Cranberry Crumb Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of fresh cranberries cuts through the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect balance for any dessert lover. Its crumbly topping adds a crunchy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or want to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is an excellent choice. The seasonal nature of cranberries also ties this cake to autumn and winter festivities, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is a straightforward process that results in a delicious dessert. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delightful dish in no time.

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
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Directions:

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 the cake from sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg, and then add in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Do this in stages, alternating with the milk. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries into the cake batter. This adds a burst of flavor in every bite.
Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping. Mix the brown sugar, oats, the remaining flour, and cinnamon until the mixture is crumbly.
Pour the Batter into Pan
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter. You want to cover the entire top for maximum crunch.
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking; you may want it thicker or thinner.
Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a nice finishing touch.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in various ways. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Here are a few serving suggestions:

With Coffee or Tea: A slice of this cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The tartness of the cranberries enhances the flavor of your beverage.
With Ice Cream: For a delicious dessert option, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, creating a delightful experience.
On Special Occasions: This cake is also suitable for occasions like birthdays or holiday gatherings. You can slice it into wedges and serve it on a beautiful platter.

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

Proper storage will help keep your Cranberry Crumb Cake fresh and delicious. Here are some tips on how to store it:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, you can store it at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It will last for about a week in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

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

Choosing Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. If you can only find frozen cranberries, thaw and drain them before using to remove excess moisture.
Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better results.
Measuring Flour: Be careful when measuring flour. Too much can lead to a dense cake. Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Testing for Doneness: If unsure whether the cake is done, perform the toothpick test. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer your cake less sweet, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly without affecting the cake’s texture.

Variation

While the classic Cranberry Crumb Cake is simply delicious, you can customize it to suit your taste:

Add Nuts: For an added crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries.
Zest of Citrus: Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter can provide a refreshing burst of flavor that complements cranberries beautifully.
Different Berries: Feel free to experiment with other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, or even a mix of different berries.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones. However, keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter. You may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance the flavors.

2. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, including oats, are also gluten-free.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cranberry Crumb Cake stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to keep it stored properly, as described above.

Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful, versatile treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or days later, its unique blend of flavors and textures will keep you coming back for more!