Sparkling Holiday Cranberry & Apple Cake Recipe by Ina Garten

Dessert lovers rejoice as this Ina Garten easy cranberry & apple cake blends tart and sweet flavors into a delightful autumn treat.

Juicy cranberries and crisp apples dance together in a moist, tender cake that screams comfort.

The recipe promises warmth and simplicity with every single slice.

Home bakers will adore how straightforward this cake comes together in just a few simple steps.

Seasonal ingredients shine bright, creating a gorgeous dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Fresh from the oven, this cake makes any gathering feel special and inviting.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that celebrates the best of fall’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Cranberries: Tangy berries that provide bright, zesty flavor and beautiful color contrast in the cake.
• Apple: Adds natural sweetness and soft texture, complementing the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Brown Sugar: Creates deep caramel undertones and helps fruit caramelize during baking.
• Orange Zest: Brings vibrant citrus aroma and enhances overall fruit flavor profile.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and helps soften fruit mixture while intensifying citrus notes.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that connects fruit flavors and adds cozy depth to the cake.

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, creating a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, light cake crumb.
• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and ensures a moist, tender cake consistency.
• Vanilla: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle aromatic sweetness.
• Sour Cream: Introduces moisture and creates a soft, velvety cake texture.
• Flour: Creates the cake's foundational structure and provides necessary protein.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a delicate, sparkling crust with warm spice undertones.

Equipment Essentials for Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Stand mixer: Essential for efficiently beating eggs and mixing batter with smooth consistency.
• 10-inch glass pie dish: Perfect for evenly spreading fruit mixture and baking the cake.
• Medium bowl: Needed for combining cranberries, apple, and other fruit mixture ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness by inserting into the center.
• Grater: Helpful for creating orange zest.
• Knife: Useful for dicing apple and other prep work.

Baking Instructions for Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Fruit Foundation

Toss together vibrant cranberries and sweet apples with warm spices, creating a luscious base that will burst with flavor when baked.

• Silky Batter

Whip eggs into a fluffy cloud, then gently fold in creamy butter, sugar, and tangy sour cream until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

• Layered Composition

Spread the fruity mixture across a glass pie dish, then cascade the velvety batter over the top, ensuring every inch is lovingly covered.

• Sparkling Finish

Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon, adding a touch of sweet crunch to the cake’s golden landscape.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into a warm oven, letting the aromas of fruit and spice fill your kitchen. Bake until the edges dance with bubbles and a inserted toothpick emerges clean.

• Serving Pleasure

Let the cake rest and cool slightly, then slice into this rustic treasure. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, celebrating the harmony of seasonal fruits and comforting flavors.

Tasty Tweaks for Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness in the cake.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to create a similar moisture and tangy flavor profile.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the fruit mixture before adding the batter for extra crunch and depth.
• Substitute cranberries with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries during summer months for a year-round dessert variation.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance and store at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and freshness.

How to Serve Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake Like a Pro

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a generous dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
• Breakfast Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by warming a slice and serving alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy start to the day.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving, and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint to create a stunning visual appeal that will impress guests.
• Holiday Hosting Hero: Serve this cake as a festive dessert during thanksgiving or winter gatherings, complementing other seasonal dishes with its warm, comforting flavors.

Store & Keep Fresh: Ina Garten Easy Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Store Fresh for Maximum Flavor: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays moist and delectable.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Carefully wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert anytime.
• Revive Chilled Slices: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, restoring its original softness and bringing out the vibrant fruit flavors.

Rustic Cranberry & Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s easy cranberry & apple cake delivers rustic comfort from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Seasonal fruit and warm spices create a delightful dessert that invites you to savor each sweet and tart bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest (2 oranges)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ lb (113 g, 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 cup (200 g) plus 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1–1/8 tsps ground cinnamon, divided
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Fruit Preparation: In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, diced apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and ground cinnamon, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while preparing other ingredients.
2. Batter Creation: Utilize a stand mixer to whip eggs on medium-high speed until light and airy. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
3. Flour Integration: Gently fold all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the wet mixture, creating a smooth, uniform batter without overmixing.
4. Fruit Layering: Spread the prepared fruit mixture evenly across the bottom of a 10-inch glass pie dish, forming a vibrant, flavorful base for the cake.
5. Batter Placement: Carefully pour the cake batter over the fruit layer, ensuring complete coverage and sealing of the fruit beneath.
6. Topping Application: Sprinkle a delicate mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon across the cake’s surface for an added touch of sweetness and warmth.
7. Baking Process: Place the pie dish in a preheated oven at 163°C / 325°F and bake for 55-60 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are gently bubbling.
8. Serving Suggestion: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature, inviting guests to enjoy the harmonious blend of tangy cranberries and sweet cake.

Notes

• Prep Fruit Carefully: Mix cranberries and apples thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent clumping in the cake.
• Whip Eggs Precisely: Beat eggs for exactly 2 minutes to achieve the perfect light and airy texture that makes the cake fluffy.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold flour into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain the cake’s delicate, tender crumb.
• Check Doneness Strategically: Use the toothpick test and watch for gentle bubbling edges to guarantee a perfectly baked cake without drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg