A delightful recipe from Ina Garten is this Apple Cranberry Cake, made with fresh cranberries, Granny Smith apples, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon. This Apple Cranberry Cake recipe offers a sweet and tangy dessert that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

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Ina Garten Apple Cranberry Cake Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and stems removed
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tbsp grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1-1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
1 cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp kosher salt

How To Make Ina Garten Apple Cranberry Cake

Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C), letting it warm up while you get the other ingredients ready.
Prepare The Fruit Mix: Grab a medium bowl and combine the cranberries, chopped apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and set it aside for now.
Prepare The Batter: In your electric mixer with the paddle attachment ready, beat the eggs for 2 minutes on medium-high speed. Drop in 1 cup of granulated sugar, the cooled melted butter, vanilla, and sour cream, then beat it until everything is just combined. Slowly add in the flour and salt on a low speed to keep everything smooth.
Assemble The Cake: Pour your fruity mixture into a 10-inch glass pie plate, spreading it out evenly. Gently pour the batter over the fruit layer, ensuring it completely covers all the fruit beneath.
Bake The Cake: Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with the 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the batter. Slide the pie plate into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and you see the fruit bubbling at the edges of the cake.
Enjoy Your Cake: Let it cool a bit before slicing, then serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee!

Recipe Tips

Use fresh fruit: Always choose fresh cranberries and apples for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
Room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
Mix batter gently: Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Zest only the orange skin: When grating orange zest, make sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

How To Serve Apple Cranberry Cake

Serve your Apple Cranberry Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a handful of toasted nuts.

You can also pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or a chilled glass of sparkling cider for a perfect combination.

How To Store Apple Cranberry Cake

To Refrigerate: Place the cooled cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness.

To Freeze: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to rinse them and remove any stems before using. Thaw the cranberries completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

What type of apple is best for this cake?

Granny Smith apples are the best choice for this cake because they add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients. Their firm texture also holds up well during baking, ensuring that the apple pieces remain distinct and flavorful.

Can I prepare the fruit mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. This can save you time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the cake.