Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake
To make this delightful cake, you’ll need:
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract(optional, for added depth)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour
Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. Dust with flour and tap out the excess.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender pound cake texture.
