Introduction
Discover the delightful Cranberry Spice Cake, a fusion of autumnal flavors and festive holiday cheer. This recipe combines tart fresh cranberries with warm spices to create an irresistibly rich and moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for this Recipe
- Make sure your cake pan is properly greased, as the sticky nature of this recipe can lead to a crumbling if not handled correctly.
- For best results, grind spices freshly for an enhanced flavor profile and consider adjusting sugar levels based on personal taste preferences.
Why you will love this recipe
The Cranberry Spice Cake offers a unique blend of tangy cranberries and comforting spices that elevate the traditional baking experience. Its moist, dense texture paired with vibrant flavors makes it an unforgettable centerpiece for gatherings or a cozy dessert to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups (8 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup grapeseed oil or other neutral vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- Citrus-cranberry compote (optional)
Adviced equipments
- Stand Mixer for mixing batter efficiently and evenly
- Electric Oven or Convection Oven to bake at consistent temperatures
- Cooling Rack for post-baking cooling process
- 9-Inch Springform Pan to perfectly fit the batter
- Silicone Baking Mat as an alternative to parchment paper
- Digital Kitchen Scale for precise measurements
- Spice Grinder (optional) to grind spices freshly if needed
- Large Bowl and Wooden Spoon or Cake Mixing Tool for combining ingredients
- Piping Bag with No.2 Tip for decorating the cake, if desired
- Silicone Ice Cream Scooper (for ice cream decoration)
- Rolling Pin (optional) to crush nuts or dried fruits as required in the recipe
History of the Recipe
The Cranberry Spice Cake is a twist on traditional spice cakes, incorporating the bold flavors and textures of cranberries into a classic dessert form. While its exact origins are unknown, it’s believed to have evolved from European baking traditions that celebrate the harvest season with richly spiced treats. Cranberries were later added as they became popular in North American cuisine.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
Did you know? The use of cinnamon and other spices dates back centuries, with its roots found in ancient civilizations where these flavors were prized for their medicinal qualities. Cranberries have a fascinating history themselves, being used by Native Americans not only as food but also in dye and medicine.
