When the air turns crisp and cranberries start appearing in everything from salads to cocktails, this Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Sauce is a must-bake. The tart burst of cranberries mingling with the silky, velvety sweetness of the butter sauce creates an indulgent, comforting dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
A holiday staple in my family for years, this recipe is practically foolproof—I’ll never forget my cousin calling it “the dessert version of a Hallmark movie” at a potluck where the pan came back scraped clean. The vibrant cranberries add a pop of color and zing, perfectly complemented by the rich sauce, making this dessert both festive and memorable.
Surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers, it’s no wonder this dish is trending—people are craving unfussy, old-school recipes packed with flavor, and cranberries bring a bonus of antioxidants and vitamins. Pair it with Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs or Vanilla Ice Cream for a show-stopping spread!
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- Tart meets sweet perfection: The cranberries’ zingy flavor perfectly complements the rich, buttery sauce.
- Holiday-ready: The vibrant colors and warm, comforting flavors scream festive.
- Easy to prepare: You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off!
- Customizable: Add your own touch with spices, nuts, or even a splash of bourbon in the sauce.
- Memorable texture: The cake is tender and moist, with chewy bursts of cranberry in every bite.
Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Hand
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- dash salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries roughly chopped
Warm Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cups sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until crumbly, then mix in the egg.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually alternate mixing the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add orange zest and fold in cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the sauce, combine butter, sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- Serve warm butter sauce over slices of cake. Reheat the sauce if needed, as it thickens and crystallizes as it cools.
