Buttermilk Cranberry Cake – I Wash You Dry

This Buttermilk Cranberry Cake is filled with plump cranberries in a moist and tender buttermilk cake. Perfect for a light breakfast or simple dessert on any holiday table. 

A much simpler version of my Cranberry Orange Almond Cake and is buttery, fluffy, and filled with juicy cranberries! 

If you’re looking for an easy cranberry dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this is it. It’s light and fluffy from the buttermilk, and a little bit of lemon to make the cranberry flavor pop! 

Buttermilk Cranberry Cake

When it comes to cranberry breakfast cake, fresh or frozen cranberries are best. If you only have dried cranberries, I’ll walk you through the process of how to rehydrate them. 

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to whip up this tasty Buttermilk Cranberry Cake recipe. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

• Butter – salted
• Sugar – white granulated
• Vanilla
• Egg
• Milk – whole 
• Lemon
• Flour – all purpose
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Fresh Cranberries – you can use frozen if thawed, or rehydrate them if dried. 

How To Make Buttermilk Cranberry Cake

The best thing about this cranberry buttermilk cake is that it comes together quickly and can be prepared ahead!

MAKE BUTTERMILK 

In a small bowl, measure out the milk and add in juice from half a lemon, about 2 Tablespoons. Let sit 5-10 minutes until the milk curdles. Set aside. 

MIX BUTTER AND SUGAR

Start by mixing melted butter, white granulated sugar, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl.

ADD EGG AND BUTTERMILK 

Add in the egg and whisk well for 1-2 minutes. This will help dissolve the sugar and make the texture nice and smooth.  

Next, pour in the buttermilk and whisk into the mixture. 

ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

Add in the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix with a spoon until a batter forms. 

PRO TIP: Be careful not to over-mix the batter. Mix just until all of the flour pockets are gone to keep the cake nice and fluffy. Over-mixing can cause the cake to be chewier. 

ADD CRANBERRIES 

Last of all, add the cranberries and fold into the batter gently to prevent over-mixing. Transfer to a 9×9 baking dish, spread smooth, and sprinkle sugar over the top of the cake.

BAKE

Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes if using a metal or dark pan. 

If using a glass or ceramic pan or an 8×8 baking dish, baking times will vary and may take up to 50 minutes. Add 5 minutes at a time until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 

Can I use Dried or Frozen Cranberries? 

Yes! If using frozen, thaw completely and drain before using to prevent raw pockets in the cake when baked. 

If using dried, you’ll need to rehydrate the cranberries. 

How To Rehydrate Dried Cranberries 

Here’s a super simple way to rehydrate dried cranberries to use in this recipe. 

1. Measure out the desired amount of dried cranberries into a heat-safe mixing bowl. 3/4 cup dried cranberries would equal about 1 cup fresh cranberries in a recipe.
2. Pour boiling water over dried cranberries until covered.
3. Let sit for 15-20 minutes and drain before using in the recipe. 

Recipe Tips and Variations

• You can use regular buttermilk in this recipe in place of whole milk. But don’t skip the lemon; just add the juice to the batter. The extra zing is worth it! 
• You can use raw sugar or turbinado sugar sprinkled over the top of the cake for a little more texture. It’s amazing! 
• Swap out an orange for the lemon for an orange-cranberry combo. 

 

Can This Cake Be Made Ahead?

Yes! Here’s how to make cranberry breakfast cake ahead. It’s so easy! 

• Prepare the recipe as directed, but do not bake.
• Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Rest at room temperature while the oven preheats. 
• Bake as directed; add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the cake was refrigerated and the batter cold. 

More Cranberry Recipes

Need a few more easy cranberry recipes? Here are a few to try…

Whether you’re making this Buttermilk Cranberry Cake for a delicious Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert, I’m sure you’ll love it!