Introduction
Cranberries add a perfect balance of sweet and tart to desserts, making them a favorite for holiday treats and everyday indulgences. From pies to tarts and bars to muffins, these cranberry recipes are vibrant, flavorful, and fun to make. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, there’s something here that will delight your taste buds and brighten your dessert table.
1. Classic Cranberry Orange Muffins
These muffins combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, their soft crumb and moist texture make them instantly satisfying. The orange flavor lifts the cranberries, creating a harmonious, refreshing taste that feels both cozy and festive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in cranberries gently.
- Divide batter into muffin cups, filling ¾ full.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from tin.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a light drizzle of orange glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy morning treat. Cranberries can be partially frozen for bursts of freshness in every bite. Garnish with extra orange zest for a vibrant, festive look. Ideal for breakfast platters or holiday brunch spreads.
2. Cranberry Almond Tart
This tart balances the tang of cranberries with the nutty richness of almonds. Its buttery crust and tender almond filling complement the fruit beautifully, offering a dessert that looks stunning on any table. Ideal for entertaining or a quiet dessert indulgence, each slice delivers a mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- Sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare crust by combining flour, cold butter, and sugar, mixing until crumbly. Add egg, form dough, chill 30 minutes.
- Press dough into tart pan, bake 10 minutes.
- Whisk almond flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and almond extract.
- Pour filling into partially baked crust, scatter cranberries on top, sprinkle sliced almonds.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
How to Serve It
Cool tart completely before slicing. Drizzle with honey or a light icing glaze for added shine. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luscious treat. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cranberries for visual appeal. Great for holiday dessert tables or elegant afternoon tea.
3. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
These blondies are rich, buttery, and studded with sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries. Their chewy texture and gooey centers make them irresistible. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, the combination of flavors is simple yet deeply satisfying, and each bite delivers a burst of color and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine with wet mixture.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Spread batter evenly in pan, bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
How to Serve It
Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate on top. Add extra cranberries or nuts for garnish. Perfect with coffee or as a sweet snack in lunchboxes. Stack on dessert plates for parties or casual gatherings.
4. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Crisp on the outside and slightly chewy inside, these biscotti are studded with tart cranberries and nutty pistachios. Perfect for dipping into coffee or tea, they offer a sophisticated flavor profile with every bite. They store well, making them ideal for gifting or keeping on hand for cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup shelled pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light, add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries and pistachios.
- Shape dough into two logs, place on sheet, bake 25–30 minutes until firm.
- Slice diagonally into ½-inch pieces, bake an additional 10–12 minutes to crisp.
How to Serve It
Cool completely before serving. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Sprinkle extra pistachios on top for visual appeal. Store in airtight containers to maintain crispness. Great for brunch spreads or elegant dessert tables.
5. Cranberry Cream Cheese Danish
These Danish pastries feature buttery, flaky layers filled with sweet cream cheese and tart cranberries. The combination makes each bite soft, creamy, and slightly tangy, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. The visual appeal is just as delightful as the flavor, with spirals of filling peeking through golden layers.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares.
- Place cream cheese mixture in center, top with cranberries, fold corners toward center.
- Brush pastry with egg wash, bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve warm for maximum flakiness. Drizzle with a simple glaze or sprinkle additional powdered sugar. Pair with coffee or tea for a luxurious breakfast. Garnish with extra cranberries for a festive touch. Ideal for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.
6. Cranberry Apple Crisp
This crisp combines tart cranberries with sweet, tender apples, covered in a buttery oat topping. The mixture of textures—soft fruit and crunchy topping—makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Perfect for cooler months, this dessert smells incredible while baking and tastes just as delightful fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled, sliced apples
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss apples, cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter, sprinkle over fruit.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until topping is golden and fruit is bubbly.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weekend desserts. Great for sharing with friends and family, and leftovers taste amazing reheated.
7. Cranberry Lemon Loaf Cake
The zesty lemon flavor pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a cake that’s moist, fragrant, and eye-catching. The loaf is easy to slice and perfect for gifting, brunches, or afternoon tea. Every slice delivers a burst of tangy sweetness with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then alternate adding with buttermilk to wet mixture.
- Fold in cranberries, pour into pan.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, drizzle with lemon glaze for extra shine. Slice thick for brunch or thin for tea-time treats. Garnish with fresh cranberries or lemon slices. Ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings. Pairs perfectly with coffee or herbal tea.
8. Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy, and studded with chocolate and cranberries, these cookies are a treat everyone will love. The tartness of cranberries complements the sweet chocolate, making each bite a perfect balance. Great for holiday cookie exchanges or simple everyday treats, they are quick to bake and easy to share.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and cranberries.
- Scoop dough onto sheets, bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm or cooled. Sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor. Pair with milk or coffee. Stack on cookie plates for parties. Add extra cranberries or chocolate on top for presentation. Perfect for gift tins or lunchboxes.
9. Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars
These bars offer all the richness of pecan pie with a tangy twist from cranberries. Chewy, nutty, and slightly gooey, they’re easier to make than a traditional pie but deliver the same indulgent flavor. Perfect for dessert tables or snack plates, these bars are festive and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup corn syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix flour, butter, and brown sugar to form crust, press into pan.
- Bake 10 minutes, let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans and cranberries.
- Pour over crust, bake 25–30 minutes until set.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, slice into squares. Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate for extra appeal. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Great for holiday gatherings or casual dessert plates. Store in airtight containers for several days.
10. Cranberry Yogurt Parfait
This parfait layers creamy yogurt with tart cranberries, sweet honey, and crunchy granola. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy dessert. The visual appeal of layers makes it a beautiful addition to any table, and the flavors balance beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 1 ½ cups granola
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix half the cranberries with honey and cinnamon.
- In serving glasses, layer yogurt, cranberry mixture, and granola.
- Repeat layers until glass is full.
- Top with remaining cranberries and drizzle honey.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately for crisp granola texture. Add mint leaves or a few nuts for garnish. Great for brunch or healthy snack plates. Individual servings make them perfect for parties. Can be prepared ahead with granola added just before serving.
11. Cranberry Gingerbread Cake
This gingerbread cake combines warm spices like cinnamon and ginger with the tartness of cranberries. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that feels cozy and festive. Perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, the cranberries provide bursts of color and tang in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and molasses.
- Gradually combine with dry ingredients, fold in cranberries.
- Pour into pan and bake 40–45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
How to Serve It
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light cream cheese glaze. Pair with warm tea or coffee. Add extra cranberries or candied ginger for garnish. Great for holiday dessert tables or cozy home treats.
12. Cranberry Banana Bread
This banana bread is moist and naturally sweet, with tart cranberries providing a refreshing contrast. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting, it’s easy to make and delivers comforting flavors in every slice. The cranberries add color and a slight tang to balance the richness of the banana.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, bananas, and vanilla.
- Fold in dry ingredients, then cranberries.
- Pour into pan, bake 55–65 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
How to Serve It
Cool before slicing. Serve with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Garnish with extra cranberries on top. Perfect for breakfast plates or lunchboxes. Great for gifting with a ribbon for presentation.
13. Cranberry Pumpkin Pie
This pie blends spiced pumpkin with tart cranberries, creating a dessert that’s both rich and vibrant. Its creamy filling and crisp crust make it a standout for fall and winter holidays. The cranberries add bright bursts of flavor and a festive touch to a classic dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour into pie crust, bake 50–60 minutes until set.
How to Serve It
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with extra cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. Slice for visually appealing portions.
14. Cranberry Carrot Cake
Adding cranberries to a classic carrot cake gives it a tart twist, complementing the sweetness of the carrots and frosting. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for birthdays, brunches, or festive gatherings. The cranberries provide color and tang that brighten each slice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Combine oil, sugar, and eggs; fold into dry mixture.
- Stir in carrots, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Pour into pan and bake 40–45 minutes.
- Cool before frosting.
How to Serve It
Spread cream cheese frosting evenly. Garnish with extra cranberries or toasted nuts. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Perfect for afternoon tea or festive occasions.
15. Cranberry Fudge Brownies
These brownies are dense, fudgy, and studded with cranberries for a tart contrast. The chewy texture pairs perfectly with chocolate, making them a crowd favorite. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a cozy dessert night at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Melt butter, mix with sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cocoa, and salt; fold into wet mixture.
- Stir in cranberries and chocolate chunks.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until edges firm.
How to Serve It
Cool before cutting into squares. Dust with cocoa or powdered sugar. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with extra cranberries for festive presentation. Great for dessert platters or gifting.
16. Cranberry Tartlets with Almond Cream
These individual tartlets combine tart cranberries with sweet almond cream in a crisp pastry shell. Perfect for elegant parties or tea gatherings, they’re visually appealing and delicious. Each bite is creamy, crunchy, and fruity.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make pastry by mixing flour, butter, sugar, and egg; chill 30 minutes.
- Press into tartlet molds, bake 10 minutes.
- Mix almond flour, sugar, butter, egg, and extract; fill shells with mixture and cranberries.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Cool before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey. Garnish with sliced almonds. Perfect for brunch, tea parties, or dessert trays.
17. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are creamy, tangy, and dotted with cranberries for color and flavor. The buttery crust and smooth filling make each bite indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for holidays or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in cranberries, pour over crust.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until set.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, slice into bars. Garnish with whipped cream or cranberry sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for dessert trays or brunch gatherings.
18. Cranberry Coconut Macaroons
Chewy coconut macaroons get a fruity twist from cranberries. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they’re easy to make and visually appealing. Ideal for snacks, gifting, or a holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups shredded coconut
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C), line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
- Beat egg white until stiff, fold into coconut mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls onto sheet, press cranberries on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Cool completely before serving. Drizzle with chocolate for extra flavor. Store in airtight containers. Great for dessert trays, gifting, or afternoon snacks.
