Handwritten recipe for Cranberry Cake from Marian
by: salvagedrecipes

Cranberry Cake with Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

Cranberry Cake from Marian
This Cranberry Cake from Marion Bjorklund is a nostalgic New England-style dessert known for its tender, buttery crumb and tart pops of fresh cranberries. The recipe reflects the simplicity and warmth of mid-century American home baking, where fresh fruit and pantry staples came together to make something truly special. What makes this cake beloved is the balance of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by a luscious brown sugar and butter sauce poured over before serving. It's the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a chilly evening or as a comforting holiday treat shared with family and friends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, new england
Servings 8
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake:

  • 1 cup flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

Sauce (to pour over):

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Batter

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  • Add butter and milk, mixing by hand until smooth.

Step 2: Add Cranberries

  • Fold in 1½ cups of fresh cranberries until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, white sugar, and milk.
  • Heat over medium until butter melts and sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

  • Pour warm sauce over the baked cake before serving.
  • Serve slices warm for best flavor.

Tips

  • Substitute blueberries or raspberries for cranberries for a milder flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or orange zest to the batter for depth.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a festive touch.
  • For extra tang, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
  • Double the sauce recipe for a more indulgent dessert.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 3gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
Keyword brown sugar sauce, cake, comfort food, cranberries, dessert, heirloom, vintage recipe
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