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Home » Popular » American Recipes » Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

October 31, 2020 by Savoring Italy

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This Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert recipe. This is an easy dessert recipe you will be making all throughout the fall! So simple to put together and just perfect for any holiday party.

I know you are all busy with Thanksgiving preparations. Maybe some of you are lucky to be invited somewhere and don’t have to cook a thing. Maybe some of you have to bring a dessert. IF you do, you should consider this delightful cake! I found this lovely recipe almost 10 years ago in Ina Garten’s How Easy is That? book that I just treasure.

overhead image of easy cranberry and apple cake

I am so excited to share with all of you a delicious recipe from Ina Garten’s “How Easy is that?” I had to get a copy of the book for myself and I have been busy exploring her wonderful recipes. The first recipe I was drawn to was an amazing apple cake with cranberries: Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake!

Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

Originally published November 2010. Updated on October 31, 2020. This is one of my all-time favorite cranberry recipes. I hope you’ll try to bake it this year!

I have made this cake every year since then for Thanksgiving. Everyone always loves it! I also make this Chocolate Espresso Pecan Pie and this Vegan Maple Pumpkin Pie. Most years I also make this Salted Caramel Apple Pie.

overhead image of easy cranberry and apple cake

I have been nominated by everyone to make this again for Thanksgiving. It was a hit…a huge hit! It is so easy to make. You don’t have to flip out it. You slice it out and there is the juicy fruit on the bottom and this moist and rich cake on top with a gentle cinnamon sugar sprinkle on top.

How to make the cake: step-by-step

My eyes are glazing over…look at all this gorgeous fruit!

overhead image of apples and cranberries in white pie plate

First, gather all your ingredients. Peel and slice the apples. Then cut them into small (1/2 to 1/4 inch cubes – they don’t have to be totally perfect) and mix them with fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice along with some cinnamon.

You could even sub in buttermilk if you’re out of sour cream.

Can I make this cranberry cake dairy free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Use vegan butter sticks to replace the butter (I like Earth Balance).
Sub in unsweetened coconut milk yogurt for the sour cream. OR you could even use any unsweetened nut milk in place of coconut milk yogurt.

overhead image of making cranberry apple cake

Next step is to beat the eggs. Then mix in the sugar, butter, sour cream and vanilla. I did use vegan butter stick this time, but typically for guests I make it with real unsalted butter.

Either way, the cake is fantastic! After that, stir in the flour and salt.

Can I make this cranberry apple cake gluten-free?

Yes! You could make this gluten-free and use your favorite gluten-free 1-1 flour.

overhead image of cake batter and fruit

Once all the ingredients are mixed together, you pour the batter over the fruit in the pie plate. Sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar and bake in a 325 degree oven. After 55-60 minutes, your cranberry apple cake is ready.

overhead image of cake in white baking dish

While the cake is in the oven, your house will smell like a bakery. If you are searching for an easy cake apple and cranberry cake recipe to bake during the holidays, especially on Christmas, I highly recommend this delicious cake!

image of cake slice and coffee in a white cup

PIN for later!
overhead image of easy cranberry apple cake

Some more delicious cranberry desserts:

  • Cranberry Meringue Pie
  • Cranberry Almond Biscotti
  • Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp

Source: Ina Garten’s How Easy is That cookbook

Pin it to your CAKE, HOLIDAY, or DESSERT Board to SAVE for later!

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Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

This Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert recipe. This easy cranberry apple cake recipe is an easy dessert recipe you will be making all throughout the fall! So easy to put together and just perfect for any holiday party.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apples, cake, cranberries
Servings: 1 10-inch cake
Author: Lora

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed and picked over for stems
  • 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored, and diced (I used 2 apples)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 oranges (I used a lemon)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice I used lemon juice and lime juice
  • 1 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
  • 2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 pound 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, apple, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and teaspoon of the cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. On medium speed, mix in the sugar, butter, and vanilla until combined. Turn mixer to low and slowly add in flour and salt.
  • Spoon the cranberry mixture into a 10-inch glass pie plate (or casserole dish). Spoon the batter over the fruit mixture. Spread evenly over the fruit. Pour the batter over the fruit, covering it completely. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. The fruit will be bubbling nicely all around the edges of the cake. Best served warm but still nice at room temperature.

Notes

All images and text  ©Savoring Italy.  Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
 

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Comments

  1. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says

    November 19, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    Aww thanks for the sweet words! 🙂 Your cake looks sooooo delicious, I seriously want to eat the whole cake you made! I wish I was in Florida and could have Thanksgiving with you 🙂

    Reply
  2. Cucina di Barbara says

    November 19, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    Mamma mia che bontà!
    Ne posso avere una bella porzione ?
    Grazie
    Barbaraxx

    Reply
  3. Gigabiting says

    November 19, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Hunting for a dessert to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner. We may have a winner.

    Reply
  4. Annie says

    November 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    I love a good and easy recipe!

    Reply
  5. The Mom Chef says

    November 19, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    This looks fantastic as well. I love the idea of whole, wonderful cranberries to bite into.

    Reply
  6. Wilde in the Kitchen says

    November 19, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    OOo, yum! Everyone is posting such great cranberry recipes it is just so hard to pick!

    Reply
  7. Alexandria says

    November 20, 2010 at 12:21 am

    Amazing! And so festive. The picture of the vibrant fruit is insane! Yum 🙂

    Reply
  8. Jean says

    November 20, 2010 at 1:54 am

    Beautiful cake! Can't go wrong with Ina. Love the combination of apples and cranberries in a cake.

    Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    November 20, 2010 at 4:11 am

    Wow, this does look easy. And love apples and cranberries together, so I'm positive I'll like this cake.

    Reply
  10. scrambledhenfruit says

    November 20, 2010 at 4:43 am

    That looks so delicious and easy- beautiful!

    Reply
  11. Monet says

    November 20, 2010 at 6:31 am

    So many of us have been inspired by cranberries and apples this season. I'm loving all the recipes I'm finding! This cake looks moist and chock-full of the good stuff (fruit, that is!) Thank you for sharing love…I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of good eating and fun!

    Reply
  12. Koci says

    November 20, 2010 at 7:36 am

    Yum!! This cake looks so perfect for fall. I just bought some fresh cranberries, so this is very tempting! 😀

    Reply
  13. Liana @ femme fraiche says

    November 20, 2010 at 10:53 am

    This looks beautiful! I'm curious to know how it came out…was it a sweet cake? Or more of a spongey, tarty flavour!?

    Reply
  14. Green Girl @ A little bit of everything says

    November 20, 2010 at 11:53 am

    wow, such an easy but yet so delicious cake. love a good cranberry cake this time of the year.
    p.s. I'm one of those lucky people that don't have to make anything for Thanksgiving, feels so good :d

    Reply
  15. Brenda says

    November 20, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    I have Ina's cookbook, Barefoot in Paris, and LOVE it! I'm dying for her new one, it's on my Christmas wish list. What a beautiful cake, I love the cinnamon and sugar on top. Mmmmm…

    Reply
  16. foodwandeings says

    November 20, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    Wow, you are on semi autmatic, shooting all these fabulous cakes for Thanksgiving! Love!!Got to get the book! Shulie

    Reply
  17. Cookin' Canuck says

    November 21, 2010 at 5:43 am

    What a pretty, festive cake. This is perfect for the holidays!

    Reply
  18. Conor @ Hold the Beef says

    November 21, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    So much fruity goodness, with a crispy top to boot 🙂

    Reply
  19. Karen says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    This looks yummy…I have a bag of cranberries that I want to make something other than sauce with. Dessert sounds like a good option. Very pretty colors here.

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    November 22, 2010 at 3:10 am

    I just discovered the fantastic combination that is apples and cranberries and I'm embarrassed at how behind I am! Love this cake recipe 🙂

    Reply
  21. Magic of Spice says

    November 23, 2010 at 4:10 am

    Oh wow, that is a fantastic cake! I am not surprised that everyone is asking for you to make it… very lovely 🙂

    Reply
  22. Asmita says

    November 20, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    I love all Ina Garten recipes! I baked this last year for the holidays.

    Reply
  23. Lisa Deleo says

    December 2, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Definitely going to give this one a try. I have leftover homemade cranberry relish that was made with Grand Marnier that I’m going to use instead of fresh cranberries. I am almost 100% sure it’s going to taste wonderful with the apples.

    Reply
    • Lora says

      December 3, 2020 at 7:35 am

      Hi Lisa-Oh, wow! Your cranberry relish with the Grand Marnier sounds amazing! Keep me posted! Happy Baking! XX Lora

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Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. We work hard to create recipes that are inclusive of many sorts of diets, but do not follow one diet. Read More

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