New Year Cranberry Swirl Cake (Print Version)
Gluten-free cake with vibrant cranberry swirls, blending tart and sweet for a festive touch.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cranberry Swirl
01 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tbsp orange juice
04 - 1 tsp orange zest
→ Gluten-Free Cake
05 - 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
06 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream
14 - 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy alternative)
→ Glaze (optional)
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 to 3 tbsp orange juice
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then puree until smooth.
03 - Whisk gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
04 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Mix sour cream and milk into the creamed mixture until fully combined.
06 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
07 - Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half the cranberry mixture over it and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat layering with remaining batter and cranberry swirl.
08 - Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This cake feels like sharing a joyous secret with friends when cranberries and orange come together in a beautiful swirl.
- It quickly became a favorite because it delivers both rich flavor and a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.
02 -
- Don’t skip softening the butter; it makes all the difference between a dense cake and one that’s light and airy.
- Once you swirl the cranberry mixture into the batter, avoid overmixing to preserve those beautiful marbled streaks that wow your guests.
03 -
- Make sure your cranberries are well broken down before pureeing; this releases their flavor and natural pectin for a lovely swirl texture.
- Swirling gently instead of stirring aggressively keeps the pretty marbled look that makes this cake so special.