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–+ servings
Cranberry Pudding Cake
Cranberry Pudding Cake is a classic old-fashioned baked dessert that blends the tart pop of fresh cranberries with a simple, tender batter and a buttery warm sauce poured over the top. Cakes like this became popular in regions where cranberries thrive, particularly New England, where winter baking often centered around seasonal fruit and pantry staples. The “pudding” name reflects the moist texture once the warm sauce soaks in, rather than a custard-style dessert. This recipe is beloved for its contrast of sweet and tart flavors, its rustic simplicity, and the way it fills the kitchen with cozy baking aromas. Served warm, it makes an inviting holiday or cold-weather treat that feels nostalgic and comforting without requiring complicated techniques or equipment.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

Sauce for cake:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the pan

  • Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

Step 2: Make the batter

  • Combine flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder
  • Add butter and milk
  • Mix by hand until blended

Step 3: Add cranberries

  • Fold fresh cranberries gently into batter

Step 4: Bake

  • Spread batter into prepared pan
  • Bake for about 30 minutes, until set and lightly golden

Step 5: Make the sauce

  • Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan
  • Heat together, stirring, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth and hot

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve cake warm
  • Pour warm sauce over individual servings

Tips

  • Substitute part of the cranberries with chopped apples for a milder tartness
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the sauce for extra depth
  • Sprinkle batter with a little cinnamon sugar before baking for a spiced top
  • Use frozen cranberries without thawing to prevent excess moisture
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream instead of sauce for variety
  • Add orange zest to the batter for a citrus note
  • Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a tarter dessert
  • Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized servings

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 2.5gFat: 13.5gSaturated Fat: 8.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 395IUVitamin C: 2.3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword comfort food, cranberry dessert, holiday dessert, homemade cake, pudding cake, sweet and tart, vintage baking, winter baking
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