Zesty Cranberry & Apple Cake Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Style

Sweet autumn afternoons call for a delightful Barefoot Contessa easy cranberry & apple cake that promises pure comfort and warmth.

Combining tart cranberries with juicy apples creates a symphony of seasonal flavors in every single bite.

Rustic and inviting, this cake delivers a homemade charm that instantly makes kitchens feel cozy.

Ina Garten’s style shines through with simple ingredients and effortless preparation.

The recipe balances tangy and sweet notes perfectly, ensuring a dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

Each slice offers a gorgeous blend of fruits nestled in a tender, golden crumb.

You’ll love how this cake turns an ordinary afternoon into a delectable celebration of fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake a slice of pure happiness.

Ingredients for Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Cranberries: Tart jewels that add vibrant color and zingy flavor, choose plump and firm berries for best texture.
• Apple: Crisp and sweet base that provides delightful chunks, select firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and helps fruit caramelize beautifully.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes that enhance fruit's natural sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Provides moisture and subtle tangy brightness.

• Eggs: Rich binding agent that creates structure and silky texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden browning.
• Butter (Melted): Delivers rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aromatic depth.
• Sour Cream: Ensures incredibly moist and tender cake texture.

• Flour: Foundational ingredient that creates cake's structure.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements fruit and adds cozy undertones.

Equipment for Cranberry & Apple Cake Success

• Electric mixer: Essential for beating eggs and mixing batter smoothly.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for combining fruit mixture with brown sugar, zest, and juice.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing topping sugar and cinnamon.
• 10-inch glass pie plate: Provides the right baking surface for the cake.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness by inserting into the center.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater: Helpful for creating orange zest.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading batter evenly over fruit.

Directions to Bake Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Fruit and Sugar Symphony

Fresh cranberries and apples dance together with brown sugar, creating a vibrant base of tangy sweetness that sets the stage for an incredible dessert experience.

• Batter Magic

Whip eggs until they transform into a fluffy cloud, gently folding in creamy sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla for a silky smooth mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Layered Landscape

Spread the colorful fruit across your baking dish, then tenderly pour the batter over top, allowing the mixture to create natural swirls and valleys of flavor.

• Cinnamon Whisper

Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon, which will caramelize during baking and create a golden, crispy top layer.

• Oven Transformation

Bake until the cake turns a rich golden brown and the edges bubble with fruity enthusiasm, signaling the perfect moment of culinary completion.

• Serving Comfort

Let the cake rest briefly, allowing its flavors to settle, then slice and serve – welcoming friends and family to a warm, inviting dessert that speaks of home and happiness.

Smart Tips for Cranberry & Apple Cake Variations

• Cranberry & Apple Cake Secrets
• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith and fresh, plump cranberries for maximum flavor depth and texture contrast.
• Toss fruit mixture quickly with a bit of flour to absorb extra moisture and ensure a perfectly structured cake base.
• Enhance the cake by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the fruit mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Complement the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Prepare the cake up to a day in advance and gently reheat before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Plating Suggestions for Cranberry & Apple Cake

• Serve with Whipped Cream Delight: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy, dreamy contrast to the tangy cranberries and sweet apples.
• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to create a delectable hot-and-cold dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Breakfast Morning Magic: Enjoy a slice for a luxurious breakfast treat, perfectly complemented by a hot cup of coffee or tea to start your day with a burst of fruity flavor.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation that impresses guests at any gathering.

Cranberry & Apple Cake: Storage and Prep Info

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days if serving within a short period. Place a clean kitchen towel loosely over the top to keep it fresh.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the cake's soft texture and enhances the fruit flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Rustic Cranberry & Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s easy cranberry & apple cake blends sweet and tart flavors in a rustic dessert. Home bakers can enjoy this classic New England-inspired treat with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C) and generously grease a 10-inch glass pie dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Fruit Melange: Combine cranberries, apples, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, allowing the ingredients to macerate and develop rich, complex flavors.
3. Batter Creation: Whip eggs in an electric mixer until voluminous, then gradually integrate granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream, blending until smooth and cohesive.
4. Batter Finalization: Gently incorporate flour and salt on low speed, mixing until just combined to maintain a delicate texture and prevent overworking the batter.
5. Assembly and Topping: Distribute the fruit mixture evenly across the prepared dish, pour the batter over the top, ensuring complete coverage, and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar blend for an aromatic finish.
6. Baking Process: Position the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a golden surface and clean toothpick test, indicating the cake’s perfect doneness.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting the flavors meld and intensify before serving warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Fruit Preparation: Mix cranberries and apples with sugar and spices at least 10 minutes before baking to allow flavors to develop and create a richer taste profile.
• Batter Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the cake batter to prevent a tough, dense texture; blend just until ingredients are incorporated for a light, tender crumb.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and sour cream, to ensure even mixing and a smoother cake consistency.
• Cooling Strategy: Let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to allow the fruit juices to set and make slicing easier, preventing a soggy bottom.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg