Cranberry Crumb Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is an excellent dessert choice for many occasions. This cake balances sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the fresh cranberries. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or as a delightful dessert after dinner. The combination of the rich crumb topping and the moist cake keeps every bite interesting, making it a perfect candidate for any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a casual family brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Not only does this Cranberry Crumb Cake taste amazing, but it is also simple to make. You do not need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few basic items from your pantry and a bit of your time, you can create a delightful cake that your family and friends will adore. This recipe is particularly delightful because it uses fresh cranberries, giving the cake a burst of tartness that brightens each bite.

Cranberries are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Baking with fresh fruit can make your cakes more nutritious and full of flavors. Plus, the crumb topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft and fluffy cake beneath. If you are looking for a treat that brings joy to your taste buds while also being easy to prepare, this Cranberry Crumb Cake is an excellent choice!

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is straightforward. Just follow the steps in the directions, and you’ll have a delicious cake ready to serve. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The recipe takes you from preparation to baking in a seamless and easy manner.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Cranberry Crumb Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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

These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully moist cake that is both tangy and sweet, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, especially the butter and eggs, as this will help achieve a better texture in your cake.

Directions

Now, let’s go through the steps to make your very own Cranberry Crumb Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Always start by preheating the oven, as it allows the cake to bake evenly. Position a rack in the center of the oven for optimal heat distribution.

2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan: This will prevent the cake from sticking. You can use a cooking spray or spread some softened butter on the pan, followed by a dusting of flour.

3. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. This process is essential to incorporate air into the mixture, which helps make the cake rise better.

4. Add eggs one at a time: Break the eggs into the bowl and mix well after each addition. This step ensures that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. After the last egg, stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined.

5. Prepare the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the baking powder and salt into the flour before adding it to the wet mixture.

6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.

7. Fold in fresh cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries with a spatula or wooden spoon. This will distribute the cranberries throughout the batter without breaking them, keeping the cake looking beautiful.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan: Make sure to spread the batter evenly in the pan for even baking.

9. Make the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, rolled oats, and a bit of flour. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

10. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the cake batter. The crumb topping will create a delicious crunchy layer on top as it bakes.

11. Bake for 40-45 minutes: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time.

12. Cool the cake: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cake and prevents it from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in various ways. It is delicious when served warm or at room temperature. You can cut it into wedges or squares and place them on a plate for serving.

For an extra touch, consider:

• Serving with whipped cream or ice cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your cake to another level of deliciousness, providing a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.

• Drizzling with a simple glaze: For a sweet finishing touch, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice to create a simple glaze and drizzle it over the cake just before serving.

• Pairing with tea or coffee: This cake is an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee. Its flavors complement your favorite hot beverages perfectly, making it a great choice for a cozy afternoon snack.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings or accompaniments according to your personal preferences!

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare the cake in advance, storing it properly is essential to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: You can store the Cranberry Crumb Cake at room temperature for 2-3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for about a week. Make sure it is tightly wrapped to maintain its moisture.

• Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for an even longer time, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature before serving.

This makes it a versatile treat you can prepare ahead of time and enjoy later!

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

To ensure that your Cranberry Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips:

• Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cranberries. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones, but do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs is key to a well-mixed batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can create a tough cake.

• Check Baking Time: Every oven is slightly different, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the indicated time.

• Add Nuts or Spices: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or spices such as nutmeg for additional flavor.

• Experiment with Flavorings: Feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract to enhance the flavor profile further.

By incorporating some of these tips, you’ll be able to create a fantastic Cranberry Crumb Cake that impresses all who taste it!

Variation

Cranberry Crumb Cake is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with its ingredients. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Mixed Berry Variation: You can replace some or all of the cranberries with other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level accordingly since different berries have varying sweetness.

• Nutty Crumb Topping: For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping. This adds not only flavor but also a delightful crunch.

• Gluten-Free Version: For those who need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

With these variations in mind, you can tailor the recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary requirements!

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?

   Yes, dried cranberries can be used, but they will give a different texture and flavor. Since dried cranberries are sweeter, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe slightly.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

   Absolutely! This cake stores well. You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I serve this cake with?

   Cranberry Crumb Cake pairs well with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of simple glaze. It’s also fantastic alongside tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

By following these steps and suggestions, you’ll create a delightful Cranberry Crumb Cake that will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy baking!

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