Cranberry Crumb Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion. The fresh cranberries bring a burst of flavor, while the crumbly topping adds a wonderful texture. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, even for novice bakers. The rich aroma of butter and sugar baking in the oven fills your home, making it hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or something to impress guests at a gathering, this cake does the trick.

Perfect for holiday celebrations, this Cranberry Crumb Cake offers a festive touch to your table, especially during the winter months when cranberries are in season. This recipe embraces the tartness of cranberries and pairs it beautifully with a sweet crumb topping that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. We’ll walk you through how to make this wonderful cake, how to serve and store it, and share tips to make it even better.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is a straightforward process. You’ll begin by gathering the ingredients and preheating your oven. Here’s everything you need to know to create your own delicious Cranberry Crumb 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.

2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake a nice rise.

3. Adding Eggs: Once the butter and sugars are combined, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This helps to fully integrate the eggs into the mixture. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a delightful flavor to the cake.

4. Mixing Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. You can alternate adding the dry mix with a splash of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the batter. The cranberries will provide bursts of tartness in every bite.

7. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter.

8. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Making the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

10. Finishing Touches: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing into the cake. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in various ways, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Here are a few tips on how best to serve it:

• Warm or Room Temperature: This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature. You can heat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors.

• Accompany with Beverages: Pair your slices with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate for a cozy treat. The tartness of cranberries complements the rich taste of coffee perfectly.

• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or on top of a warm slice of cake. The cold ice cream will contrast beautifully with the warmth of the cake.

• Garnish with Fresh Cranberries: For extra presentation, garnish your cake with additional fresh cranberries or mint leaves. This adds a pop of color and hints at the flavor found within the cake.

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

Storing Cranberry Crumb Cake is simple and ensures that you can enjoy it multiple times. Follow these guidelines:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cake fresh for up to four days.

• Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cake. Wrap portions of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy at room temperature.

• Avoid Moisture: Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before wrapping or covering it, as moisture can lead to sogginess and affect the cake’s texture.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Here are some tips to ensure your Cranberry Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Choosing Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries when possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones; just do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.

• Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of sugar. If you like a tarter flavor, consider reducing granulated sugar slightly to offset the sweetness of the brown sugar topping.

• Mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or citrus zest for extra flavor. These will bring added texture and taste to the cake.

• Testing for Doneness: Always check your cake for doneness before the recommended time. Oven temperatures can vary, and it’s best to rely on the toothpick method for accuracy.

• Use of alternatives: If you need to make the cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Variation

While the traditional Cranberry Crumb Cake is perfect as it is, there are several variations you could try:

• Chocolate Cranberry Crumb Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist that combines chocolate with the tartness of cranberries.

• Orange Zest: Incorporate some orange zest into your batter or glaze for a lovely citrus flavor.

• Almond Flavor: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a unique taste that pairs well with cranberries.

• Spices: Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can provide a warm flavor profile, making the cake even cozier, especially during the colder months.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries as a substitute, but be aware that dried cranberries are sweeter. You may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to compensate.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry Crumb Cake can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and reheat if desired before serving.

3. Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter or a vegetable oil substitute instead of butter and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the glaze. Just ensure all your other ingredients are also dairy-free.

4. What should I do if my cake is too crumbly?

If your cake turns out too crumbly, it may have been overmixed or the ingredient ratios could be off. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and mix until just combined.

5. Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Yes! You can mix in other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples along with the cranberries for an additional fruity flavor.

By following these instructions and tips, you’re set to create a stunning Cranberry Crumb Cake that will be the star of any gathering, or simply enjoy it with a cup of tea during a relaxed afternoon. Happy baking!

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