Introduction
This Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, creating a delightful and refreshing dessert. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for autumn gatherings or as an elegant yet approachable addition to your weekly baking repertoire.
Tips for this recipe
- Be sure to measure ingredients accurately, especially the cranberries and flour, to ensure the perfect texture of the cake.
- Letting the butter come to room temperature can help mix it smoothly with other ingredients for a consistent batter.
- Using fresh produce not only improves the taste but also enhances the presentation of your baked goods.
Why you will love this recipe
This Cranberry & Apple Cake offers a perfect balance between tangy and sweet, appealing to those who appreciate bold flavors. It’s not just the taste but also the effortless preparation process that makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and medium-diced
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Adviced equipment
- Stand Mixer (Essential for mixing batter smoothly) / Hamilton Beach 5-Speed Handheld Countertop Stand Mixer
- Oven Thermometer (For ensuring accurate baking temperatures) / KitchenAid Professional Chef Digital Oven Thermometer
- Silicone Baking Mat (Non-stick surface for even baking) / Wilton Premium Reusable Silicone Baking Mats, 15×10″
- Cake Pan Set (Various sizes for different layering needs) / Nordic Ware Commercial Baker’s Collection Non-Stick Pans
- Digital Scale (For precise ingredient measurements in baking) / OXO Good Grips Bake & Serve Kitchen Scale with Display
- Cooling Rack (For evenly cooling the cake to prevent sogginess) / Fat Daddio Stainless Steel Perforated Baking Racks, 2-in-1 Cooling & Storage
- Apple Peeler/Corer (Streamlines preparation for apples) / Microplane ZestMaker USA Kitchen Citrus Reamer/Peeler/Zester with Corer
- Juicer or Food Processor (For making cranberry juice to enhance flavors) / Breville Smart Slow Cook Basket Fruit & Vegetable Slicer/Squeezer
- Citrus Juicer (Enhances natural flavors of citrus fruits like cranberries) / OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Electric Handheld Fruit and Vegetable Slicer & Juicer
- Measuring Cups (For accurately measuring ingredients in baking) / OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 20-piece Kitchen Scale with Digital Counter and Batterie-Operated Timer
History of the recipe
Cranberry and apple desserts have been cherished in various cultures for centuries, often appearing during harvest festivals. The combination of these fruits not only reflects a harmonious blend of flavors but also represents abundance and festivity.
Fun facts about this recipe
Cranberries are native to North America, specifically the New England region. Apple desserts have been part of traditional celebrations since ancient times, symbolizing good fortune. This particular cake’s fusion pays homage to both fruits while bringing a modern twist to classic flavors.
