Best Cranberry Chocolate Cake Recipes

WHITE CHOCOLATE, ORANGE & CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Rub a little butter over the base and sides of two 20cm cake tins (use cake tins rather than sandwich tins as the higher sides work better), then line the base and sides with baking parchment. Melt 150g butter with 100g of the chocolate in a bowl set over a small saucepan of gently simmering water - make sure the base of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the butter and chocolate every min or so until it has melted. Set aside to cool a little.
• Meanwhile, measure 250g flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp bicarb and 250g sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and add 150g yogurt, 2 tsp vanilla extract, half the orange zest and juice, 3 eggs and 2 tbsp milk. Whisk everything together, then stir in the melted butter and chocolate.
• When the cake mixture is smooth (this makes a very wet pourable batter), divide it equally between the two cake tins. Bake on the middle shelf for 25-30 mins, they will look golden and evenly risen when cooked. Check they are done by pushing a skewer into the centre of the cakes - it should come out clean. If there is any wet cake mixture on the skewer, return the cake to the oven for a few more mins, then check again.
• Leave the cakes to cool in their tins for 5 mins, then transfer to a cooling rack. Wash out the tins and repeat steps 1 and 2, to make two more sponges in total. You can make them a day or two before icing, then wrap them in a double layer of cling film once cool. They can also be frozen for up to two months.
• To make the compote, simmer the cranberries and sugar in a small pan for 4-5 mins until jammy, then leave to cool.
• For the icing, melt the chocolate, either in 20-30 secs bursts in a microwave or in a bowl over simmering water. Set aside to cool a little. Roughly mash the butter and icing sugar together, then beat until smooth with an electric whisk or mixer. Add the chocolate and cream cheese and beat again until smooth.
• To assemble the cake, place one sponge on a cake board the same size as the sponge, then sandwich the other sponges on top with a little icing and the cranberry compote. Use the cake with the neatest edge, flipped upside down, on top to give your cake a good shape.
• Pile about half the remaining icing on top of the cake and use a palette knife to spread it thinly over the top and down the sides of the cake. This is a crumb coat, it catches any crumbs, ensuring the final layer looks clean and professional. Chill the cake for 10-20 mins to firm up the icing or leave it somewhere cool for longer. Spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cakes, giving it nice sharp edges. We've left some of the cake exposed for the 'naked' cake look, or cover it completely if you like. Will keep for three days.
• To decorate the cake: dot the top with meringue kisses that you've either bought or made yourself, edible snowflake decorations and gold leaf, if you like.See our guide to decorating a Christmas cake 3 ways for details on this design along with more decorating ideas.

WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH CRANBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• FILLING:.
• In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, the 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, the cranberry juice, orange peel, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until thickened. Transfer filling to a medium bowl.
• Cover and chill for 2 hours. Transfer to a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth.
• CAKE:.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottoms of two 9x1 1/2-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms of pans with waxed paper; grease and lightly flour pans. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, cook and stir the 8 ounces white chocolate over low heat until melted.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the 10 tablespoons butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add the 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, beating until combined.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in the 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
• Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Beat in melted white chocolate just until combined.
• Spread batter in the prepared cake pans.
• Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
• Remove layers from pans. Peel off waxed paper. Cool completely on wire racks.
• FROSTING:.
• In a medium saucepan, cook and stir the 12 ounces white chocolate over low heat until melted.
• Cool for 20 minutes. In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup butter on medium to high speed until fluffy.
• Beat in melted white chocolate and the 2 teaspoons vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar.
• ASSEMBLY:.
• Use a long serrated knife to cut each cake layer in half horizontally. Place one layer, cut side up, on a serving plate. Spread with one-third of the filling.
• Top with the second layer; spread with one-third of the filling.
• Top with the third layer; spread with the remaining filling.
• Top with the fourth layer, cut side down.
• Spread top and side of cake with frosting. If desired, cover loosely and chill for up to 24 hours. Let stand about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving, if chilled.
• Makes 16 servings.

