Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl Cake

Introduction

This festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl Cake is a rich, creamy dessert that combines the tang of cranberries with the smooth sweetness of cream cheese and buttery cake batter. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress guests with something special. The swirls of cranberry sauce not only add beautiful color but also a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Swirl:

• 1 can (14 oz) Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
   Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
   In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
   Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently spread.
   Add spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
   Repeat layers with remaining batter, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce, swirling lightly for a marbled look.
   Sprinkle nuts on top if desired.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
6. Serve:
   Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy the creamy, tart, and sweet combination.

Tips

• You can replace cranberry sauce with raspberry or blueberry preserves for variation.
• For extra flavor, add orange zest to the batter or a drizzle of orange glaze on top.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Benefits

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while cream cheese adds calcium and protein. Together, they create a dessert that’s indulgent yet comforting.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl Cake is a show-stopping treat that captures the essence of festive baking. Its balance of creamy texture and fruity tang makes it an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds