Cranberry Upside Down Cake – A Sweet-Tart Holiday Dessert

Cranberry Upside Down Cake is the perfect way to showcase the bright, tangy flavor of fresh cranberries. With a buttery caramelized topping and a moist vanilla cake underneath, every bite is a balance of sweet and tart. This festive dessert is ideal for any winter gathering where you want something beautiful, simple, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gorgeous presentation with glistening cranberries on top.
• Moist, tender cake with a buttery caramel layer.
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Great make-ahead dessert for the holidays.
• Delicious served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the Caramelized Topping: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle cranberries over the top of the caramel layer.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix just until combined.
5. Assemble the Cake: Gently pour the batter over the cranberries and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake the Cake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges. Invert carefully onto a serving plate and peel off the parchment paper.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
• Replace part of the cranberries with chopped apples for a twist.
• Sprinkle orange zest over the top before serving for added freshness.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a creamy finish.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.

Why did my cake stick to the pan?

Ensure you line the bottom with parchment paper and let the cake cool slightly before inverting.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, this recipe also works beautifully with blueberries, cherries, or sliced apples.

Ready to Make It?

Now that you’ve seen how easy and festive this Cranberry Upside Down Cake is, it’s time to get baking! Gather your cranberries, brown sugar, and a few pantry staples, and in just about an hour, you’ll have a gorgeous dessert ready to impress. Whether for a family dinner or a holiday celebration, this cake is the perfect sweet-tart treat to end any meal on a high note.

You Might Also Like

• Cranberry Fluff Salad A creamy, tangy dessert salad full of festive flavor.
• Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins Soft, moist muffins perfect for fall mornings.
• Caramel Apple Dip A sweet dip that pairs beautifully with fresh apple slices.
• Black Cocoa Cookies Deep, rich chocolate cookies that are perfectly chewy.

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