Cranberry Bundt Cake Recipe from Pinterest

Are you a fan of Pinterest? If so, you've likely encountered an array of delectable recipes that not only look beautiful but also promise to deliver unforgettable flavors. Among the plethora of baking inspirations, a Cranberry Bundt Cake has caught many an eye. Known for its vibrant appearance and scrumptious taste, this cake is perfect for holiday tables, special occasions, or as a delightful indulgence. Let's delve into crafting this moist, tangy, and visually appealing dessert.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients to gather before you start your baking adventure:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar for glaze
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or orange juice for glaze
• Zest of one orange (optional but recommended)

Preparation Steps

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter. Consider coating the pan with a mixture of granulated sugar and flour for an extra non-stick layer and a lovely crust.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which results in a tender cake.

Add Eggs and Extract

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla extract after the last egg.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the yogurt and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Ensure the mixture is smooth but not over-mixed to maintain a light texture.

Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to break them up too much to keep their tart flavor intact.

Pour Batter into Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, leveling the top with a spatula or spoon for even baking.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking after 50 minutes to avoid over-baking.

Cooling

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cake.

🔔 Note: For an enhanced flavor, you can add a bit of orange zest to the batter or the glaze for a citrusy zing.

📝 Note: If using frozen cranberries, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Once the glaze has set, your Cranberry Bundt Cake is ready to impress. This cake's beauty lies in its simplicity; the burst of red cranberries against the golden cake is visually stunning. But it's the taste - the perfect harmony of sweet and tart - that makes this dessert a true standout. Enjoy it as it is or perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

The final taste of this Cranberry Bundt Cake is a celebration of flavors. The butter gives the cake a rich, tender texture, while the Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture. The cranberries offer a surprising tartness that cuts through the cake's sweetness, and if you've added orange zest, it enhances the fruitiness with a fragrant note. Together, these elements create a festive, delightful dessert that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.