As the holiday season approaches, your kitchen transforms into a magical place filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful aromas. One of the most cherished recipes to add to your festive baking list is the Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. This scrumptious cake offers a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight for your holiday gatherings. Whether you are hosting a festive party or simply looking to create a loving dessert for your family, this cake will be a star on your table!
Why We Love This Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake stands out for many reasons. Its vibrant colors evoke the spirit of Christmas, while its flavors are both comforting and refreshing. The tartness of fresh cranberries balances beautifully with the creamy, sweet orange-infused frosting. You’ll enjoy the lovely texture created by the soft cake mingling with the rich cream cheese topping. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities with your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
The unique combination of ingredients makes this cake perfect for any festive occasion—it’s not just an excellent choice for Christmas but also suitable for New Year’s celebrations and other winter gatherings. With a moist crumb and delightful cream cheese frosting, each slice promises happiness and warmth.
Ingredients for Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
To embark on this delightful baking adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 clementine or mandarin orange
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 100g fresh cranberries, chopped if large
- 400g full-fat cream cheese
- 300ml double cream
- 65g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Let’s dive into the baking process. It’s time to create a cranberry masterpiece that will fill your home with enchanting scents of the holiday season!
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two 8-inch baking pans by greasing them with butter. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs and flavor: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents the mixture from curdling. Once all the eggs are added, blend in the vanilla extract and the fragrant zest of the clementine or mandarin orange. The zest will elevate the flavors of your cake.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to sift these dry ingredients to avoid any lumps.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently. You want everything to be well combined without overmixing, which could lead to a dense cake.
- Add cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Their tartness will be a wonderful surprise in every bite.
- Divide and bake: Split the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool down: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential so the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Frosting Delight
Now, let’s move on to the luscious orange cream cheese frosting!
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the full-fat cream cheese, double cream, icing sugar, fresh orange juice, and optional orange liqueur. Using an electric mixer, whip everything together until you achieve stiff peaks. This should take about 3-5 minutes, and the frosting will be light and fluffy.
Assemble Your Cake
- Layer the cake: Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the orange cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully position the second layer on top of the frosted cake layer and cover the top and sides with more frosting.
- Decorate: Feel free to get creative! Decorate the top with fresh cranberries and festive sprinkles for that holiday touch.
How to Serve Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
When it comes to serving your sumptuous creation, the presentation is key! Your beautifully frosted cake will be the centerpiece of the dessert table. Slice the cake into generous portions to share with family and friends. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee, enhancing the experience of savoring each bite. You can even serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla or orange ice cream for an added indulgent touch!
To impress your guests, consider garnishing each slice with additional fresh cranberries or a light dusting of icing sugar right before serving. This not only makes for a festive display but also adds to the flavor explosion you are sure to create!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your cake turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This helps in combining the ingredients seamlessly.
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries for this recipe. If they are too tart for your taste, you can toss them in a little sugar before folding them into the batter.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cakes while baking. Ovens can vary in temperature, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
- Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for a bit before using. This will help it hold its shape when spread.
- Allow Cakes to Cool Completely: Ensure your cakes are cooled completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
How to Store Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
If you happen to have leftovers (although it might be hard to resist), storing your cake properly is essential to keep it fresh. You can place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
When ready to serve from the freezer, let the cake layers thaw in the fridge overnight, frost, and enjoy!
Variations of Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
While the Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic, you can also experiment with some variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Nutty Addition: Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy note that complements the season.
- Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, consider folding in some mini chocolate chips with the cranberries. The sweetness of the chocolate will pair beautifully with the tart cranberries.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; ensure it’s one that accommodates baking.
- Vegan Option: Swap the eggs for a vegan egg substitute and use plant-based cream cheese and whipped cream.
FAQs About Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
What makes this Cranberry Christmas Cake special?
This cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful balance that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly, and frost them on the day you plan to serve.
How can I achieve a lighter cake texture?
Be sure not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This will help maintain a light and airy texture in your cake.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh cranberries provide a unique tartness, you can use dried cranberries. However, be sure to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly, as dried ones are typically sweeter.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly, the cake will remain fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 250 g unsalted butter, softened
- 250 g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Zest of 1 clementine or mandarin orange
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 100 g fresh cranberries, chopped if large
For the Frosting
- 400 g full-fat cream cheese
- 300 ml double cream
- 65 g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare two 8-inch baking pans by greasing them with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and the zest of the clementine or mandarin orange.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently. Fold in the fresh cranberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting Delight
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, double cream, icing sugar, fresh orange juice, and optional orange liqueur. Whip until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
Assemble Your Cake
- Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of the frosting on top.
- Carefully position the second layer on top and cover the top and sides with more frosting.
- Decorate with fresh cranberries and festive sprinkles.
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