15 Festive Cranberry Cakes Perfect for Holiday Baking

Nothing says holiday season quite like the tart-sweet burst of fresh cranberries in homemade cakes. These ruby-red gems transform ordinary desserts into show-stopping centerpieces.

From elegant Bundt cakes to cozy coffee cakes, each recipe celebrates cranberries in deliciously different ways that’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

01. Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Tender Bundt cake studded with chopped cranberries and bright orange zest. This perfectly portioned cake serves small gatherings with elegant holiday flair.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup butter (softened), 2 large eggs, 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped), 2 tablespoons orange zest, ¾ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 6-cup Bundt pan with butter and flour, making sure to coat every groove. Toss chopped cranberries with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.

2. Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and orange zest, mixing until the batter is smooth and fragrant.

3. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Gently fold in the flour-coated cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before inverting onto wire rack.

02. Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake

Moist coffee cake layered with tart cranberries and topped with buttery streusel crumbs. Perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or evening dessert with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 2 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1½ cups fresh cranberries, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup cold butter (cubed), ½ cup flour for streusel.

How To Make Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Make streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and cold butter cubes, cutting together until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Mix flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. In separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until completely smooth.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix or the cake will be tough. Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed.

4. Spread batter in prepared pan and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over surface. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and center springs back when lightly touched.

5. Cool completely before cutting into squares. I like serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday treat.

03. Cranberry Sour Cream Upside-Down Cake

Stunning upside-down cake with caramelized cranberries on top and incredibly moist sour cream cake below. This showstopper dessert will impress every holiday guest.

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Cranberry Sour Cream Upside-Down Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a 9-inch round cake pan directly in the oven until bubbly. Remove and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter, then arrange cranberries in a single layer over sugar.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. In separate large bowl, beat granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

3. Gradually stir flour mixture into wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.

4. Carefully spoon batter over cranberries in pan, spreading gently to avoid disturbing the fruit arrangement. Bake 45-50 minutes until cake is golden and pulls slightly from pan edges.

5. Cool in pan exactly 5 minutes, then run a knife around edges and invert onto serving plate. Leave pan on cake for 2 minutes before lifting off to reveal beautiful caramelized cranberry topping.

04. German Cranberry Kuchen

Traditional German coffee cake featuring fresh cranberry filling and crunchy streusel topping. This authentic kuchen recipe brings Old World charm to your holiday table.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup butter (cold, cubed), 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 cups fresh cranberries, ⅓ cup sugar for filling, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup flour for streusel, ⅓ cup butter for streusel, ⅓ cup brown sugar.

How To Make German Cranberry Kuchen

1. Cut cold butter into flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. Beat egg with milk and stir into flour mixture until soft dough forms.

2. Press dough into bottom and slightly up sides of greased 9-inch springform pan. Toss cranberries with ⅓ cup sugar and spread evenly over dough base.

3. Make streusel by combining flour, brown sugar, and butter, cutting together until crumbly. Sprinkle streusel generously over cranberry layer, covering completely.

4. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until streusel is golden brown and cranberries are bubbling. Cool completely before removing from springform pan.

05. Cranberry Glazed Cheesecake

Creamy New York-style cheesecake topped with gorgeous cranberry glaze and sugared cranberries. This make-ahead dessert creates an elegant Thanksgiving finale.

Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, 32 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups fresh cranberries, ¾ cup sugar for glaze, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

How To Make Cranberry Glazed Cheesecake

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust at 350°F for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden.

2. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour filling over crust and bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and crack door open, letting cheesecake cool gradually for 1 hour.

4. For glaze, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cornstarch in saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Cool glaze completely before spreading over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight before serving. Garnish with additional fresh cranberries rolled in granulated sugar for extra sparkle.

06. Simple Fresh Cranberry Cake

Rustic single-layer cake bursting with fresh cranberries and served with homemade vanilla cream sauce. This versatile recipe works beautifully with other seasonal berries too.

Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup butter (melted), 1 large egg, ¾ cup milk, 1½ cups fresh cranberries, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Simple Fresh Cranberry Cake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl, then set aside.

2. Beat granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and milk until smooth. Gradually stir in flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

3. Gently fold fresh cranberries into batter until evenly distributed. Spread mixture in prepared pan and bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

4. While cake bakes, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Serve warm cake squares topped with generous dollops of vanilla cream sauce.

07. Holiday Cranberry Sour Cream Kuchen

Rich German-style coffee cake perfect for holiday breakfast traditions. This freezer-friendly kuchen tastes equally delicious served warm from the oven or at room temperature.

Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup butter (softened), 2 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon almond extract, ½ cup sliced almonds.

How To Make Holiday Cranberry Sour Cream Kuchen

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and almond extract, mixing until completely smooth.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the cake tender.

3. Fold in fresh cranberries gently to avoid bursting them. Spread batter in greased 9×13-inch pan and sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over top for extra crunch.

4. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and center springs back when touched. Cool completely before cutting, or serve warm for ultimate comfort.

5. This kuchen freezes beautifully wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months, making it perfect for holiday meal prep and gift-giving.

08. White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes

Fluffy orange-scented cupcakes dotted with cranberries and crowned with luxurious white chocolate buttercream frosting. Frosted cranberries make stunning edible decorations.

Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup butter (softened), 2 large eggs, ¾ cup buttermilk, 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped), 2 tablespoons orange zest, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 6 oz white chocolate (melted), ½ cup butter for frosting, 3 cups powdered sugar.

How To Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and orange zest until well combined.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

3. Toss chopped cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking, then fold into batter. Divide among prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.

4. Bake 18-20 minutes until tops spring back when lightly touched and toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

5. Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add melted cooled white chocolate and powdered sugar, beating until smooth and pipeable. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with sugared cranberries.

09. Cranberry Pudding Cake with Butter Sauce

Decadent Bundt cake drenched in hot butter sauce for special occasions. The rich sauce soaks into every bite, creating an incredibly moist and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 1½ cups buttermilk, 2 cups fresh cranberries, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter for sauce, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Cranberry Pudding Cake with Butter Sauce

1. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until batter is smooth and pale.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

3. Fold in fresh cranberries gently, then pour batter into greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.

4. While cake bakes, make butter sauce by combining butter, brown sugar, and cream in saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring constantly, then simmer 3 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla.

5. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto serving plate. Immediately pour hot butter sauce over warm cake, allowing it to soak in completely for maximum richness.

10. Orange Zest Cranberry Bundt Cake

Light and airy Bundt cake infused with fresh orange juice and zest alongside tart cranberries. A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant presentation.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, ¾ cup fresh orange juice, 3 tablespoons orange zest, 1½ cups fresh cranberries, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, powdered sugar for dusting.

How To Make Orange Zest Cranberry Bundt Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat all grooves to prevent sticking.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. In large bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined and slightly thickened.

3. Gradually stir flour mixture into wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in fresh cranberries, being careful not to overmix the batter.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50-55 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted near center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool in pan 15 minutes before inverting onto wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.

11. Pecan Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake

Delightful coffee cake that reveals a gorgeous layer of caramelized cranberries and crunchy pecans when inverted. The contrast of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors creates perfect balance.

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup chopped pecans, ¾ cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup butter (softened), 2 large eggs, ¾ cup milk, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Pecan Cranberry Upside-Down Coffee Cake

1. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in 9-inch round cake pan in preheated 350°F oven. Remove and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter, then arrange cranberries and pecans over sugar.

2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

4. Carefully spoon batter over fruit and nut layer, spreading gently to avoid disturbing the arrangement. Bake 40-45 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool exactly 5 minutes, then run knife around edges and invert onto serving plate. Let pan sit on cake 3 minutes before lifting off to reveal the beautiful caramelized topping.

12. Brown Sugar Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Classic upside-down cake featuring caramelized brown sugar cranberry topping and tender vanilla cake base. Serve with fresh whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Ingredients: 2½ cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup butter (softened), 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 large egg, ⅔ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Brown Sugar Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

1. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in 9-inch round cake pan in 350°F oven until bubbly. Remove and evenly sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter, then arrange cranberries in single layer.

2. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating just until combined after each addition.

4. Spread batter carefully over cranberry layer and bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cake springs back when touched lightly in center.

5. Immediately run knife around edges and invert onto serving plate. Leave pan on cake 1 minute before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature with dollops of freshly whipped cream.

13. Triple Orange Cranberry Pudding Cake

Intensely citrusy dense cake featuring dried orange peel, orange juice concentrate, and orange extract with tart cranberries. Adding extra eggs creates a lighter texture variation.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1¼ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 2 large eggs, ½ cup orange juice concentrate, 2 tablespoons dried orange peel, 1 teaspoon orange extract, 1½ cups fresh cranberries, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup water.

How To Make Triple Orange Cranberry Pudding Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.

2. In separate bowl, beat sugar, melted butter, eggs, orange juice concentrate, dried orange peel, orange extract, and water until well combined and smooth.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in fresh cranberries gently to avoid breaking them.

4. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake 40-45 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out with few moist crumbs.

5. Cool completely before cutting. For lighter texture, add one additional egg to the batter, which creates a more cake-like consistency rather than dense pudding texture.

14. Apple Cranberry Spice Cake

Perfect fall cake combining diced apples with tart cranberries and warm spices. Drizzle with vanilla glaze for an extra special finish that makes this dessert truly shine.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup diced apples, 1 cup fresh cranberries, ¾ cup buttermilk, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Apple Cranberry Spice Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Toss diced apples and cranberries with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent sinking.

2. Whisk together remaining flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in medium bowl. In large bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and buttermilk until smooth.

3. Gradually stir flour mixture into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in floured fruit mixture gently to distribute evenly throughout batter.

4. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.

5. Make vanilla glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake in decorative patterns for beautiful presentation.

15. Olive Oil Cranberry Bundt Cake

Moist butter-free Bundt cake made with olive oil and studded with fresh cranberries. Adding orange zest creates a beautiful citrus complement to the tart berries.

Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1½ cups fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons orange zest (optional), 2½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

How To Make Olive Oil Cranberry Bundt Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat every ridge and curve thoroughly.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. In large bowl, beat sugar, olive oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined and smooth.

3. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough instead of tender.

4. Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50-55 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool in pan 10 minutes before inverting onto wire rack. The olive oil creates incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for several days when stored covered.

Final Thoughts

These cranberry cakes bring festive flavors and stunning colors to any holiday gathering. From simple coffee cakes to elegant upside-down creations, there’s something special for every occasion.

Start baking these ruby-studded beauties and watch them become cherished family traditions that everyone will request year after year.