Cranberry Crumb Cake

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why make this recipe

Cranberry Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a sweet, buttery crumb topping. This cake is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Its vibrant color and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for gatherings or holiday celebrations. Plus, the cake is easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Not only is it delicious, but it also brings a bit of seasonal cheer to any table.

Imagine slicing into a piece of this warm cake, with a fragrant aroma filling the air. It’s a recipe that invites comments and compliments from friends and family as they discover the lovely pop of cranberries in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it at a cozy brunch or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to brighten your day.

how to make Cranberry Crumb Cake

Making Cranberry Crumb Cake is simple and straightforward. You don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve a delicious result. Below, you’ll find the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step directions to create this delightful dessert.

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

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Start by preheating your oven. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
You want to prevent the cake from sticking, so make sure the pan is prepared well.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making the cake light.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Adding the eggs slowly helps to incorporate them evenly without overmixing the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
This helps evenly distribute the raising agent, which ensures a well-risen cake.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix gently.
Fold in the fresh cranberries.
This adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Make sure to spread it evenly in the pan so it bakes uniformly.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, rolled oats, and a bit of flour for the crumb topping, then sprinkle over the batter.
This will create a sweet, crunchy topping that compliments the soft cake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
This helps the cake set properly before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
This cake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on your preference!

how to serve Cranberry Crumb Cake

Cranberry Crumb Cake can be served in several delightful ways. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a dessert after dinner. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

Warm with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch. You can do this just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve slices alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage, making it an ideal choice for coffee breaks or afternoon tea.
Add Fresh Fruits: Serve slices with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the cake.

how to store Cranberry Crumb Cake

Storing Cranberry Crumb Cake properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 2-3 days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps it moist without making it soggy.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it is covered well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezer: If you want to keep it for even longer, consider freezing the cake. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy it at room temperature.

tips to make Cranberry Crumb Cake

To achieve the best result with your Cranberry Crumb Cake, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Cranberries: While frozen cranberries can be used, fresh cranberries offer the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, plump cranberries in the produce section.
Adjust Sweetness as Desired: The tartness of cranberries often means you can adjust the sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add a bit more granulated sugar, but be mindful to keep a balance with the tartness.
Mix Gently: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and texture.
Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe is delightful as is, you can add a teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest to the batter for an added citrus twist.

variation

Cranberry Crumb Cake is versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an added crunch and rich flavor.
Dried Fruit: You can substitute some of the fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or raisins for a different texture and sweetness.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger in addition to cinnamon to create your own unique flavor profile.
Frosting: For a richer dessert, consider spreading a cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them into the batter straight from the freezer. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

2. How long does the cake last?
Cranberry Crumb Cake can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature, about a week in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer, provided it is stored correctly.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

4. What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutes for eggs. Typically, one egg can be replaced with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is great for making ahead of time. Just bake it and store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for later use.

By following this simple recipe and tips, you’ll create a delicious Cranberry Crumb Cake that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. Enjoy every bite and think of creative ways to share this delightful treat with friends and family!