Holiday Cranberry Pumpkin Cake ๐๐ฆ
Overview:
This Holiday Cranberry Pumpkin Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the festive season. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, this cake boasts a delightful blend of flavors and textures, complemented by a luscious glaze and vibrant cranberry garnish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a seasonal indulgence, this cake is sure to impress!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 bundt cake or 2 loaves
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 pinches of salt
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease 1 bundt cake pan or 2 loaf pans with cooking spray, ensuring they are thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed, creating a flavorful base for your cake.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the pumpkin mixture. Stir until the wet and dry ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a thick and luscious batter.
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Add Cranberries:
- Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The cranberries will add bursts of tartness and color to your cake.
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Bake the Cake:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan(s), spreading it evenly. Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Prepare Glaze:
- Allow the cake(s) to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze.
- To prepare the glaze, combine 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Apply Glaze:
- Once the cake(s) are completely cool, place them on a wire rack with wax paper underneath to catch any drips. Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake(s), ensuring they are completely covered.
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Garnish:
- Sprinkle the remaining fresh cranberries over the top of the glaze, adding a festive touch to your Holiday Cranberry Pumpkin Cake.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of this decadent cake alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy holiday treat.
- For an extra indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Enjoy Your Festive Treat! ๐ฐ๐
This Holiday Cranberry Pumpkin Cake is a delightful fusion of seasonal flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cozy night in by the fire. With its moist crumb, aromatic spices, and tangy cranberries, each bite is a taste of festive cheer. So gather your loved ones, slice up a piece, and savor the magic of the holiday season with every delicious bite!