SOURDOUGH CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• In a large, non-metallic bowl, combine sourdough starter, water, flour and powdered milk. Let ferment uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours in a warm place until bubbly and a clear sour milk odor develops.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and, using a small sieve or shaker, dust lightly with cocoa powder.
• In a separate large bowl, mix together sugar, oil, salt, vanilla, cinnamon and baking soda. Add eggs, melted semi-sweet baking chocolate, and cranberry sauce.
• Combine the mixtures together and stir until well blended.
• Pour into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving, excellent served slightly warm.
• Garnish by sifting powdered sugar onto a paper doily or just dollop spoonfuls of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of each serving of cake.
• This cake can also be baked in 2 - 8 inch round layer cake pans, baking time is decreased to 20 to 25 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Another can of whole berry cranberry sauce can be spread generously between and on top of the unfrosted layered cake rounds for an impressive look during the holidays!

OUTRAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Make cake:.
• Heat oven to 325ºF. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tapping to remove excess.
• Microwave 2/3 cup chocolate chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on High for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Return to microwave for 30 additional seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
• Stir in cranberry sauce and sugar, mixing well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour and baking powder, stirring until well mixed. Pour batter in prepared pan.
• Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Refrigerate one hour or until cold.
• Make glaze:.
• Microwave cream and chocolate chips together in medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth. Return to microwave for 30 additional seconds if necessary to melt chocolate. Add cranberry sauce, mixing well.
• Turn cake out onto flat serving plate. Remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill about 1 hour or until glaze is firm. Can be made a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature.

CRANBERRY-WHITE CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE

Steps:

• To make the cake, grease and flour a 9" tube pan; set aside.
• In a large bowl and with an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until light.
• Add the brown and granulated sugars, orange rind and vanilla.
• Continue beating until fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
• In a medium bowl, sift the flour and baking powder.
• Add to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined.
• Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.
• Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.
• To make the glaze, melt the white chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling, water.
• Stir in the orange juice.
• Unmold the cooled cake.
• Spoon the glaze over the top; let cool.
• Garnish the top of the cake with orange slices, or fill the centre with cranberries.

WHITE CHOCOLATE FRESH CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Grease an 8" square pan, metal or glass.
• Using an electric beater or strong whisk, beat the butter and 1 cup of the brown sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Beat in one egg until thoroughly incorporated.
• Repeat with the second egg.
• In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk in this way: add a third of the dry mixture then half the buttermilk followed by a third of the dry mixture and the rest of the buttermilk. Add the remaining flour mixture and gently stir until you have a rich looking batter.
• Add the cranberries and 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips.
• Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out.
• Sprinkle 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white chocolate chips on top. Bake in the center of oven for 1 1/4 hours (75 minutes) until the center is firm when you gently press it.
• Allow the pan to cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before removing the cake from the pan.

CHOCOLATE, CRANBERRY, APPLE CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 f and spray your cake pan. In a large bowl combine milk, eggs, vanilla, oil, and sugar. With a spoon or a mixer mix until well combined. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add in grated apples and cranberry jelly. Mix until well combined.
• 2. Pour batter into prepared pan any cake pan is good. Put in oven and bake for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. While cake is in oven in a microwave safe bowl add cream, chocolate chips and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 1 minute stir until silky smooth.
• 3. When cake is done cool in pan for 15 minutes and then turn it over in a cake plate or regular plate. Let cool for at least 1 hour after that pour sauce over the top and enjoy. It is even better the next day. You can warm it up and put a scoop of ice cream on top. This cake is super delicious and easy to make. If you do use canned jelly I suggest you use some dried cranberries as well in the batter. You can also add nuts if you would like to.

