Oh, cranberry baked goods – just saying those words makes my mouth water! I still remember the first time I made this delicious recipe. It was a chilly November afternoon, and I had a bag of fresh cranberries staring at me from the fridge. “Let’s make something magical,” I thought. Little did I know I was about to create my new favorite treat!
What I love most about this cranberry baked goods recipe is how simple it is. Just a handful of pantry staples transforms into something spectacular. The tart cranberries play perfectly against the sweet, buttery cake – it’s like they were made for each other. And that gorgeous ruby-red color peeking through? Pure baking happiness.
This recipe has become my go-to for everything from holiday gatherings to lazy Sunday breakfasts. It’s foolproof, delicious, and always gets rave reviews. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a staple in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Baked Goods Delicious Recipe
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and your taste buds)!
- Effortless elegance: Looks fancy but comes together in minutes – perfect for last-minute guests
- Taste fireworks: That sweet-tart cranberry punch makes every bite exciting
- Holiday hero: The festive red berries make it a natural for Thanksgiving and Christmas tables
- Versatile star: Equally at home at breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Crowd-pleaser: I’ve never brought leftovers home from a potluck!
Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes – simple, stunning, and downright delicious.
Ingredients for Cranberry Baked Goods Delicious Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this beauty – all simple ingredients you probably already have:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (I sometimes use 1 1/4 cups if my cranberries are extra tart)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (that’s 1 stick – and yes, it must be softened!)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff makes a difference)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (washed and picked through)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Let’s talk about those cranberries first – fresh is best, but frozen work too (don’t thaw them first!). If you’re using frozen, toss them in a tablespoon of flour first to prevent sinking. Out of milk? Buttermilk adds lovely tang, or thin yogurt with water works.
The butter must be softened – not melted! – for proper creaming. No unsalted butter? Use salted but reduce the added salt to 1/4 tsp. And if you’re feeling fancy, orange zest makes a wonderful addition to the batter.
How to Make Cranberry Baked Goods Delicious Recipe
Alright, let’s get baking! This recipe comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a gorgeous cranberry treat in no time.
- Prep your oven: First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan well (I use butter or baking spray) so your masterpiece pops right out later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Don’t skip the whisking – it makes sure everything’s evenly distributed!
- Cream the wet stuff: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add egg, milk and vanilla. Beat until just combined – don’t go crazy here.
- Bring it together: Now gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix. I use a rubber spatula and make figure-8 motions until barely combined. Some flour streaks are okay!
- Berry time: Here comes the star – fold in those gorgeous cranberries gently so they stay whole. The batter will be thick – that’s perfect!
- Bake to perfection: Spread the batter evenly in your pan and pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool it: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. I know it’s tempting, but waiting makes slicing so much easier!
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Baked Goods
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for cranberry success:
- Don’t overmix the batter – a few lumps are better than tough baked goods!
- Toss frozen cranberries in flour before adding to prevent sinking
- Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even browning
- The cake continues cooking as it cools – don’t overbake!
- For extra sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Baked Goods Delicious Recipe
Oh, the possibilities with this beauty! My absolute favorite way to serve it? Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – the cold creaminess against the tart cranberries is pure magic. For breakfast, I’ll toast a slice lightly and spread with cream cheese (trust me on this!).
At holiday parties, I dress it up with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest. It’s equally wonderful plain with afternoon tea or coffee. Honestly, this treat shines no matter how you serve it – just be prepared for recipe requests!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This cranberry beauty keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!). For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes – the edges get delightfully crisp while the center stays moist. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months – perfect for sudden cranberry cravings!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Baked Goods Delicious Recipe
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop – this treat has all the good stuff like antioxidants from those cranberries! Keep in mind nutritional values can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. Everything in moderation, right? But honestly, with fruit this pretty, I say it practically counts as health food!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this recipe all the time, so let me share the most common questions and my best answers from years of cranberry baking experiments!
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
You absolutely can, but here’s my trick – soak them in warm water for 15 minutes first to plump them up. Drained cranberries will give you better texture, though nothing beats the burst of fresh berries when you bite in!
How do I keep the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Oh, I’ve battled this one! The secret is tossing your berries (fresh or frozen) in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in. The light coating helps them stay suspended beautifully throughout the batter.
My cranberries are super tart – should I add more sugar?
I love the tangy pop of tart cranberries (it’s what makes this recipe special!), but if you’re worried, add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar. You can also try mixing in some orange zest – the citrus balances the tartness wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve had great results using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to let the batter sit for 5 minutes before baking – it helps the texture. The cranberries make it moist enough that no one will guess it’s GF!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your cranberry baked goods turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a photo – those ruby-red berries deserve to be seen. Happy baking!
Print
Irresistible Cranberry Baked Goods Recipe in 7 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked goods recipe featuring cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best results.
- Adjust sugar based on cranberry tartness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cranberry baked goods delicious recipe