Cranberry Crumb Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries and the comforting sweetness of a crumbly topping. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a cozy weekend brunch, or simply craving something delicious to pair with your afternoon tea. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Using fresh cranberries adds a unique flavor profile to this cake that makes it stand out. The tart berries contrast beautifully with the sweet cake base and the rich crumb topping. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of any skill level. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cake-making for the first time, this recipe offers simple steps and delicious results.

Moreover, this cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its vibrant red cranberries peeking through the golden crumb topping. The glaze adds a beautiful finish that makes it look bakery-worthy. If you’re on the lookout for a treat that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly, look no further than Cranberry Crumb Cake.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Ingredients

To make a delicious Cranberry Crumb Cake, you’ll need the following 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) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This step is crucial as it prevents the cake from sticking and allows for easy removal once baked.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. After adding both eggs, include the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed for even distribution throughout the cake.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Alternate between the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries into the batter. This step adds a burst of flavor and tartness to every bite.
Prepare the Crumb Topping: For the crumb topping, mix together the brown sugar, oats, the remaining flour, and cinnamon in a bowl until you have a crumbly texture. This mixture will create a delicious topping that adds texture to your cake.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased cake pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, and then sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This slight cooling period allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
Glaze the Cake: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the 2-3 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a smooth consistency. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for a lovely finish.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it into wedges and serve it as a delightful dessert or even as a sweet breakfast treat. Pairing it with freshly brewed coffee or tea enhances the experience and makes for a comforting treat at any time of day. For an added touch, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will elevate the flavors even further, and the creaminess contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries.

How to Store Cranberry Crumb Cake

Storing your Cranberry Crumb Cake correctly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 2-3 days, simply keeping it at room temperature is fine. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you have leftover cake that you want to keep for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. Place the cake in a sealed container or wrap it in plastic. The cool temperature will help preserve its freshness for about a week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrap will protect the cake from freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly. The tartness of the cranberries provides a delicious contrast, so a little less sweetness can enhance that balance.
Using Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to do not thaw them before folding them into the batter; this will keep them from bleeding into the cake mixture and turning it a pink color.
Experimenting with Spices: Feel free to add other spices that you enjoy. Nutmeg or ginger would add a nice warmth to the cake, especially for fall or winter gatherings.
Make It a Muffin: If you want to turn this recipe into muffins, simply pour the batter into muffin tins and adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes. This is a great option for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Variation

For those looking to switch things up a bit, here are some variations on the traditional Cranberry Crumb Cake:

Orange Zest: Add the zest of an orange to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs well with the cranberries.
Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans could be added to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For a richer cake, you can create a cream cheese swirl by mixing cream cheese with a bit of sugar and adding dollops throughout the batter before baking.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?
A1: Dried cranberries can be used, but they will deliver a sweeter flavor and a different texture. If you use dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before adding them to the batter.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q3: How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A3: The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

Q4: Can I skip the glaze?
A4: Absolutely! The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and extra flavor, but if you prefer it without, the cake is still delicious on its own.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to this cake?
A5: Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits. Blueberries and raspberries are great options that would complement the cranberries well. Just adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the other fruits.

With its delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, Cranberry Crumb Cake is a wonderful addition to any dessert table. It’s simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious treat!