The holiday season is magical, and nothing captures its spirit like a homemade cake. Imagine entering a room with twinkling lights and the scent of chocolate, almonds, and cranberries. This Chocolate Almond Cake with Sugared Cranberries recipe brings joy with every bite. It’s a mix of rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and sweet cranberries.
Trying new baking recipes is perfect for the holidays. This cake is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. It combines all-purpose flour, organic white flour, and almond flour for a great texture and flavor. The cake also has eggs, almond extract, and more, making it a standout dessert.
Surprise your guests with this delightful dessert and get lots of compliments. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience. Baking the cake at 350ºF and making sugared cranberries with water will make your home warm and happy.
Discover an Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe for more baking ideas.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The recipe is perfect for holiday baking ideas, providing a rich and festive dessert option.
- Combines rich chocolate with crunchy almonds and sparkly sugared cranberries for an unforgettable taste.
- A baking temperature of 350ºF ensures the cake is perfectly baked within 30 to 35 minutes.
- Uses wholesome ingredients from trusted brands like Bob’s Red Mill.
- The cake yields 16 servings, each approximately 298 calories, making it ideal for sharing during festive gatherings.
Introduction to the Chocolate Almond Cake
Welcome to the world of the Chocolate Almond Cake! This cake is perfect for both new and seasoned bakers. It’s a show-stopper with its rich chocolate and nutty almonds. It’s the perfect treat for any celebration.
This cake is easy to make, needing just 15 minutes to prepare. It’s great for the holiday season with its elegant look and taste. Baked in a 9×13 pan, it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Here’s what you need for this impressive chocolate cake:
- ⅔ cup of butter (equivalent to 150g)
- 4 eggs
- Sour cream
- Fresh cranberries
- Almond and vanilla extract
Handling the egg whites carefully is key to the cake’s texture. Also, a light sprinkle of sugar before baking helps. Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes for the perfect texture and flavor.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can make a Bundt cake, 2 loaves, or 6 mini-loaves. Baking times vary: 70-75 minutes for a Bundt, 50-55 minutes for loaves, and 38-42 minutes for mini-loaves. Each serving has about 354 calories.
With 736 shares and a burst of flavors, this cake is full of festivity and joy. So, get ready for a baking adventure that ends with a moist chocolate almond dessert, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for the Chocolate Almond Cake
To make a delicious almond flour cake with sugared cranberries, you need the right ingredients. This part lists everything you need for the cake and the sugared cranberries. It makes sure your dessert is both tasty and beautiful.
Main Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients for the chocolate almond cake:
- 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Super-Fine Almond Flour
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic Unbleached All-Purpose White Flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup water
Sugared Cranberries Ingredients
For the sugared cranberries, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
| Frosting Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| 4 sticks unsalted butter (2 cups) | 6 cups confectioners’ sugar |
| 2 tablespoons milk | 2 tablespoons almond liqueur (or additional milk) |
| 1/4 cup butter (for Vanilla Rosemary Buttercream) | 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (for Vanilla Rosemary Buttercream) |
| 6 ounces heavy cream (for Dark Chocolate Ganache) | 12 ounces dark chocolate (for Dark Chocolate Ganache) |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making a homemade almond cake with sugared cranberries is a fun project. This guide will help you make a perfect cake every time.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 325°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Butter the baking pan well. This prevents the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Almond flour adds sweetness and richness. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise.
- Create Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix FAGE sour cream with other wet ingredients. Sour cream replaces butter, saving calories.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This creates a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Fresh Cranberries: Add fresh cranberries to the batter. They add a tart flavor.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: Make the glaze with confectioners’ sugar and unsweetened cranberry juice. It’s ready when the cake is done.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze on the cooled cake. Spread it with an offset spatula. Let it set.
- Garnish: Prepare sugared cranberries and rosemary as garnishes. Add them after the glaze sets.
- Freezing Option: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw before glazing and garnishing.
By following this guide, your almond cake will impress everyone. It’s perfect for special occasions.
Making the Chocolate Batter
Creating the perfect chocolate batter is key to a great holiday treat. We’ll show you how to mix dry and wet ingredients. Then, we’ll combine them for a smooth, rich batter perfect for the holidays.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting 2 cups (254 grams) of all-purpose flour and 1 cup (92 grams) of natural cocoa powder to avoid lumps. This is important for a uniform batter. Add a teaspoon of baking powder, a teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. It’s crucial to mix these dry ingredients well, as they are the base of your dessert.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs (about 100 grams), 1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, ½ cup of neutral oil, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Make sure to mix these well until smooth. Don’t forget to add 1 cup of hot coffee (186 grams) to make the batter richer.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently. Use a spatula or whisk to fold until everything is well combined. The goal is to get a smooth, lump-free batter. This ensures your cake will be moist and rich.
