Cranberry Crumb Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is not just any cake; it’s a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. The bright, tangy cranberries contrast beautifully with the tender cake base and the crumbly topping. Imagine biting into a moist cake loaded with fresh cranberries that burst with flavor! This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, breakfast, or just a cozy afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, making it a great choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.

Not only is this cake delicious, but it also looks appealing. The vibrant red cranberries create a visual treat, making this cake a wonderful centerpiece for your dessert table. With a simple glaze finish, it looks and tastes like it came from a bakery, but it’s made right in your home. Whether you’re planning a festive celebration or just want to whip up something sweet for your family, this Cranberry Crumb Cake is an excellent choice.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is a straightforward process, but it results in a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Follow these steps to create your own delicious cake.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-inch round cake pan beforehand will ensure that your cake comes out easily once it’s baked.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the two eggs into the bowl, adding them one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients is essential to help the cake rise and develop the right texture.
Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and a splash of milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Fold in the Cranberries: Now, gently fold in the fresh cranberries. They should be evenly distributed throughout the batter but without breaking them apart.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping while baking.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until it reaches a smooth consistency. This glaze will add a lovely finishing touch to your cake.
Cool and Drizzle: Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As a Breakfast Treat: Serve slices of the cake for breakfast or brunch alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Its sweetness will pair wonderfully with your morning beverage.
For Dessert: Serve it as a dessert after dinner. You can garnish it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
At Gatherings: This cake is perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Slice it into individual portions for guests to easily pick up and enjoy.
With a Fruit Garnish: Consider serving it on a plate with some fresh fruit or a dollop of cranberry sauce to enhance the flavors.
Topped with nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, consider sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before serving to add an extra crunch.

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

If you find yourself with leftover Cranberry Crumb Cake, storing it correctly will help maintain its freshness. Here are some simple storage tips:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, you can keep it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. Again, be sure it’s covered well to maintain its moisture.
Freezing: If you want to store it for an extended period, freezing is an option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving After Storage: When you’re ready to serve the cake again, you can enjoy it cold, or you can warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavor.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Here are some tips that can help you make the best Cranberry Crumb Cake possible:

Use Fresh Cranberries: If possible, fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. They provide the right balance of tartness and flavor. If fresh cranberries are out of season, you may use frozen ones, but do not thaw them before mixing them into the batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps in better mixing and ensures a more even batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons. However, be mindful not to cut it too much, as the balance of flavors is crucial.
Add a Nutty Crunch: Consider adding a half cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Variation

While the cranberry is the star of this cake, you can easily adapt this recipe for different flavors:

Mixed Berries: Substitute cranberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a different taste and color.
Spiced Variations: Enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for warmth.
Zest for Freshness: Adding the zest of an orange or lemon can brighten the cake and give it a fresh citrus twist.
Chocolate Chips: Adding semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter can create a delightful combination with the tart cranberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Use them directly from the freezer without thawing to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

You can test if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry Crumb Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it for optimal freshness.

4. How long will the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, Cranberry Crumb Cake will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

5. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?

Yes! This recipe can be adapted to make muffins. Adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.

With its appealing taste, moist texture, and easy preparation, Cranberry Crumb Cake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!