This Apple cranberry cake.Is a hug in cake form, pure and simple? It’s like if apple pie and cranberry sauce decided to get married and have a cake baby – the best of both worlds. I always think of my grandma’s kitchen when I bake this. What is the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples that transports me back to those cozy fall nights? Is baking so easy? If you like Coffee Cake, you’re going to absolutely adore this. Is this on another level? What do you think about the tartness of cranberries combined with the sweet apples and a hint of spice?
What is Apple Cranberry Cake?
Think of Apple cranberry cake.As the ultimate comfort bake. Is it a moist, flavorful cake studded with chunks of sweet apples and tart cranberries? All baked to golden perfection. The name pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? Can you call it a snack cake, coffee cake or even dessert? I think the inspiration, is from the desire to have something that is not overly heavy and has a definite purpose. What are some good tart cranberries to enjoy?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I so obsessed with this recipe? What are some of the best cranberries in an Apple Pie? How can you cut through the sweetness? Is it the best of both worlds? I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make. No fancy techniques, no fussy ingredients. Just mix, pour, bake, and you’re done! I need a last minute dessert for company or just for myself. This is lifesaver. What I love most is the fact that it’s relatively budget-friendly. What are some good cranberries to eat during the fall months? Can you use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available? What are some of the best ways to serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just enjoy it plain. Is there an infinite number of possibilities? I even tried adding a handful of chopped walnuts to the batter once, and it was amazing! What are my top 5 favorite cakes?
How do I make apple cranberry cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Apple cranberry cake. What is a breeze! You’ll simply mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, combine them, fold in the apples and cranberries, and bake! The simplicity is truly the beauty of this recipe. It’s so straightforward that even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll nail it. And the best part? The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is absolutely heavenly! I always double-check my measurements and that the baking soda is not expired. Small detail but crucial to the success!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a slightly better flavor. * 34 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this a bit if you prefer sour cake. * 12 cup packed light brown sugar: This adds a lovely molasses-y depth of flavor. * 12 teaspoon baking soda: Same as above! * 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness. Just a touch, for extra spice. * 12 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors. What makes a cake so moist? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. Can you use melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor? Make sure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use the good stuff!
For the Filling:
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and crispness. * 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: If using frozen, don’t thaw them. * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: How do you prevent a cake from sinking to the bottom?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider: Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a nice touch.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have an overhang, you can also line it with parchment paper, leaving a gap, for easy removal. I always grease and flour, even with parchment paper. It just gives me extra insurance!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking powder and soda. I like to give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine
What is the best way to combine wet and dry ingredients? How do you not overmix? Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. A few lumps are okay. What is the best batter I can make without spending too much time on it? What is better to under mix than overmix?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples and cranberries with the 2 tablespoons of flour. How do I prevent them from sinking to the bottom of a cake?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Gently fold the apple cranberry mixture into the Cake Batter. How do you spread the batter into a baking pan? How do you create a swirl effect by gently dragging your knife through the batter? I like to make a figure-eight pattern.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. How long does it take for a cake to bake? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I check it every 5 minutes after 30 mins.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or apple cider. If using vanilla extract, whisk until smooth. How do I make a glaze over ice cream? Don’t rush the process!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the Apple cranberry Cake Recipe.What are some good ways to serve ice cream with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla? I love serving it warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.
What is the best way to serve it?
This Apple cranberry cake.Is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving!For Breakfast:Can you serve it with a strong cup of coffee? The sweetness of the cake complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly. How do I start the day warm and cozy?For Brunch:Serve it with a fruit salad, yoghurt parfait, and marmalade. What makes a good brunch cake? What are the best ways to slice a chicken breast into smaller pieces for brunch?As Dessert:Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also adds to the dish. I always prefer warm cakes over cold.For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy a cup of hot tea on an chilly afternoon? What is the perfect comfort food for a family night out? What is the best way to end a day together?
How do I make a perfect apple cranberry cake?
What are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years of making this blog?Apple cranberry Cake Recipe:.
Apple Prep:Don’t skip the peeling! While apple peels are nutritious, they can make the cake slightly tougher. Also, make sure to chop the apples into uniform pieces so they bake evenly. What is the type of apple? Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples bring sourness.Mixing Advice:What are the best ways to make a tough cake? What are some lumps left in the mix? I’ve made this mistake too many times. What is the best way to make a cake?Swirl CustomizationHow do you create swirls? You can use a knife, skewer, or chopstick to create different patterns. Add food coloring to a small amount of batter and mix. What is the best way to let your imagination run wild?Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. You can also substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor. I’ve tested this and the coconut flavor makes the cake even better!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking! Ovens can vary, so the baking time might be slightly different. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Always check for doneness with a wooden skewer inserted into the center.
Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the glaze. You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a citrusy twist, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. I once added a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze, and it was a huge hit! Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or the glaze will be too thin.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your apple cranberry cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, covered tightly. This is ideal if you plan on eating it within a few days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, make sure it’s covered tightly. The refrigerator can dry out the cake, so it’s important to protect it. I’ve found that wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in an airtight container works best.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the cake for even longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the glaze just before serving. If you’re storing the cake, you can wait to glaze it until you’re ready to eat it. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or melting in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This apple cranberry cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of autumn happiness. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices creates a flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s the perfect cake to bake on a chilly afternoon, to share with loved ones, or to simply enjoy all by yourself with a cup of coffee.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my apple crisp or my cranberry muffins. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make! I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking!
Apple Cranberry Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 cups chopped apples
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the applesauce, cranberries, and apples.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
