Description
Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake
A rich, buttery bundt cake packed with cranberries and pecans—an elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
3 eggs
¾ cup milk
1 ½ cups cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a bundt pan.
Cream butter and sugars, beat in eggs. Alternate adding milk and dry ingredients.
Stir in vanilla, cranberries, and pecans.
Bake for 50 minutes. Drizzle with icing before serving.
#ElegantDessertVibes
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the white and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the vanilla extract, fresh cranberries, and chopped pecans with a spatula.
7. Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile. For a simple finish, dust with powdered sugar. For more elegance, drizzle with a vanilla or orange glaze. Serve a slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or can be the stunning centerpiece of a holiday dessert table.
How-to Summary
Grease pan, preheat oven. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs. Alternate dry ingredients and milk. Fold in vanilla, cranberries, pecans. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Cool before glazing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10-15 minutes first to plump them up, then drain and pat dry. This prevents them from drying out the cake.
How do I store this cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
My cake stuck to the pan. How can I avoid this?
Ensure you grease and flour the pan meticulously, getting into every nook. Using a non-stick baking spray with flour is highly effective for Bundt pans.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and cool the cake completely, wrap it tightly, and store at room temperature. Add any glaze or icing just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts are an excellent substitute. For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and add an extra ½ cup of cranberries or white chocolate chips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Mix only until ingredients are combined after adding the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake.
- Not preparing the pan properly: This is the top cause of Bundt cake disasters. Be generous with greasing and flouring.
- Adding cranberries and nuts without coating: Toss them in a tablespoon of the measured flour before folding in. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Inverting the cake too soon: Let it cool in the pan for the full 15 minutes. If removed while too hot, it can break.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake is a timeless dessert that masterfully balances rich, buttery flavor with the tart pop of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Its stunning presentation belies its straightforward preparation. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a show-stopping cake perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply elevating an everyday moment. It’s a recipe that promises and delivers elegance in every slice.
