Intro and Brief Recap
What if you could capture the essence of Christmas in a single dessert? The Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting does just that, inviting you into a world of festive flavors and aromas. This cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange, creating a delightful balance that will have your taste buds dancing. With its moist texture and vibrant colors, this cake becomes the centerpiece of any holiday gathering.
As you slice into this beautiful creation, the scent of fresh oranges fills the air, mingling with the warm spices that evoke memories of cozy winter nights spent with family. Picture yourself serving this stunning cake at your next holiday party or enjoying it during a quiet evening by the fire. Each bite is a celebration—a perfect way to savor the joy of the season while making lasting memories with loved ones. Get ready to impress your guests with this incredible recipe that promises an unforgettable flavor experience.
Key Ingredients For Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of cranberries and enhances flavor.
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Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder to ensure your cake rises beautifully.
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Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors in your cake.
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Unsalted Butter: For richness, use softened butter to create a moist crumb.
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Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add moisture; room temperature works best.
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright, plump berries for optimal tartness and color.
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Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds an aromatic citrus note to enhance flavors.
For the Frosting:
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Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy frosting texture.
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Powdered Sugar: This gives the frosting sweetness and a smooth consistency; sift before using.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of your frosting.
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Heavy Cream: Adding cream helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
Second Step: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
Third Step: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about three minutes on medium speed.
Fourth Step: Add Eggs and Zest
Add eggs one at a time to your butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in orange zest for that delightful citrus aroma.
Fifth Step: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with milk. Start with flour and end with flour for balanced mixing.
Sixth Step: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in fresh cranberries using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with frosting for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all refrigerated items like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
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Cranberry Substitutes: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones; just do not thaw them beforehand.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep your cake light and fluffy.
This festive Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home during this wonderful season!
Presentation Ideas
This Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Festive Serving Platters: Present your cake on a beautiful, decorative platter. Add some fresh cranberries and orange slices around the cake for a pop of color that enhances its festive appeal.
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Cake Stands: Elevate the cake on a tiered cake stand. This not only showcases the layers but also adds an elegant touch to your holiday table setting.
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Seasonal Garnishes: Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect. You might also consider adding edible gold leaf or sprigs of rosemary for a sophisticated finish.
Storage Tips
To keep your Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it can last for about a week. For extended storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes!
Baking Tips
For the best results when making your Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture. When folding in the cranberries, do so gently to avoid breaking them apart too much. Finally, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Consider serving this delightful cake alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. For an extra indulgence, top each slice with whipped cream or serve it à la mode with vanilla ice cream. The warmth of these beverages complements the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
What makes the Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake unique?
The Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake stands out due to its combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor in both the cake and frosting. This balance creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of the holiday season. The festive colors also make it visually appealing, perfect for any holiday gathering or celebration.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to prevent making your batter too wet. Frozen cranberries may be slightly softer than fresh ones but will still provide that delicious tartness essential to the recipe.
How can I make my frosting less sweet?
If you find that your orange cream cheese frosting is too sweet for your liking, consider adding a pinch of salt during mixing. This small adjustment can help balance out the sweetness effectively. Additionally, using less powdered sugar or incorporating more cream cheese can create a creamier texture while reducing sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature if it’s unfrosted. Once frosted, store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring freshness!
Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with our Golden Cranberry Christmas Cake topped with luscious Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful cake features a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, creating a moist, flavorful dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday gatherings. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, each slice promises to evoke warm memories of Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (whole)
- Zest of 1 orange
- For the Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in orange zest.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in fresh cranberries.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until creamy.
- Once cakes are cooled, frost between layers and on top as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
