Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight

This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season with its soft, moist texture and festive flavor. The richness of whole milk ricotta cheese combined with the tangy burst of fresh cranberries creates a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s a beautiful addition to any holiday gathering, offering a delicious, slightly sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

The holiday season is filled with flavors that bring warmth and comfort, and this cake does just that. The lightness of the ricotta gives the cake a delicate crumb, while the cranberries add a pop of tartness. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is both festive and easy to prepare, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering or afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cranberry & Ricotta Harmony

The fresh cranberries provide a sweet-tart burst that beautifully complements the creamy ricotta cheese, creating a balanced, flavorful cake that’s not overly sweet.

2. Perfect for the Holidays

This cake is wonderfully festive, with its red cranberries and snowy powdered sugar dusting, making it the ideal dessert for holiday parties, Christmas, or New Year’s celebrations.

3. Simple Ingredients

With basic pantry ingredients and fresh cranberries, this cake comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for last-minute baking.

4. Moist and Fluffy Texture

The ricotta cheese ensures the cake stays incredibly moist while still being light and airy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Enjoy it on its own, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze for an added touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Whole milk ricotta cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Fresh cranberries
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations

• Add Orange Zest: For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a refreshing flavor contrast.
• Use Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just make sure to fold them in frozen, so they don’t stain the batter too much.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze or lemon glaze on top of the cake after it cools for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, lining it with parchment paper if desired for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.

Step 5: Add the Cranberries

Fold in the fresh cranberries gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake, so stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter, as this can cause the color to bleed.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.

How to Serve

This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is perfect served as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it as a dessert after a holiday dinner, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. The cake is also delicious on its own, with the powdered sugar adding a light sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist thanks to the ricotta, so it will remain fresh for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake as well. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?

Yes, low-fat ricotta can be used in this recipe, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the cake.

2. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but dried cranberries can be used if necessary. Keep in mind they will not provide the same burst of tartness.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the texture and moisture as gluten-free flour can sometimes yield different results.

4. How can I make this cake more festive?

Add a glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor and a beautiful sheen. You can also garnish the cake with extra cranberries or a few sprigs of fresh mint.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if you want to make a larger cake, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, checking with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through.

6. Can I use a different fruit?

This cake works well with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, though cranberries offer a wonderful seasonal flavor. If using a sweeter fruit, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

7. How long does the cake stay fresh?

The cake will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

8. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

9. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to this cake. Simply fold them in along with the cranberries.

10. Can I bake this cake in a different pan?

Yes, if you prefer a different shape, you can use a square or oval pan, just be mindful that the baking time may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is a perfect way to bring a touch of elegance and festive flavor to your holiday spread. With its fluffy texture, tart cranberries, and slight richness from the ricotta, this cake is both delicious and beautiful. Easy to make and adaptable to your tastes, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite for years to come.

Print