Go Back
+ servings
This vanilla cranberry buttermilk cake is the perfect Christmas cake. Full of fresh cranberries, vanilla beans, orange zest and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for an extra special sparkly surprise. You'll love how easy it is to make this tasty breakfast or dessert treat!

Vanilla Cranberry Buttermilk Cake

Author: Brandy O'Neill - Nutmeg Nanny
This vanilla cranberry buttermilk cake is the perfect Christmas cake. Full of fresh cranberries, vanilla beans, orange zest, and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for an extra special sparkly surprise.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8 x8 dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 ounces room temperature butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 2-3 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray, set aside.
  • In a medium-size mixing bowl add flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer add butter, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla bean paste. Mix on medium speed for 3 minutes or until the butter and sugar are fully creamed and slightly fluffy.
  • Scrape down the sides, add the egg and mix until fully combined.
  • Pour in 1/3 of the buttermilk, and mix until combined.
  • Add in 1/2 of the flour mixture, and mix until combined
  • Continue with another round of buttermilk, and flour, and finish with the remaining buttermilk.
  • Add cranberries to a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and toss to combine.
  • Fold the cranberries and any remaining flour
  • Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread out as smoothly as possible. The batter is a little thick.
  • Sprinkle the top of the cake with 2-3 tablespoons of coarse turbinado sugar. The amount you use depends on how sugary you want the topping.
  • Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested in the middle of the cake.
  • Let cool and serve for breakfast or dessert.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 365mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword breakfast cake, buttermilk cake, christmas cake, cranberry buttermilk cake, cranberry cake, snack cake, vanilla cranberry buttermilk cake, winter cake
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!