Cranberries bring a vibrant burst of flavor to any dessert, and our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake recipe is no exception. This cake perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with a moist, tender crumb that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and tangy, this cake is a delightful choice.
Using Ocean Spray cranberries ensures a consistent quality and that signature tangy taste we love. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, making it easy for us to whip up a delicious treat without any fuss. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that combines classic flavors with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake, we carefully select ingredients that enhance the tartness of cranberries while maintaining a tender and moist crumb. Below, you’ll find the essential components separated into sections for the cake, frosting, and optional garnishes to elevate the final presentation.
Cake Ingredients
We use high-quality Ocean Spray cranberries for consistent taste and texture. Each ingredient is measured precisely to ensure balance and flavor harmony.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Sifted |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened at room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups | |
| Large eggs | 3 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
| Milk | 1 cup | Whole milk for richness |
| Ocean Spray fresh cranberries | 2 cups | Rinsed and drained |
Frosting Ingredients
Our frosting complements the cranberry cake’s tartness with a creamy, smooth texture that enhances every bite.
- Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Powdered sugar – 3 cups, sifted to avoid lumps
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed for brightness
Optional Garnishes
To give our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake a stunning finish and burst of seasonal flavor, consider these decorative extras:
- Fresh cranberries – Lightly dusted with powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – Toasted for crunch
- Zest of lemon – To sprinkle on top for an aromatic pop
- Mint leaves – For a fresh, vibrant look
Using these ingredients, our recipe combines classic flavors and fresh cranberries to deliver a cake that’s festive, flavorful, and irresistibly moist.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake with precision and ease, having the right equipment is essential. This ensures that each step—from mixing to baking—goes smoothly and achieves the desired moist texture and perfect rise.
Essential Tools for Mixing and Measuring
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two medium-sized bowls to combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons guarantee proper ingredient ratios.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar and whipping the frosting to a smooth finish.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in the fresh Ocean Spray cranberries gently without breaking them.
Baking and Preparation Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan: This size works best to shape our cranberry cake with perfect thickness.
- Parchment paper: To line the pan for easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly and maintain its moist crumb.
- Sifter: To aerate the flour and baking powder, ensuring a light texture.
Optional Garnishing Tools
- Zester or microplane: For grating fresh lemon zest to complement the frosting.
- Small offset spatula: Helps spread the cream cheese frosting evenly.
- Decorating tools or piping bag: If we want to add a professional touch to the frosting.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | Combine ingredients separately |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accurate ingredient portioning |
| Electric mixer | Cream butter & sugar, whip frosting |
| Rubber spatula | Gently fold in fresh cranberries |
| 9-inch cake pan | Shape cake with even thickness |
| Parchment paper | Prevent sticking, easy cake removal |
| Cooling rack | Even cooling, retain moist texture |
| Sifter | Aerate dry ingredients for lighter crumb |
| Zester/microplane | Add fresh lemon zest garnish |
| Offset spatula | Spread frosting smoothly |
| Decorating tools | Create professional frosting designs (optional) |
Prep Work
Before we dive into mixing our ingredients, it’s crucial to complete some essential Prep Work. These steps will ensure our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake bakes perfectly moist and flavorful every time.
Preparing the Cranberries
We start by rinsing the fresh Ocean Spray cranberries under cold water to remove any residue. Next, we gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step prevents excess moisture from affecting our cake batter’s texture. To protect the bright red color and bursting flavor, we fold the cranberries into the batter last, just before pouring it into the pan.
Preheating the Oven
A well-preheated oven guarantees even baking and the ideal rise for our cake. Let’s preheat the oven precisely to 350°F (175°C). Allowing it to reach this temperature ensures that once our cake goes in, it immediately starts cooking at the perfect heat level.
| Step | Temperature | Time to Preheat (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Preheating | 350°F | 10-15 minutes |
Greasing the Pan
To achieve a clean release and maintain the cake’s moist crumb, preparing the cake pan is a must. We’ll generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. For extra assurance, we line the bottom with parchment paper. This double-layer prep saves our beautiful Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Directions
Follow these detailed steps to create our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake, ensuring each layer bursts with flavor and moistness.
Making the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) with 1½ cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Alternately add the sifted flour mixture and ½ cup of milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1½ cups of fresh Ocean Spray cranberries using a rubber spatula. This prevents breaking the berries and keeps the cake tender.
