We’ve always loved how a simple dessert can brighten any gathering, and our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake recipe delivers just that. Drawing from the fresh tartness of Ocean Spray cranberries, this moist treat captures the essence of seasonal flavors we crave.
It’s an easy bake that’s perfect for holidays or casual brunches, blending sweet and zesty notes into a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we share this foolproof way to elevate your baking game.
Ingredients
In our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that highlight the tart sweetness of Ocean Spray cranberries, ensuring a moist, flavorful bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure a light texture.
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons, for optimal rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance flavors.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, providing the base sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature to promote even mixing.
- Milk: 1 cup whole milk, for a rich, moist crumb.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for enhanced aroma.
Add-Ins and Featured Ingredient
- Ocean Spray cranberries: 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen, rinsed and patted dry to maintain their burst of seasonal tartness.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): ½ cup, toasted for added crunch if desired.
This selection delivers a confident blend of simple pantry staples and the star ingredient, Ocean Spray cranberries, to create a cake that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools that ensure precise measurements and even baking. This equipment helps us achieve that perfect moist texture and tart-sweet flavor from the fresh cranberries.
Here’s a curated list of the essential items:
- Mixing Bowls: We recommend two medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, and another for wet ingredients such as eggs and milk—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, so measuring cups (a 1-cup and 2-cup set) and measuring spoons (for ingredients like salt and vanilla extract) ensure our cake turns out fluffy and balanced.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: For blending the batter smoothly, an electric mixer speeds up the process, but a sturdy hand whisk works well if we prefer a hands-on approach, helping incorporate air for a lighter crumb.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: This is the ideal pan for our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake, providing even heat distribution and a golden crust—grease it lightly for easy release.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A silicone spatula is perfect for folding in the cranberries and optional walnuts without deflating the batter, ensuring every bite has that signature tartness.
- Oven Thermometer: To guarantee our cake bakes at the precise temperature, an oven thermometer helps maintain consistency and avoid over-baking.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a wire cooling rack allows the cake to cool evenly, preserving its moist interior and enhancing the fresh cranberry flavors.
With these tools in hand, we can transition smoothly to the preparation steps and create a crowd-pleasing Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake every time.
Instructions
We love how this Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake comes together effortlessly, blending tart cranberries with moist batter for a dessert that bursts with seasonal flavor. Let’s guide you through each step to ensure a perfectly baked treat every time.
Prep Work
Before we dive in, gather and prepare your ingredients for smooth assembly. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with unsalted butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of fresh Ocean Spray cranberries—rinsed and patted dry for that signature tart-sweet burst. If using optional chopped walnuts, prepare 0.5 cup and set aside to add crunch and texture.
Mixing the Batter
Now we combine the ingredients to create a luscious batter that highlights the vibrant tang of Ocean Spray cranberries. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt until evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then stir in the 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth, creamy base. Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix—stop when just combined to keep the cake tender. Gently fold in the 2 cups of Ocean Spray cranberries and optional 0.5 cup of chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution for pockets of juicy tartness in every bite.
Baking
With the batter ready, we bake to golden perfection, letting the aromas of fresh cranberries fill your kitchen. Pour the batter evenly into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform rising. Place the pan in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn a light golden brown. Monitor closely after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking—this step locks in the cake’s moist crumb and intensifies the bright, tangy flavor of the cranberries.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, we cool the cake to enhance its textures and flavors before enjoying. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the cake to set and prevent it from becoming soggy. After cooling, slice into 12 even portions—each piece revealing the moist interior dotted with plump Ocean Spray cranberries—and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or pair with vanilla ice cream to amplify the tart-sweet contrast, making this cake a standout for any gathering. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake recipe with us. It’s a simple way to bring fresh flavors to your table and create lasting memories.
Baking this cake lets us elevate everyday moments into something special. Trust us—it’s a go-to favorite that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake is a simple, moist dessert featuring fresh Ocean Spray cranberries for a tart-sweet flavor. It’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or casual gatherings, elevating your baking with easy steps and crowd-pleasing taste.
What ingredients are needed for Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
The recipe calls for dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, plus wet ones such as unsalted butter, eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Fresh Ocean Spray cranberries add the star tartness, with optional walnuts for crunch—all ensuring a flavorful, easy-to-make cake.
What equipment is required to make Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or hand whisk, a 9×13 inch baking pan, a spatula or wooden spoon, an oven thermometer for accuracy, and a cooling rack to achieve even baking and the perfect moist texture.
How do I prepare Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan. Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) separately from wet ones (butter, eggs, milk, vanilla), combine without overmixing, fold in cranberries, bake for 30-40 minutes until golden, then cool on a rack before serving.
How long does it take to bake Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures a moist, golden finish with the fresh cranberry flavor intact.
Can I add or substitute ingredients in Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake?
Yes, you can add chopped walnuts for extra crunch, but fresh Ocean Spray cranberries are key for the best taste. Substitute milk with alternatives like almond milk if needed, though it may slightly alter texture—keep other ingredients as is for optimal results.
How should I store Ocean Spray Cranberry Cake leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate and reheat gently to maintain the moist texture and tart-sweet flavor.