Description
This Buttermilk Cranberry Cake is a simple, festive treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a soft, moist crumb and bursts of tart cranberries, it’s topped with a crunchy sugar crust and a hint of lemon zest.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar, for sprinkling on top
- Lemon zest, for garnish (zest before juicing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan. Zest the lemon before juicing and set zest aside.
- In a small bowl, combine milk and lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes to create homemade buttermilk.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add in the egg and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the bowl and whisk to combine.
- Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda until no dry pockets remain. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes on the middle rack, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon zest. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and tartness. Frozen can be used, but do not thaw before mixing into batter.
- The lemon zest adds a refreshing finish — don’t skip it!
- Great served warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 214
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