19. Cranberry Pavlova
This pavlova features a crisp exterior and marshmallow-like interior topped with tangy cranberries. Light, airy, and festive, it’s perfect for holiday desserts or special occasions. The contrast of textures makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C), line baking sheet with parchment.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in cornstarch and vanilla.
- Shape meringue into a disc, bake 45–50 minutes until crisp.
- Cool completely, top with whipped cream and cranberries.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately for crisp texture. Add mint leaves or chocolate shavings for garnish. Perfect for festive tables. Slice carefully to maintain structure.
20. Cranberry Scones with Glaze
These scones are tender, flaky, and dotted with tart cranberries. The sweet glaze adds a finishing touch, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re ideal for gatherings or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 1–2 tsp milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), line baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Mix cream and egg, add to dry ingredients. Fold in cranberries.
- Shape dough into triangles, bake 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze, drizzle over scones.
How to Serve It
Serve warm for best flavor. Pair with tea or coffee. Garnish with extra cranberries or orange zest. Great for brunch plates or gift baskets. Perfect for holiday mornings.
21. Cranberry Chocolate Tart
Rich chocolate meets tart cranberries in this decadent tart. The creamy chocolate filling and crisp crust balance perfectly with the fruity tang, creating a dessert that’s indulgent but not overpowering. Perfect for dinner parties or holiday celebrations, it’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt to form crust; press into tart pan. Bake 15 minutes.
- Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth, add vanilla.
- Pour chocolate filling into baked crust, scatter cranberries on top.
- Chill 2–3 hours until set.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cranberries or grated chocolate. Perfect for dinner parties or holiday dessert tables. Slice carefully for clean pieces. Pair with coffee or dessert wine.
22. Cranberry Lemon Bars
Tart lemon and cranberries create a bright, refreshing dessert. The buttery shortbread base complements the tangy topping, making these bars a perfect balance of flavors. They’re ideal for afternoon snacks, parties, or holiday treats.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter for crust, press into pan, bake 15 minutes.
- Beat eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and zest for filling.
- Fold in cranberries, pour over baked crust, bake 20–25 minutes.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar. Slice into bars, garnish with extra cranberries or lemon zest. Serve with tea or coffee. Perfect for picnics, brunches, or dessert tables.
23. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
This upside-down cake features a caramelized cranberry topping that pairs beautifully with a soft, buttery cake. Sweet, tart, and visually appealing, it’s perfect for festive occasions or casual dessert nights. Each slice is colorful and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter with brown sugar for topping, pour into cake pan, spread cranberries on top.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to wet mixture. Pour over cranberry topping.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, let cool 10 minutes, invert onto plate.
How to Serve It
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh mint. Perfect for holiday tables or casual desserts. Slice carefully to maintain cranberry topping.
24. Cranberry Cream Puffs
Light and airy cream puffs get a festive twist with cranberry filling. The tart cream balances the delicate pastry perfectly, making these puffs an elegant dessert for parties or special occasions. They are impressive yet simple to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), line baking sheet with parchment.
- Boil water and butter, stir in flour until dough forms.
- Add eggs one at a time, beat until smooth. Pipe onto sheet, bake 20–25 minutes.
- Whip cream, fold in cranberry sauce for filling.
- Slice puffs, fill with cranberry cream.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Garnish with extra cranberries or mint leaves. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for dessert trays or tea parties.
25. Cranberry Coconut Cake
This coconut cake is light, fluffy, and dotted with tart cranberries. The combination of coconut and cranberries creates a tropical twist with a festive touch. It’s perfect for birthdays, holiday tables, or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and flour 9-inch cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients separately, gradually fold into wet mixture with coconut milk.
- Fold in cranberries and shredded coconut, bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and frost as desired.
How to Serve It
Frost with cream cheese or coconut frosting. Garnish with extra cranberries and toasted coconut. Perfect for brunches, birthdays, or festive celebrations. Slice for individual servings.
26. Cranberry Apple Galette
This rustic galette combines apples and cranberries in a free-form pastry. Sweet and tart flavors blend perfectly, with a crisp golden crust. It’s simple to make yet visually impressive, perfect for casual gatherings or holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3–4 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, cut in butter until crumbly, add water to form dough. Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough, arrange apples and cranberries in center. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Fold edges over fruit, brush with egg wash. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with extra cranberries or cinnamon. Perfect for brunch or holiday tables. Slice carefully to keep rustic shape intact.
Conclusion
These 26 cranberry desserts showcase the perfect balance of sweet and tart, from cookies and bars to tarts and cakes. Each recipe brings vibrant flavor, beautiful presentation, and simple joy to your table. Try a few favorites, share with friends and family, or save them for special occasions—cranberries make every dessert memorable.
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