# ✨Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake: The Star of Your Holiday Desserts✨
Indulge in the classic taste of winter holidays with every bite of this vibrant and festive Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake. The rich flavors combined with the stunning presentation make it an instant hit at any holiday gathering. Buttery, moist, and packed with fresh cranberries, this cake is draped with an irresistible orange glaze. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and fill your festive season with the glorious warmth of homemade goodness.
## Why Make the Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake?
This impressive concoction provides an instant makeover to your typical holiday dessert. The explosion of tart cranberries, surrounded by a sweet, tender crumb, creates a refreshing contrast perfect for a festive brunch or after-dinner dessert. Adorned with a silky orange glaze, this cake’s delightful play of flavors and appealing aesthetics will make it the center of attraction on your Christmas feast.
## How to Make Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake
Creating this cake is simpler than it might appear. It takes only a few steps:
## Ingredients
*For the Cake:*
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups fresh cranberries
*For the Glaze:*
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp orange juice
## Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan lightly.
2. Start with the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients and sour cream in parts. Begin and end with the dry elements.
5. Add fresh cranberries gently.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 50 minutes.
7. Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
8. For the glaze, simply mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake.
## How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake
This festive cake can be served at room temperature, sliced into 12 portions. Enjoy it with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a cozy Christmas dessert experience.
## How to Store the Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake
Ensure the cake is completely cool before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in a cake container. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can make the cake dry.
## Tips to Make the Best Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake
1. Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor. If they’re unavailable, frozen or dried cranberries may also be used. Ensure to adjust the sugar content if using sweetened dried cranberries.
2. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
3. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
4. Allow the cake to cool for several minutes before removing from the pan. This ensures it does not break or crumble.
## Variations of the Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake
You can experiment with the recipe by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for some warm spice. Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or an alcoholic glaze such as Amaretto or rum could add another layer of flavor.
## FAQs
**Q: Can you use dried cranberries instead of fresh?**
A: Absolutely! But remember, dried cranberries will be sweeter than fresh.
**Q: What size Bundt pan works best for this recipe?**
A: A standard 10-cup or 12-cup Bundt pan is ideal for this recipe.
**Q: Can you freeze this Cranberry Bundt Cake?**
A: Yes! Ensure it is fully cooled and well-wrapped in plastic wrap before freezing. The cake will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Bake this Christmas Cranberry Bundt Cake for a centerpiece-worthy dessert that’s sure to please. Be ready to swoon over every vibrant, flavor-packed slice and make your holidays much sweeter! Remember, the secret ingredient in any recipe is always love – so spread some of that around this festive season ❤️ 🎅🏼✨🍰. Happy Baking, and Merry Christmas!