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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!
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5 from 2 votes

Vanilla Cranberry Buttermilk Cake

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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast cake, buttermilk cake, christmas cake, cranberry buttermilk cake, cranberry cake, snack cake, vanilla cranberry buttermilk cake, winter cake
Servings: 8 x8 dish
Author: Brandy O'Neill - Nutmeg Nanny

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