Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that beautifully captures the spirit of the season, the Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This cake is a magical combination of tender crumb, warming spices, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts that come together in an inviting Bundt shape. Each slice bursts with holiday cheer, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during those cozy gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple for your Christmas celebrations year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of baking, and this recipe shines with straightforward, wholesome components. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding moisture and richness to enhancing flavor and texture, creating that perfect festive cake experience.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy foundation for the cake’s tender crumb and structure.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully for that light, airy texture.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Balances acidity and aids in leavening to keep the cake fluffy.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, especially the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warmth and iconic holiday spice to each bite.
• Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Offers a subtly sweet, nutty depth to the spice blend.
• Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds a hint of zing and complements the other spices perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups): Sweetens the cake while helping with that light texture.
• Large eggs (4): Provide structure, moisture, and richness—don’t skip them!
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp plus 1 tsp for glaze): Elevates the flavor and adds a sweet, floral note.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender with just a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• Milk (½ cup plus 2-3 tbsp for glaze): Adds tenderness and helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
• Dried cranberries (½ cup, optional): For tart pops of color and flavor, quintessentially Christmassy.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup for glaze and dusting): Sweetens the glaze and can be dusted on for a snowy touch.
• Red and green sprinkles: For that festive, joyful look that makes the cake feel extra special.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab your 10-inch Bundt pan and give it a thorough greasing and flouring. This step is key to make sure your beautiful cake releases easily after baking, preserving its stunning shape and details.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for Warm Spice

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This spice blend is what makes this Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe so irresistibly festive and aromatic, setting the tone for all the flavors to come.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air that helps give your cake the dreamiest texture, so don’t rush it—take your time for best results.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, beat in those large eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable cozy fragrance that feels like Christmas in a bite.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk

Mix in the sour cream followed by the milk until the batter is smooth and creamy. These ingredients add moisture and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, ensuring the cake stays tender and rich.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Festive Add-ins

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, which keeps the texture light and airy. If you’re using dried cranberries and chopped nuts, gently fold those in now to distribute them evenly without overworking the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out and cool.

Step 8: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off, as glazing a warm cake can lead to melt-offs and uneven coverage.

Step 9: Whip Up the Festive Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk if necessary—whether you want a thick drizzle or a thinner glaze is up to you and your preference for extra sweetness or subtle shine.

Step 10: Decorate and Celebrate

Once the cake is fully cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for that classic Bundt look. Sprinkle festive red and green sprinkles over the glaze for a cheerful, holiday-ready presentation. For a finishing touch, dust a light snowfall of powdered sugar over the top just before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar to add elegance without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors. Adding a few extra fresh cranberries or chopped nuts on the side can amp up the festive look and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a cozy cup of hot tea, spiced cider, or rich coffee to complement the warming spices in the cake. If you want to go all out, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is an indulgent side that makes the experience extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe on a festive cake stand surrounded by sprigs of holly or evergreen for that holiday magic. Cutting the cake into smaller, individual mini Bundt cakes or cupcakes can also make for adorable party favors or buffet treats at your holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Bundt cake stays moist and delicious in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keeping it in the fridge is an option, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving so the flavors and texture shine.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake either whole or in slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen cake keeps well for up to 2 months—perfect for making ahead before the holiday rush.

Reheating

To bring your Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe back to life after refrigeration or freezing, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This restores the soft crumb and melts the glaze just a little for extra yum.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in this cake?

Fresh cranberries are more tart and contain more moisture than dried, so if you decide to use them, consider adjusting the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly and expect a different texture. Dried cranberries are recommended for consistent results in this Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe.

What nuts work best for this Bundt cake?

Pecans and walnuts both add wonderful texture and flavor. Pecans have a slightly sweeter, buttery taste, while walnuts offer earthiness and more crunch. Choose your favorite or even mix both to give your cake more dimension.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Your cake will still be delicious and festive, though texture may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use sour cream? Can I substitute it?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances sweetness. If you don’t have it, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute in equal amounts, maintaining the cake’s moist texture and flavor.

How should I adjust baking time at high altitude?

At high altitude, you may need to decrease baking powder slightly and increase oven temperature by 15 to 25°F. Start checking your Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe a few minutes earlier than the suggested bake time to avoid drying out the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Nut Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper for the holiday season, blending classic spices, vibrant cranberries, and crunchy nuts in a delightful presentation. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying a cozy night in, this cake brings warmth and joy bite after bite. Give it a try—you’ll be making it every Christmas after!

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