The cooled cake is sliced into neat squares on the white marble cooktop. A plate nearby holds a few pieces, ready to be served and enjoyed.

The Christmas Dessert That Makes Fruitcake Look Like a Sad, Forgotten Relative!

Noah Baker
Noah Baker
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If there’s one dessert that screams holiday magic, it’s this Cranberry Christmas Cake. With its soft, buttery crumb, bursts of tangy cranberries, and a snowy sugar topping, this cake is as festive as it gets.

Pair it with a glass of cozy Mulled Wine or creamy Eggnog, and you’ve got a match made for holiday gatherings.

I love making this cake every December—it fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of vanilla and butter while the cranberries add that cheerful pop of red.

The best part? It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that looks and tastes like it took hours to perfect. Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas brunch or wrapping slices as edible gifts, this cake never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe?

The cooled cake is sliced into neat squares on the white marble cooktop. A plate nearby holds a few pieces, ready to be served and enjoyed.

  • Perfectly festive: The tart cranberries and sweet sugar topping make it the ultimate holiday dessert.
  • Easy to make: Despite its elegant appearance, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
  • Seasonal flair: The cranberries add a tangy burst of flavor and a vibrant, festive look.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a holiday party or a quiet family gathering, this cake is always a hit.

Bake this cake, pour your favorite festive drink, and let the holiday spirit take over!

The cooled cake is sliced into neat squares on the white marble cooktop. A plate nearby holds a few pieces, ready to be served and enjoyed.

Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

This cranberry dessert cake combines a light, buttery texture with bursts of tart cranberries, perfect for gatherings. Its golden crust and easy-to-slice design make it an instant party favorite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour use gluten-free flour blend for a GF option
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
  • Beat eggs and sugar with a mixer for 5–7 minutes until light and thick.
    A glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop shows eggs and sugar being whisked together by a hand mixer. The mixture has turned light and thick after 5–7 minutes of mixing.
  • Add softened butter and vanilla; mix for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour until just combined, then fold in cranberries.
    Fresh cranberries are being folded into the batter in a glass bowl on the white marble cooktop. The bright red berries contrast with the creamy batter.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
    The batter is spread evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan on the white marble cooktop, ready to go into the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 40–50 minutes until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
    The 9×13-inch pan sits on a rack inside the glowing oven, with the batter rising and turning golden brown as it bakes. The light from the oven reflects off the white marble cooktop.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing into small pieces.
    The cooled cake is sliced into neat squares on the white marble cooktop. A plate nearby holds a few pieces, ready to be served and enjoyed.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories252 kcal
Carbohydrates39 g
Sodium88mg
Fat9g
Protein2g
Sugar25g

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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