Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a burst of festive cheer to your holiday table, this Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, spiced cake studded with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, all wrapped in the beautiful shape of a classic Bundt. The combination of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making every bite feel like a cozy holiday hug. This cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas celebration or winter gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, but each plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the cake.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic sour cream to give lift.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice essential to holiday flavors.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle sweetness and aroma to complement the cinnamon.
• ½ tsp ground ginger: Gives a slight zing that brightens the spice mix.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness, moisture, and that tender crumb we all crave.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the spices.
• 4 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds to the cake’s structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out the depth of all other flavors.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
• ½ cup milk: Ensures a smooth, blendable batter.
• ½ cup dried cranberries (optional): Bursts of tartness that brighten every bite.
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness for texture contrast.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that dresses the cake in sweet elegance.
• 2-3 tbsp milk: Adjusts glaze thickness to perfection.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with lovely warm flavor.
• Red and green sprinkles: To add a festive, cheerful touch.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: Optional final flourish of snow-like sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, making sure every little crevice is coated so your beautiful cake will come out easy and clean. This step is key to getting that flawless Bundt cake shape we’re all excited to see.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This blend not only flavors the cake but also ensures even distribution of the rising agents, so your cake bakes evenly and has that perfect crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that helps give your cake a tender, airy texture you’ll love.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the cake and add that warm, comforting fragrance that makes this Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk

Mix in the sour cream and milk until the batter feels smooth and well combined. Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, while milk keeps everything silky and easy to work with.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cakes dense, so it’s best to be gentle to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 7: Add Cranberries and Nuts

If you’re using dried cranberries and chopped nuts, now’s the time to fold them in gently. These add bursts of tartness and crunchy texture that elevate this cake from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The wait will be worth it when you smell those incredible spices filling your home.

Step 9: Cool and Remove from Pan

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents any crumbling and ensures your cake holds its gorgeous shape.

Step 10: Prepare and Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk to get your favorite consistency—thicker for a bold drizzle or thinner for a gentle coat. Drizzle it over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.

Step 11: Festive Decoration

Finally, add red and green sprinkles over the glaze for a joyful seasonal splash. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving. This finishing step makes your Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe truly shine!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or dress it up with fresh cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary for an elegant, festive look. These fresh garnishes add color and a subtle aroma that complements the cake’s spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. A cup of hot spiced cider or rich coffee will also make an excellent companion, enhancing the warm holiday flavors in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices on a wooden board surrounded by pinecones and holly to set a rustic, Christmas vibe. Or go for bright red and green plates and napkins to coordinate with the sprinkles and make your dessert table pop with festive color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and flavorful, though it’s so good fresh that leftovers rarely last long!

Freezing

You can freeze this Bundt cake either glazed or plain. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will revive the softness and makes every bite feel like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content, which can change the texture of the cake. If you want to use fresh, chop them finely and toss with a little flour before folding into the batter to help distribute them evenly and prevent sinking.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

Both pecans and walnuts work beautifully, offering distinct flavors and textures. Pecans are slightly sweeter and buttery, while walnuts bring earthier, robust notes. Feel free to use your favorite or a mix of both!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The flavor and texture will remain wonderful, though a little extra care while mixing will help keep the crumb tender.

Is sour cream essential?

Sour cream adds moisture and tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s texture. If you don’t have it, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the cake without running off immediately. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more a little at a time until you reach that perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe is truly one of those holiday treasures that will keep friends and family asking for more year after year. With its glorious spices, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts, it’s a warm, festive treat that embodies everything we love about seasonal baking. I encourage you to give it a try and watch the smiles light up around your table—this cake is made for sharing and celebrating together.

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