter

1. Beat the granulated sugar and softened butter together until they’re light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
3. Mix in the yogurt and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Clean off the beaters, then gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips by hand.
6. The batter will be thick, so use some muscle to mix it well, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Bake

1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
2. Place the pan in the middle of the oven, making sure it’s not touching the sides.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before cutting.

Serve

1. Enjoy the cake on its own, or add a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream (optional).
2. Slice and indulge!

Tips For Making Perfect Cranberry Christmas Cake

Making the perfect Cranberry Christmas cake doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are some simple tips to help you bake a cake that’s both delicious and beautiful:

• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed and patted dry to avoid extra moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients, or your cake may turn out dense.
• Room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs mix better, making the batter smoother and fluffier.
• Try a toothpick test before removing the cake from the oven—insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Variations For Cranberry Christmas Cake

Want to switch up the flavor or style of your cranberry cake? Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch.
• Mix in orange zest for a citrus twist that complements the cranberries.
• Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Try adding a swirl of caramel to give the cake a sweet, indulgent touch.
• Top with cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream for a tangy-sweet finish.

What To Serve With Your Christmas Cranberry Cake?

Here are some simple options to serve alongside your cranberry cake, perfect for enhancing your holiday table:

• Whipped cream
• Ice cream (vanilla or cinnamon flavor works great)
• Powdered sugar dusting
• A dollop of yogurt or custard
• Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries

How To Store Your Cranberry Christmas Cake?

If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead, storing your Christmas Cranberry Cake properly is key to keeping it fresh.

• At room temperature: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the fridge: If you prefer to keep it fresh for longer, wrap it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• For long-term storage: Freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Why Is My Cranberry Christmas Cake Soggy?

If your Christmas cake turns out soggy, there are a few common reasons that could be causing it. Here’s what might have gone wrong:

• Too much liquid in the batter: If you accidentally added too much liquid, like yogurt or butter, the cake could end up soggy. Always measure your ingredients carefully.
• Not enough flour: The cake might not have had enough flour to balance out the moisture, which can cause it to be too wet. Be sure to follow the recipe’s flour measurements closely.
• Underbaking: If the cake hasn’t been baked long enough, the middle will remain wet. Make sure to check the cake with a toothpick before taking it out of the oven.
• Cooling too quickly: If the cake is taken out of the oven and cooled too fast, condensation can form and make it soggy. Allow it to cool slowly at room temperature.

To avoid a soggy cake, always follow the recipe, ensure you’re measuring ingredients properly, and test for doneness before removing the cake from the oven.

What Causes Cranberry Christmas Cake To Crack?

If your Christmas cake cracks on top, it can be frustrating, but understanding the causes can help prevent it in the future. Here are a few reasons why it might happen:

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause too much air to get incorporated, which can lead to cracks when the cake bakes. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
• High oven temperature: If your oven temperature is too high, the cake can rise too quickly on top, causing cracks. Make sure to bake at the recommended temperature.
• Opening the oven door too early: If you open the oven door too soon during baking, the sudden change in temperature can cause the cake to crack. Wait until the cake is almost fully baked before checking.
• Uneven mixing of ingredients: If the flour and other dry ingredients aren’t mixed in evenly with the wet ingredients, it can lead to uneven baking and cracks.