Cranberry Bliss Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy frosting. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering or looking for a showstopping dessert for any occasion, this Cranberry Bliss Cake is a delightful choice. With its soft, moist texture, bursts of fresh cranberries, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the kind of cake that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

This cake not only tastes divine but is also visually stunning, thanks to the vibrant red cranberries and white chocolate drizzle that create a festive aesthetic. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step to ensure your cake is perfect every time.

Preparation Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 60 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices

 

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened and cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons full-fat milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups (approximately 12 ounces) fresh cranberries

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (add more as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Handful of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

 

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cranberries

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with a handful of flour to coat them completely. This helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes. The mixture should increase in volume and appear pale and thick, forming ribbons when the beaters are lifted.
2. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the mixture, then whisk until fully combined.
3. Gradually beat in the milk and salt, mixing until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the flour, a little at a time, until no streaks remain. Finally, fold in the flour-coated cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few cranberry juices are okay).
3. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with a splash of cream or milk as needed, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and sweetness.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top and sides using an offset spatula.
2. For a professional look, refrigerate the frosted cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up before adding decorations.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

1. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
2. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cake using a spoon or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for precision.
3. Sprinkle the top of the cake with dried cranberries for added texture and visual appeal.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into generous portions and serve. This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

Tips for Success

1. Flour Coating: Don’t skip coating the cranberries in flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution throughout the cake.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure all your ingredients (especially eggs, butter, and cream cheese) are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter and frosting.
3. Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
4. Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and decorating.

Cranberry Bliss Cake is the ultimate celebration of sweet and tart flavors in perfect harmony. Its moist texture, creamy frosting, and festive presentation make it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday party, or a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to delight.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece. Baking this Cranberry Bliss Cake is not just about making a dessert—it’s about creating memories, spreading joy, and indulging in the art of homemade goodness.

Now it’s your turn! Share this recipe with friends and family or add your unique twist to make it your own. We’d love to hear how your Cranberry Bliss Cake turned out—don’t forget to leave a comment or share a picture of your creation!