Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe – A Festive Favorite That Steals the Show
A Holiday Memory Baked into Every Slice
You know that one dessert that everyone looks forward to during the holidays? The one that brings back warm memories of snowy evenings, the smell of citrus and spices, and laughter around the dinner table? That’s exactly what this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe delivers.
Whether you’re baking for a festive brunch or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for your Christmas dinner, this pound cake wraps all the flavors of the season into one delightful loaf. With bursts of tart cranberries, sweet orange zest, and a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth, this cake is more than just a treat—it’s a tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
- Festive Flavors: The perfect balance of tangy cranberries and bright citrus.
- Moist and Buttery: Dense, rich, and irresistibly soft.
- Easy to Make: Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gifting or holiday potlucks.
- Versatile: Works with fresh, frozen, or even dried cranberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pound Cake Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
Cranberry Mix
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | 1 ½ cups |
| Flour (for coating) | 1 tbsp |
Optional Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Orange juice | 2–3 tbsp |
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf or bundt pan thoroughly.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect texture.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Don’t overmix—just blend until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries, which you’ve tossed in flour to keep them from sinking.
- Pour into the pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely, then drizzle with orange glaze if desired.
Expert Tips for Pound Cake Success
- Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend smoothly.
- Avoid overmixing your batter to keep the cake tender.
- Coat the cranberries in flour to distribute them evenly in the cake.
- Customize it: Add white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts, or swap the orange zest for lemon.
Tasty Variations You Can Try
- Make mini loaves for neighbor gifts or party favors.
- Use dried cranberries—just soak them in orange juice to rehydrate.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Include chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
- Turn it into muffins for a festive breakfast option.
How to Serve Your Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
- Top with sugared cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary.
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add it to a Christmas dessert board alongside cookies and candies.
- Pair it with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced tea.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 1 week when properly sealed.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Let the cake come to room temperature before unwrapping to retain moisture.
FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just add them to the batter while still frozen to prevent color bleeding.
What’s the best way to keep the cake from sticking?
Use a generous layer of butter and flour or a baking spray with flour included.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just monitor baking time—it might vary slightly.
Is the glaze necessary?
Not at all. It’s optional, but the citrus glaze adds a nice tangy finish.
Final Thoughts – Make This Your New Holiday Tradition
This Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake Recipe combines classic holiday flavors in one showstopping dessert. It’s easy enough to make on a busy December afternoon and elegant enough to serve at your holiday feast. Plus, it smells like pure Christmas while baking—what more could you ask for?
So, go ahead and preheat your oven. Get out your favorite mixing bowl, and treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a dessert that’s just as joyful as the season itself.
Ready to Bake?
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends or post your masterpiece on social media. Tag your festive creation with #CranberryPoundCake so others can see your holiday magic!