Irresistible Fall Comfort: Ina Garten’s Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe

Baking a delightful cranberry and apple cake with Ina Garten’s easy recipe promises a burst of autumn flavors in every bite.

The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a harmonious dessert that warms the soul.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, offering a rustic charm that feels both comforting and elegant.

Each slice tells a story of simplicity and deliciousness, inviting you to savor the moment.

The cake golden crumb and vibrant fruit swirls promise a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.

Whip up this delectable treat and watch as it becomes the star of your next gathering, bringing everyone together with its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering appeal.

How to Store This Fruit-Forward Dessert

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Serve Temperature Tips: Enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the fruit mixture and batter separately up to 1 day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking for maximum freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything Needed for Ina’s Cranberry Apple Cake

• Cranberries: Tart little jewels that bring vibrant color and punchy flavor to the cake, choose plump and firm berries without soft spots.
• Apple: Adds sweet-tart crunch and natural moisture, select firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel undertones and helps fruit caramelize beautifully during baking.
• Orange Zest: Infuses bright citrusy notes that complement the fruit's natural sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Adds subtle acidity and helps blend fruit flavors seamlessly.

• Eggs: Create rich structure and help bind ingredients together, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create tender cake texture.
• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and soft crumb, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with warm, aromatic notes.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy moisture and helps create incredibly tender cake texture.
• Flour: Provides fundamental structure for the cake, use all-purpose for consistent results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor dimensions.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates delightful sweet-spicy crackle on cake's surface, adds visual appeal and extra flavor layer.

Must-Have Items for This Autumn Dessert

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creating a smooth, well-mixed batter.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for combining cranberries, apples, and other fruit mixture ingredients.
• 10-inch Glass Pie Plate: Ideal baking dish for this rustic, fruity cake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater or Zester: Needed to create fresh orange zest.
• Mixing Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape batter evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for dicing apples precisely.

How Ina Bakes Her Cran-Apple Masterpiece

Cozy Cranberry Apple Cake

• Fruit Foundation Preparation

Mix cranberries and chopped apples with warm spices and citrus notes to create a vibrant base layer that will infuse the cake with incredible flavor.

• Cake Batter Creation

Whip eggs until they become light and fluffy, then gently fold in creamy ingredients like soft butter, tangy sour cream, and sweet vanilla to develop a silky smooth texture.

• Cake Assembly

Spread the colorful fruit mixture across the bottom of a glass baking dish, then carefully pour the luxurious batter over the top, ensuring complete coverage of the fruit.

• Final Flourish

Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon, creating a golden, crispy top that adds a delightful crunch to each slice.

• Serving Suggestion

Allow the cake to rest and cool slightly, releasing its aromatic spices. Serve warm for maximum comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly afternoon.

Ways to Adjust the Tart-to-Sweet Ratio

• Swap frozen cranberries for fresh ones, ensuring they're patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
• Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added crunch and nutty flavor dimension.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime to create unique taste profiles while maintaining the cake's bright, tangy essence.
• Top the warm cake with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Perfect Serving Ideas for Fall Gatherings

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve this delightful cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance the warm, fruity flavors.
• Create Brunch Brilliance: Feature this cake as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, complementing other breakfast classics like quiche or frittata.
• Craft Cozy Moments: Enjoy a slice with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot coffee, perfect for crisp autumn mornings or relaxed weekend afternoons.
• Present Holiday Elegance: Slice and arrange on a beautiful ceramic platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch during holiday gatherings.

Rustic Cranberry And Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s easy cranberry and apple cake merges rustic comfort with seasonal charm. Warm spices, tart cranberries, and sweet apples create a delightful dessert you’ll savor during crisp autumn gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over for stems
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp (225 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• ¼ lb (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), setting the stage for a delightful baking experience.
2. Fruit Fusion: In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, diced apples, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and ground cinnamon, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop a vibrant, aromatic profile.
3. Batter Creation: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, whip eggs at medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream, blending until smooth and cohesive.
4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Gently fold flour and salt into the wet mixture at low speed, maintaining a silky-smooth consistency without overmixing.
5. Assembly: Spread the fruit mixture evenly across a 10-inch glass pie plate, creating a luscious base for the cake.
6. Batter Application: Pour the prepared batter over the fruit layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a delicate layer of granulated sugar and cinnamon across the batter’s surface for an added hint of sweetness and warmth.
8. Baking and Cooling: Bake until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly, releasing its enticing aromas before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Fruit Prep Technique: Macerate cranberries and apples with brown sugar and orange zest for 15-20 minutes to intensify flavor depth and soften fruit texture.
• Mixing Mastery: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are incorporated for a tender crumb.
• Temperature Timing: Let cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow structural setting and enhanced flavor melding.
• Storage Savvy: Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg