The aroma of a Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake fills the kitchen, wafting through the air like a cozy, festive hug. Imagine biting into a moist slice where rich chocolate meets tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. It’s that perfect blend of sweet and tangy that makes you feel all warm inside—like snuggling under a blanket while watching your favorite holiday movie, minus the calories.
This cake has been my go-to during the holiday season, evoking memories of family gatherings filled with laughter, joy, and perhaps too much eggnog. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at Christmas parties or as a delightful surprise for your neighbors. Trust me when I say this cake will leave you and your guests eagerly anticipating seconds (or thirds) while doing an impromptu happy dance in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake is incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- The combination of flavors creates a delightful balance that feels both decadent and refreshing.
- Its stunning appearance makes it the centerpiece of any holiday table.
- Perfect for festive occasions but also delicious enough to enjoy year-round!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to prevent lumps and ensure a light cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process works well too.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Baking Powder: A must for leavening; check its freshness to ensure your cake rises perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Eggs: Provides moisture and richness; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
- Butter: Unsalted butter offers richness; melt it before adding to the batter for optimal blending.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried will do; they add a burst of tartness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips melt beautifully into the cake, enhancing that chocolatey goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in cranberries and chocolate chips into the batter. This step ensures every bite has that delightful tartness alongside rich chocolate bursts.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or dusted with powdered sugar for that festive touch.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy making this Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake! It’s sure to become a new holiday tradition—or at least an excellent excuse for extra dessert!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday centerpiece that impresses everyone.
- With its rich chocolate and tart cranberry flavors, it’s perfect for festive gatherings.
- Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the cake batter. Pour it into your baking pan and prepare your frosting as it bakes. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, and you avoid those dreaded last-minute rushes when guests arrive.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for cherries or even add a splash of orange zest to the batter. Experiment with different frostings; cream cheese frosting goes surprisingly well with this cake, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. If reheating, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Sifting your flour and cocoa powder prevents clumps and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool completely before frosting; this keeps your icing from melting away!
The first time I made this Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake, my family devoured it in minutes! Their delighted reactions reminded me why I love baking during the holidays—it brings everyone together around something sweet.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake?
To prepare a delightful Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake, gather essential ingredients such as all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. You will also need granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk for moisture and flavor. Don’t forget to include fresh or dried cranberries to add a tartness that complements the chocolate. Finally, use butter for richness and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
How long does it take to bake Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake?
Baking a Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake typically takes around 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s important to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. After baking, allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Can I make Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make your Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake ahead of time. In fact, this cake often tastes even better after resting for a day or two as the flavors meld together. Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer. Just be sure to frost it shortly before serving for the best texture and presentation.
What is the best way to frost Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake?
For an exquisite finish on your Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake, consider using cream cheese frosting or a rich chocolate ganache. Cream cheese adds a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness, while ganache provides a decadent chocolate layer. To frost, ensure your cake is completely cooled. Spread an even layer of frosting between cake layers and on top and sides using a spatula for a smooth finish.
Conclusion for Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake :
In summary, the Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake is a festive treat that combines rich chocolate with tart cranberries for an unforgettable flavor experience. By following simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can create this delicious dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed with luscious frosting, this cake promises to delight your family and friends during the festive season. Enjoy making this memorable addition to your holiday table!
Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Description
Indulge in this festive Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Cake, where luscious chocolate and tart cranberries create an unforgettable holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in cranberries and chocolate chips to ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, incorporate a splash of orange zest into the batter. - Experiment with frostings like cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
Leave a Comment