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Apple Cranberry Cake Recipe

Apple Cranberry Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

This Apple Cranberry Cake is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and crisp apples, infused with warm cinnamon and orange zest. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack any time of the year. With a simple preparation and comforting flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mixture

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced (or Gala apple for a sweeter taste)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed (can substitute dark brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (from the 1 1/8 teaspoons total)

Cake Batter

  • 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 pound (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to get it ready for baking.
  2. Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine fresh cranberries, diced apple, light brown sugar, grated orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until slightly fluffy. Lower the speed to medium and add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated into the batter.
  5. Assemble Cake: Pour the prepared fruit mixture into a 10-inch glass pie plate, spreading it evenly. Pour the cake batter over the fruit, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.
  6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter surface to add a sweet, cinnamon crust.
  7. Bake: Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full range of flavors.

Notes

  • The original recipe suggests using 1 cup of granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon for a sweeter cake; adjust sugar to your preference.
  • Frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh, but defrost slightly before preparing and account for any added liquid.
  • Choosing between Granny Smith or Gala apples affects the sweetness; Granny Smith provides tartness, while Gala adds sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cranberry cake, cranberry dessert, fall cake recipe, cinnamon cake, fruit cake, easy dessert

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/apple-cranberry-cake-recipe/