This Cranberry Loaf Cake is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and a moist, sweet cake base. Ideal for the holidays, it’s a delightful treat that will brighten your table and satisfy your sweet tooth.
A Sweet and Tart Holiday Treat
Nothing says “festive season” like the bright, tangy flavor of cranberries. This Cranberry Loaf Cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of a soft, moist cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a delicious snack, this loaf cake is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared as a holiday gift, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Loaf Cake
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The tartness of cranberries is balanced with the sweetness of the cake, making every bite a treat.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this cake is easy to prepare.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of sour cream, this cake is extra moist and soft.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a holiday gift.
Ingredients for Cranberry Loaf Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¼ cup |
| Orange zest (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh or frozen cranberries | 1 ½ cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
How to Make Cranberry Loaf Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the orange zest (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Cranberries
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Loaf Cake
- Fresh Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, be sure to coat them lightly with flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently to keep the cake tender.
- Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the cake after 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices, like cardamom or allspice, to customize the flavor profile.
- Dried Cranberries: Swap fresh cranberries for dried cranberries for a chewier texture and more concentrated flavor.
FAQ: Cranberry Loaf Cake
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute fresh or dried blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples for cranberries. Adjust the sugar to taste if the fruit is sweeter or less tart.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream and substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the batter in two loaf pans or a larger pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion: The Perfect Holiday Treat
- This Cranberry Loaf Cake is a delightful combination of tart cranberries, fragrant spices, and a soft, moist cake.
- Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this loaf cake will become a cherished part of your seasonal baking repertoire.
- Try it today, and share the joy of this delicious, festive treat!