Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake: A Festive Delight




Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Ornament (Optional):

  • Extra cranberries
  • Orange zest

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
  7. Garnish with extra cranberries and orange zest if desired.

Cook Notes

The key to a perfect pound cake is not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to a dense texture.

Variations

Keto Version

Substitute the all-purpose flour for almond flour and the granulated sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener. Make a keto-friendly glaze using a sugar substitute and lemon juice instead of orange juice.

Low-Carb Version

Follow the keto version for a low-carb alternative, ensuring all substituted ingredients are in line with low-carb dietary requirements.

Nutrition Fact

Given the variety of ingredients and their quantities, this Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is high in calories, primarily from sugars and fats. However, exact nutritional values depend on specific brands and substitutions used. For more accurate information, consider using a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients you plan to use.

The Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition waiting to be savored. With its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and the joy it brings to the holiday table, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal celebrations.

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