Baking the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9-inch round cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cake onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
| Baking Temperature | Baking Duration | Doneness Test |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 50-60 minutes | Toothpick comes out clean |
Preparing the Frosting
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with ½ cup of unsalted butter (softened) until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar and continue to beat on medium speed.
- Blend in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness and enhance the tart profile.
- Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Assembling the Cake
- Place the cooled cake on a serving platter.
- Use an offset spatula to spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top and sides.
- Optional but recommended: Garnish with fresh Ocean Spray cranberries, chopped nuts, lemon zest, or mint leaves to elevate both aesthetics and flavor.
- Chill the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake shines best when paired thoughtfully for an elevated dessert experience. Here are our favorite ways to serve this moist, tart delight to impress guests or indulge on a cozy afternoon.
Classic Pairings
- Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the cranberry’s tangy bite and enhances the cake’s moist texture.
- Accompany the cake with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or spiced chai for a warm and comforting contrast.
Festive Presentation
- Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
- Add fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of lemon zest on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
- For a holiday table, arrange small clusters of fresh Ocean Spray cranberries alongside the cake slices on a serving platter.
Serving Temperature
| Serving Style | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Room Temperature | Enhances balance of moist cake and tart berries |
| Chilled | Refrigerated | Firms up frosting maintains fresh taste |
| Warm | Slightly Warmed | Softens cake texture and releases aromas |
Heating the cake slightly before serving intensifies the berry aroma and makes the frosting luxuriously soft, but avoid overheating to prevent drying.
Portion Tips
We recommend cutting the cake into 8 to 10 slices to maintain manageable portions that showcase the layers of frosting and cranberries effectively without overwhelming the palate.
Additional Accents
- Drizzle a light honey or maple syrup glaze over the cake for added sweetness if desired.
- Serve with a side of fresh cranberry sauce for an extra burst of tartness that complements each bite.
By combining these serving techniques, our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake becomes a centerpiece that’s as stunning to look at as it is satisfying to taste.
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness and flavor of our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake, proper storage is essential. Follow these steps to keep the cake moist and delicious for days.
Storing at Room Temperature
- Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Store for up to 2 days to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and fresh cranberry tang.
Refrigeration
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Storage Summary Table
| Storage Method | Wrapping Method | Duration | Serving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Plastic wrap or airtight container | Up to 2 days | Serve fresh, no reheating needed |
| Refrigeration | Plastic wrap + airtight container | Up to 5 days | Bring to room temp for 30 minutes |
| Freezing | Plastic wrap + aluminum foil + freezer bag | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge, then room temp |
Pro Tip: Always store the cake with the frosting on to prevent it from drying out. For best results, avoid letting the cake sit uncovered.
By following these Storage Tips, we ensure every slice of our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake stays as moist and flavorful as the first bite.
Conclusion
This Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake recipe brings together vibrant flavors and a moist texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a versatile dessert that fits perfectly into any occasion, whether casual or festive. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, we can easily create a show-stopping cake that delights every palate.
By following the tips and techniques shared, we ensure consistent results and a beautiful presentation. This cake not only tastes amazing but also offers a refreshing twist on classic dessert options. Let’s enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake unique?
Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a moist, tender crumb. Using Ocean Spray cranberries ensures consistent flavor and quality, making it a refreshing and classic dessert.
What are the key ingredients needed for the cake?
The cake requires all-purpose flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and fresh Ocean Spray cranberries. The frosting includes cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
What equipment is necessary to bake this cake?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer, rubber spatula, 9-inch round cake pan, parchment paper, cooling rack, and a sifter. Optional decorating tools can be used for frosting presentation.
How should I prepare the cranberries before baking?
Rinse the cranberries well and pat them dry to preserve their color and flavor. This step helps prevent excess moisture and ensures even distribution in the batter.
What oven temperature is best for baking this cake?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and proper cake rise.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the cake pan generously and line it with parchment paper for easy release and to keep the cake moist.
What are some good serving suggestions for this cake?
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and pair with coffee or tea. Garnish with chopped nuts, lemon zest, fresh mint, or fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Can I store the cake, and how should I do it?
Yes, store the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months to maintain moisture and flavor.
Should the cake be served chilled or at room temperature?
The cake can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed—each brings out different flavor notes and texture preferences.
What optional garnishes enhance the cake’s flavor?
Fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, lemon zest, mint leaves, and a honey or maple syrup glaze can boost flavor and presentation.