Cranberry Crumb Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries with a buttery cake base and a crunchy crumb topping. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a festive gathering. The bright red cranberries make it visually appealing, while the soft texture of the cake and the crumbly topping create a wonderful contrast that keeps people coming back for more.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment to whip up this delightful cake. All you need are fresh ingredients and a little bit of time. Furthermore, this cake is quite versatile—everyone will enjoy it, from kids who love sweets to adults who appreciate the nuanced flavor of the tart cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dessert:

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start. Having everything in place will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!

Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will help the cake come out easily and prevent it from sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the bowl, adding them one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each addition. Once the eggs are combined, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important to ensure that the leavening agents mix evenly into the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring an even distribution of the tart berries throughout the cake.
Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, rolled oats, and a bit of flour. This mixture will make the crumb topping. Once combined, sprinkle the topping generously over the batter.
Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cool Down: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Your Cranberry Crumb Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in many enjoyable ways. Here are a few suggestions:

With Coffee or Tea: The beautiful combination of sweet and tart flavors pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Add Whipped Cream: Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creaminess complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Garnish with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the presentation and add a touch of sweetness.
Serve Warm: For a delightful experience, serve the cake slightly warm. You can even microwave leftover slices for just a few seconds, bringing back its fresh-baked texture.

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

Proper storage will help maintain the freshness of your Cranberry Crumb Cake. Here’s how to store it:

Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and extend its shelf life to about a week.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for an even longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

To ensure your Cranberry Crumb Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before mixing them into the batter, as this can make them mushy.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients accurately to get the best results.
Experiment with Oats: You can swap rolled oats for quick oats or even granola for the topping. This change can give your cake a different texture.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to add a bit more granulated sugar or brown sugar to your batter.
Add Nuts: For some added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.

Variation

Cranberry Crumb Cake is versatile, and you can make it your own by experimenting with variations:

Add Orange Zest: For a fresh twist, incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the batter. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Mix Fruits: Try mixing in other fruits like blueberries or strawberries along with cranberries for a mixed berry crumb cake.
Spice Up the Crumb Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added flavor and texture.
Glaze it: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries are recommended for this recipe due to their unique flavor and texture, you can use dried cranberries. Just be aware that dried cranberries are sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Cranberry Crumb Cake can be baked ahead of time. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and it will taste just as good when served later.

3. How do I know if my cake is done baking?

To check if your Cranberry Crumb Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven.

4. How long can I store leftover cake?

Stored in an airtight container or wrapped well, Cranberry Crumb Cake can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you freeze it, it can last for about 2-3 months.

5. Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with alternatives like coconut sugar or honey. However, keep in mind that these substitutes might affect the cake’s texture and moisture, so adjustments may be necessary.

By following the simple steps in this recipe, you can delight your family and friends with a delicious Cranberry Crumb Cake that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the baking experience, savor every bite, and share this delightful cake with those you love!