Lisa's Delectable Cranberry Cake
This is the most Delectable Cranberry Cake you will ever taste and was the top requested item from our client's each Christmas! Friends that we have shared the recipe with still write us to let us know it is cranberry season and time to make this cake again! It is a yummy, moist treat that everyone absolutely loves. The contrasts are what make it such a treat, the blend between tart cranberries and the slightly sweet cake are irresistible, and a slightly crisp top with a delicate cake inside.
In order to get the right texture, you really have to follow directions EXACTLY on this recipe. We all love those recipes that you can take creative license with, but the secret to getting the lift you want in the cake, is to beat exactly like it says.
Trust me, it is worth every second!
Ingredients:
- 3 Eggs
- 2 cups Sugar
- ¾ REAL Butter softened
- 1 tsp. Almond Extract
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 ½ cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- optional - 2/3 cup chopped Pecans or Slivered Almonds
Remember, the secret to making a superb Delectable Cranberry Cake is in following the directions exactly!
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and the sugar. Beat for about 5; yes, FIVE minutes until they are slightly thickened and light in color.Know that it is worth it!
Add butter and almond extract and beat an additional 2 minutes. The dough is yummy at this point. Don’t think of botulism, taste it!
Gently add the mixture to the flour in a large bowl with a rubber spatula ~ just until combined! Do NOT over-mix the air you just fluffed into this light cake!
Fold in the cranberries and the nuts just until combined.
Spread in a greased round Baking Stone. We use the Pampered Chef which is 10.5 inches and something about using a baking stone gives it the best texture! We have also baked it into countless mini-loaves and it would make 4-5 of those, sometimes cranberries are larger and you get more!. We actually place the mini loaves on top of a flat stone to bake - just something we did for years because we had an oven that was uneven in temperature, and found it was a great way to preserve the properties of a stone, while baking in mini-tins to give directly TO clients and friends! You can bake in just about any medium size pan, although a 13x9 would be TOO big and make it too thin.
Leave lots of dough on the generous spatula so you can taste the perfect combination of tart cranberries and delicate cake dough! Go to heaven.
Bake in a 350° oven for 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and serve right out of the dish. Hide from your family. This is YOUR special treat! You deserve it!
Serve with flavored coffee, and top with fresh whipped cream if you desire. Snuggle up with a good book in front of the fireplace and enjoy the luscious taste of winter! You will love it!
Copyright 2011 by Lisa Baughn of www.ThePrudentWife.com ~ No part of this article may be reproduced, emailed, forwarded or blogged without the author's permission
Lisa Baughn shows you how to save time, money and sanity while learning to thrive in the “new economy,” equipping you to get out of debt faster. Creative ideas to live again, nail one debt at a time, revamping your lifestyle and attitude. Enjoy signature how-to videos which explode open easy cooking techniques with simple gourmet meals and maximum nutrition. Thrive in the new economy! Great ideas and tips can be found at her website www.ThePrudentWife.com