CRANBERRY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Grease bottom only of 13x9 baking pan.
• Prepare cake mix with water, eggs and oil according to package directions.
• Add half cranberry sauce, mix, until well blended.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
• Meanwhile, place whipped topping in a medium sized bowl. Sift cocoa over whipped topping, fold mixture until well blended.
• When cake has cooled, place remaining cranberry sauce in small microwaveable bowl, microwave on high 15 seconds or until softened. Spoon over cake, spread evenly. Top with whipped topping mix.
• Sprinkle with almond pieces, just before serving.
• TIP: Use a large container of whipped topping, and also toast the almonds in a 350F oven on a cookie sheet until slightly browned, this brings out the flavor.

CRANBERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a nonstick 9-inch round cake pan.
• Place butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat; stir until melted. Add 1/3 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Increase heat slightly and stir mixture until it comes to a gentle boil. Cook for 30 seconds, remove from heat, and immediately scrape mixture into the prepared cake pan. (Be careful as mixture will be very hot.) Tilt the cake pan to evenly coat the bottom. Sprinkle cranberries evenly on top of the sugar mixture; set aside.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract. Blend in buttermilk. Gradually add flour mixture, beating briefly until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter randomly over cranberries in the cake pan, then smooth the batter with the back of a spoon until even.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cake is golden brown, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a large, flat serving plate. Cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE!

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8" round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tap to remove excess.
• 2. Microwave 2/3 cup choc. chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on High for one minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
• 3. Add cranberry sauce and sugar, mix well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour and baking powder mix well. Pour batter in prepared pan.
• 4. Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.
• 5. MAKES GLAZE: Microwave cream and chocolate chips together in medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate. Add cranberry sauce, mix well.
• 6. Turn cake out onto serving plate; remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill one hour or until glaze is firm. Can be made a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature.

CHOCOLATE WALNUT CRANBERRY CAKE (LIGHT)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• Combine applesauce, milk and oil; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
• Stir in cranberries and walnuts.
• Spread into a 10-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray (batter will be thick).
• Bake at 350F for 45 minutes or until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

SPARKLING CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE - (4/5)

Steps:

• Bring 1 cup sugar and water to a simmer in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar is completely dissolved. Pour simple syrup into a heatproof bowl and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Add cranberries and stir to coat. Refrigerate cranberries in syrup overnight, stirred a couple times to coat with syrup. Remove cranberries from syrup and roll in remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. You'll need to roll them a few times to get a couple layers of sugar on them. Set cranberries aside to dry for a hour or so. CRANBERRY CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8 inch cake pans with baking spray and parchment paper in the bottom of the pans. Whisk together flour, sugar and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Add butter, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream and milk and mix on medium speed just until smooth. Do not over mix. Gently stir in cranberries. Spread batter evenly between the three cake pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove to cooling rack to finish cooling. WHITE CHOCOLATE ICING: Place white chocolate chips in a metal bowl. Microwave heavy cream until it starts to boil. Remove from microwave and pour over chocolate chips. Cover bowl with saran wrap for 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth. Allow ganache to sit until mostly cool. It should be thick.Beat the ganache with a mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Add butter and beat until it is fully combined. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until it is fluffy and the right consistency. Add more cream if needed. ASSEMBLY: Remove cake domes from cakes with a large serrated knife. Place first layer of cake on cake plate. Spread about icing on top in an even layer. Add second layer of cake and add more icing on top in an even layer. Add final layer of cake on top and ice the outside of the cake. Top the cake with sparkling cranberries and add some around the edge, if desired. NOTE: I think most cakes are best if they are allowed to settle for at least 12 to 24 hours after icing. It allows flavors to settle. This cake will stay moist for several days after being iced.

WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH CRANBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Beat in melted white chocolate just until combined. Spread batter in the prepared cake pans. 4. Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove layers from pans. Peel off waxed paper. Cool completely on wire racks. 5. For frosting: In a medium saucepan, cook and stir the 12 ounces white chocolate over low heat until melted. Cool for 20 minutes. In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup butter on medium to high speed until fluffy. Beat in melted white chocolate and the 2 teaspoons vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. 6. To assemble, use a long serrated knife to cut each cake layer in half horizontally. Place one layer, cut side up, on a serving plate. Spread with one-third of the filling. Top with the second layer; spread with one-third of the filling. Top with the third layer; spread with the remaining filling. Top with the fourth layer, cut side down. 7. Spread top and side of cake with frosting. If desired, cover loosely and chill for up to 24 hours. Let stand about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving, if chilled. Makes 16 servings.

OUTRAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Make cake:
• Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tap to remove excess.
• Microwave 2/3 cup chocolate chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on High for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
• Add cranberry sauce and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour and baking powder; mix well. Pour batter in prepared pan.
• Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.
• Make glaze:
• Microwave cream and chocolate chips together in medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate. Add cranberry sauce; mix well.
• Turn cake out onto serving plate; remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill 1 hour or until glaze is firm. Can be made a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature.

CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX CRANBERRY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & grease a 13"x9" baking pan.
• In a heavy saucepan, heat caramels & 1/3 cup of the half & half, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted. Then, stir until smooth & remove from heat & set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, beat cake mix, remaining 1/3 cup half & half, butter & vanilla until smooth. Pat half of this mixture into bottom of prepared baking pan & bake 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven & spread evenly with warm caramel mixture.
• In another bowl, stir cranberry sauce, then spoon over caramel layer.
• Sprinkle remaining cake mixture over cranberry layer, then top with a sprinkling of pecans.
• Return to oven & bake another 30 minutes.
• Cool in pan on wire rack before cutting into bars.

CHOCOLATE-CRANBERRY POINSETTIA CAKE

Steps:

• CAKE Stir flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl to blend. Bring orange juice to boil in heavy saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth. Cool to barely lukewarm. Beat sugar, butter and orange peel in large bowl until blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each. Add sour cream, vanilla and melted chocolate mixture and beat until well blended. Add dry ingredients and beat just until well blended. Divide batter equally between pans; smooth tops. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 mins. Cool cakes in pans on rack. CRANBERRIES AND SYRUP Combine sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries; bring to boil. Using slotted spoon, immediately transfer about 20 glazed to plate. Reserve for garnish; chill. Continue to boil remaining cranberries until berries pop, about 5 mins. Using slotted spoon, transfer poached berries to small bowl. Pour cranberry syrup into another bowl and reserve for marbleized leaves. FROSTING Bring cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Chill chocolate frosting until just thick enough to spread but still glossy, about 80 mins. Invert 1 cake layer onto platter. Peel off parchment. Spread 1.2 cup chilled chocolate frosting over cake. Spoon poached cranberries in bowl evenly over frosting. Invert second cake layer onto work surface. Peel off parchment; place cake atop cranberries. Spread remaining chocolate frosting over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until cake is well chilled, about 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and chill.) Working quickly, arrange chocolate leaves in center of cake, forming poinsettia flower. Place 3 glazed cranberries in center of flower. Arrange fresh mint leaves and remaining glazed cranberries around cake. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve.

SPICED CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips & cranberries until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and cranberries. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

WHITE CHOCOLATE-CRANBERRY CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Chop 6 oz. chocolate. Combine flour and baking powder. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, orange zest and 3 Tbsp. orange juice; mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chopped chocolate and cranberries.
• Pour into greased and floured 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan.
• Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 min. Remove from pan to wire rack; cool completely.
• Heat remaining chocolate and orange juice in saucepan on low heat until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Drizzle over cake; let stand until firm.

CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8 inch round pan cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray.
• Dust pan flour, tap to remove excess. Microwave chocolate chips, butter, and unsweetened chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl on high for a minute. Stir until smooth.
• Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
• Add cranberry sauce and sugar, mix well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking powder; mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 40 minutes or the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for one hour or until cold. Adding icing or cool whip as desired.