Cranberry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a gorgeous holiday cake consisting of layers of vanilla cake with chopped walnuts and cranberries, creamy frosting, and sweet and tart cranberry filling. The cake is a semi-nude cake which is a modern...
Cranberry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a gorgeous holiday cake consisting of layers of vanilla cake with chopped walnuts and cranberries, creamy frosting, and sweet and tart cranberry filling.
The cake is a semi-nude cake which is a modern style for decorating cakes and provides a beautiful rustic look. The cake is topped with candied cranberries and rosemary sprigs - perfect for holidays or special occasions!
The heavenly combination of tart cranberries and creamy, luxurious mascarpone frosting will leave your family and guests begging for more. ?? Recipe's key points
This cranberry cake is stunning - perfect for special occasions and holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or both! Easily reduce the preparation time by making certain elements of this cake, such as the sugared cranberries, cranberry filling, and frosting ahead of time. This holiday cranberry cake is light and fluffy with great texture and moisture!Don’t skip making this cranberry cake for your next special event or holiday! It’s a real show-stopper and will have your guests leaving raving reviews!
? Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
White Cake mix -- may also use chocolate. Walnuts -- swap with your favorite nut. Cranberries -- we use fresh? Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
The cake
The filling
Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine the cranberry juice and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Set aside. Combine the cranberries, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
The mascarpone frosting
Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the cranberries soften with a few bursting open. Pour the cornstarch slurry in and mix well. Continue cooking, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange juice and vanilla extract. Beat the butter and mascarpone cheese using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides occasionally. Reduce the speed and gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating well before adding more. Next, add the salt, vanilla, and milk.
The garnish
Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more milk (about a teaspoon at a time) if the frosting is too stiff to spread. Combine ½ cup sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cranberries and bring it back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for a minute. Remove the cranberries and transfer them to a wire rack.
Assembling the cake
Carefully transfer one layer of the cake to a large plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Top with cranberry filling. Add the second layer of cake and spread another layer of frosting and cranberry filling. Top the final layer of cake with the remaining frosting and cover the sides of the cake.
? Storage
Store this cranberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer.
You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping individual slices with plastic wrap for freshness. You’ll also be able to thaw the exact number of slices desired at any time!
? Variations
White cake mix is used in this recipe. You can use chocolate cake mix for rich decadence. Sprinkle a little orange zest on the top of the cake as garnish. Omit the nuts in this holiday cake when catering to allergies. Make this cake gluten-free with a gluten-free cake mix.
This cranberry dessert is guaranteed to become the star of your festive celebrations. ???? Tips
Don’t rush when making this beautiful cake as some of the elements require time to sit and cool or set. You can make some components of this cake the day before to reduce recipe time when assembling your cake. Eat this cake all year round by freezing excess seasonal cranberries! Since all ovens differ you can check that the cakes have cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake after 30 minutes of baking. The toothpick should come out clean. Don’t worry if the frosting is still too stiff to spread once made. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to the mixture, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.? FAQs
Christmas fruit cake is a traditional Christmas dessert with nuts, dried fruit, and marzipan.
No. The cranberries cook in the cake in the oven.
Christmas cake is often called fruitcake. This cake is also known by other names depending on the region with some variations including alcohol such as whiskey.
The oldest known existing fruit cake was baked in 1878 while Rutherford B. Hayes was president of the United States. These cakes can last for many years due to the sugar, low moisture and alcohol.
Most Christmas cakes are made with pudding while classic fruit cake calls for butter.
? Related Recipes
Hummingbird Cake - A rich and soft cake with banana, pecan, and coconut flavors. The cream cheese frosting adds even more decadence! Italian Cream Cake - Another layered cake with chopped nuts and frosting. The egg-rich yellow cake provides moisture while the toasted coconut provides that classic Italian Cream Cake flavor! Toasted Pecan Praline Cake With Caramel Glaze - A beautiful butter-rich pound cake that’s studded with toasted pecans and heath bits. It’s another cake that you’ll want to show off on holidays and special occasions!
The velvety richness of the mascarpone frosting perfectly complements the luscious, moist cake infused with the tartness of cranberries. ? What to serve with Holiday Cranberry Cake
Enjoy a slice of this cranberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. A slice of this cake is also great with a hot mug of coffee or Affogato made with Cappuccino ice cream as a sweet and indulgent treat during the day! And for the adults, how about a delicious creamy glass of Homemade Irish Cream.
? All Our Way recommends the following
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
Mixing bowls Cake pans - 9-inch Parchment paper Electric mixer Cooling racks Liquid measuring cup Kitchen scale or dry measuring cups Measuring spoons Spatulas? Chiacchierata (chat)
This scrumptious holiday cranberry cake has the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the rich, fluffy mascarpone cream frosting elevates this dessert to a whole new dessert level. Cranberries are a classic flavor during this time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with a cranberry cake that will leave your guests and loved ones spellbound!
The simple garnish of sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs on your festive dessert will have your guests marveling at your culinary skills. It's so beautiful you may want to make it your dessert table centerpiece.
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
The beautifully decorated cranberry cake will take center stage at the dessert table.If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ??????????.
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
? Recipe
Holiday Cranberry Cake With Mascarpone Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
For the cake:
16.25 oz white cake mix1 ? cups water3 large eggs room temperature? cup canola oil1 tablespoon orange zest grated1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries thawed and coarsely chopped 1 cup walnuts, finely choppedFor the Cranberry Filling:
2 Tablespoons cornstarch 16 grams1 Tablespoons unsweetened cranberry juice 14 grams3 cups cranberries 298 grams fresh or frozen, if using frozen do not thaw¾ cup water 170 grams1 cup granulated sugar 198 grams ¼ teaspoon kosher salt1 ½ Tablespoons orange juice 21 grams 1½ teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Mascarpone Frosting:
1½ cups unsalted butter 340 grams at room temperature8 ounces mascarpone cheese 227 grams at room temperature5 cups confectioner's sugar 567 grams sifted ? teaspoon kosher salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 Tablespoons whole milk 28 grams at room temperature, more if neededFor the Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary:
1½ cups granulated sugar 299 grams, divided½ cup water 113 grams1½ cups fresh cranberries 149 grams 8 sprigs of fresh rosemaryInstructions
For the Cake:
For the Cranberry Filling:
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
For the Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary:
To assemble the cake:
Nutrition
The post Cranberry Cake With Mascarpone Frosting appeared first on All Our Way.