By following these steps, your chocolate batter will be ready to make a delicious holiday dessert. It’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings.
Baking the Chocolate Almond Cake
Baking your homemade cake recipe needs precision and care. This ensures it rises perfectly and is moist and fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Use a 10-inch bundt pan for the perfect shape and size.
“Precision in temperature and timing is key to baking this exceptional cake to perfection.”
Start by greasing your bundt pan well to prevent sticking. Then, pour in the batter. It includes 3 large eggs, 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup of almond flour. These ingredients give the cake structure and a nutty flavor.
Bake the cake for about 35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it’s clean, it’s ready. If not, bake a bit longer but watch out for overbaking.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key before frosting or decorating. It keeps the cake’s structure and flavor.
Here’s a breakdown of the key baking details:
| Baking Details | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350 degrees F |
| Baking Duration | 35 minutes |
| Pan Size | 10-inch Bundt Pan |
| Main Ingredients | 3 large eggs, 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup almond flour |
Every step in baking this chocolate almond cake recipe is important. It affects the cake’s taste and look. Follow these steps carefully for a moist, fluffy, and delicious cake.
Preparing the Sugared Cranberries
Creating sugared cranberries adds a sweet and tart flavor to your cranberry cake. It also makes the cake look beautiful. Follow this guide to make perfect sugared cranberries with a glossy, crystal coating.
Making Sugar Syrup
Start by making a sugar syrup. It’s a simple but key step. You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) of granulated sugar
Put these ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally. Keep going until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
Once it boils, lower the heat a bit. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This makes the syrup thick enough to coat the cranberries without being too sticky.
Coating the Cranberries
Add 1 cup (100 grams) of fresh cranberries to the syrup. Stir gently to coat each berry evenly.
- Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes. This lets them soak up the sweetness without losing shape.
- Use a slotted spoon to move the cranberries to a wire rack. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even drying.
- Let the cranberries air dry for 1 hour until they feel tacky to the touch.
For the last step, sprinkle 3/4 cup (150 grams) of granulated sugar over the tacky cranberries. Gently toss them to coat them evenly. This gives them a beautiful, frosted look.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Carbohydrates | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Cranberries | 1 cup (100 grams) | 0 | 4g | 0g |
| Granulated Sugar (divided) | 1 cup (200 grams) | 623 | 154g | 154g |
| Water | 1/4 cup (60 ml) | 0 | 0g | 0g |
This process takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes. It makes enough sugared cranberries for a serving with about 40 calories. Store them at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re perfect for adding elegance to your cranberry cake.
Chocolate Almond Cake with Sugared Cranberries
Adding sugared cranberries to a chocolate almond cake makes it a stunning dessert. It’s not just tasty but also looks amazing. The cake combines almond flour’s nutty taste with dark chocolate’s richness, making it ideal for holidays.
To start, place the cooled chocolate almond cake on a platter. Make sure it’s completely cool before adding frosting or decorations. A smooth layer of frosting, like vanilla rosemary buttercream or dark chocolate ganache, enhances the cake’s chocolate flavor.
After smoothing the frosting, it’s time for the sugared cranberries. Arrange them in a pattern on top of the cake. Their bright red color contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate, making it a festive treat. Add more cranberries around the cake’s base for extra elegance.
The sugared cranberries add color and a tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness. This mix of flavors and textures makes the dessert special. The cranberries’ crunch from the sugar coating adds a unique texture to each bite.
Here are the nutritional facts: each serving has about 298 calories. It includes 19g total fat, 8g saturated fat, and 5g protein. The cake takes only 1 hour and 5 minutes to make, with 25 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking.
Serving this cake at a holiday feast or any special event will impress your guests. It brings festive joy to any occasion.
Frosting and Decoration Tips
Learning to frost and decorate your cake can make it a stunning centerpiece. Here are some tips to help you. They’ll make sure your dessert impresses everyone at your holiday gathering.
Vanilla Rosemary Buttercream
Vanilla Rosemary Buttercream is perfect with chocolate almond cake. It adds amazing flavors. Make sure your butter is soft before starting.
Adding homemade cranberry jelly gives it a lovely pink color. This adds to the festive look. Plus, you can make the buttercream ahead of time, which helps with prep.
Dark Chocolate Ganache
Dark Chocolate Ganache gives your cake a rich, luxurious finish. It’s a great frosting for any almond cake. Use high-quality chocolate and chop it finely before melting.
For smooth ganache, blend warm cream with melted chocolate gently. Avoid overheating the mix.
Decorating with Sugared Cranberries
Sugared cranberries make your cake look amazing and add a nice crunch. You can make them up to two weeks before. Just keep them in the fridge.
To get them sparkling, dampen the cranberries first. Then roll them in sugar. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for your dessert.
Use these sugared cranberries as a garnish on your cake. For extra elegance, add sugar-coated rosemary sprigs around them. This decoration will wow your guests, making your dessert a hit.
| Preparation Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Sugared Cranberries & Rosemary | Can be made 2 days in advance, storing up to 2 weeks in the fridge |
| Cranberry Jelly | Serves as a pink tint for the buttercream |
| Cake Layers | Make one day in advance or freeze for 3-6 months |
| Buttercream | Can be prepared and stored for later use |
| Total Recipe Time | 2 hours |
Serving Suggestions
Impressing your guests with a Chocolate Almond Cake is all about the presentation. Start with a 9-inch round cake pan for a neat shape. After cooling, dust it with powdered sugar for a fancy look. Add sugared cranberries for a pop of color.
Choosing the right drink to go with your cake is key. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the chocolate. For a non-alcoholic choice, try a hot espresso or creamy latte. These drinks balance the cake’s sweetness perfectly. For more ideas, check out how to serve chocolate cake on various occasions.
Leftover cake stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Or, keep it in the fridge for three days. Reheat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds at 50% power. This way, every slice of your Chocolate Almond Cake is enjoyed fully.
Conclusion
Your journey to make the Chocolate Almond Cake with Sugared Cranberries ends in a memorable celebration. This recipe makes one 9-inch tart or 12 4-inch tartlets. It’s great for any special occasion desserts.
From starting with wholesome ingredients to the final presentation, every step is designed to make your experience better. It brings joy to your table.
Baking and decorating this cake is more than just cooking. It’s about celebrating with homemade cake. As you mix the chocolate batter, prepare the almond crust, and coat cranberries in sugar syrup, you create special moments. These moments shine in every bite.
This recipe serves 10-12 people, perfect for festive gatherings. You can share and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The cake, layered with Swiss Meringue Buttercream and decorated with seasonal fruits or chocolate truffles, is unforgettable. Try pairing it with our vegan Oreo brownies recipe for more baking fun. The cake stays fresh for 4-5 days when wrapped tightly. Enjoy its rich flavors a bit longer.
When filled and iced, eat it within 2-3 days for the best taste. Celebrate life’s sweet moments with this exceptional cake. Make your occasions even more special.
F.A.Q
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour for the Chocolate Almond Cake?
Almond flour makes the cake special, but you can use all-purpose flour if needed. It will change the taste and texture a bit.
How do I make the sugared cranberries for decorating the cake?
To make sugared cranberries, boil sugar and water to make syrup. Dip cranberries in syrup, then in sugar. Let them dry for a shiny look.
What is the best way to get a moist and fluffy texture for the cake?
Make sure all ingredients are room temperature. Don’t overmix the batter. Bake at the right temperature for the best texture.
Can I prepare the Chocolate Almond Cake in advance?
Yes, bake the cake a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container without frosting. Add frosting and cranberries just before serving.
What type of frosting works best with this cake?
Vanilla Rosemary Buttercream or Dark Chocolate Ganache are great for this cake. They match the chocolate and almond flavors well.
How do I store leftover cake?
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container. It lasts up to two days at room temperature or longer in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Are there any tips for baking the cake evenly?
Bake in the oven’s center and preheat correctly. Baking strips around the pan help bake evenly and prevent doming.
Can I substitute other fruits for cranberries?
Yes, you can use raspberries or blueberries for a different look. But sugaring works best with cranberries because of their firmness.
What beverage pairs well with this cake?
Hot coffee or tea is perfect with the cake. For a festive touch, try red wine or sparkling dessert wine.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for this cake recipe?
Use dairy-free milk and non-dairy butter for baking. This makes the recipe vegan-friendly or for those with dairy allergies.
