Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this holiday season, let me introduce you to my Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe. I first made this cake a few years ago when I wanted something festive yet refined—and it truly delivers. The bright tartness of the homemade cranberry sauce perfectly balances the tender, fluffy white cake layers, making each bite feel like a little celebration. Plus, the creamy cooked flour frosting adds a lush, silky texture that’s simply irresistible.

This Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe works beautifully not just for Christmas but any winter gathering where you want to impress without stress. I love how the cranberry sauce adds that signature holiday pop of color and flavor, while the cake remains light enough to eat more than one slice (trust me, you will!). If you’ve never tried combining cranberries with white cake and that unique frosting, you’re in for a delightful surprise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together classic and fresh ingredients that marry well, making the cake both flavorful and tender. I always recommend using fresh or frozen cranberries for the sauce—they add that authentic tang that canned versions just can’t match.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work great; fresh will give a slightly brighter flavor, but frozen are convenient and just as tasty.
• Granulated sugar: You’ll need it both for the cranberry sauce and the cake—and the frosting as well, so have plenty on hand.
• Water: To simmer with the cranberries for the sauce.
• Cake flour: This light flour keeps the cake tender and soft; if you only have all-purpose flour, you can substitute but the texture will be a bit denser.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your layers rise perfectly fluffy and light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for the cake and frosting—a key for creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without interfering with the buttery flavor.
• Egg whites: Using just the whites creates that lovely white crumb and light consistency.
• Clear vanilla extract: Avoids coloring the cake while adding warm, sweet notes.
• Full-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the tart cranberries.
• Whole milk: Brings tenderness to the batter.
• White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for lift and helps keep cake color pale.
• All-purpose flour: For the cooked flour frosting base—you’ll cook it with milk and sugar to make it silky.
• Cooked flour frosting ingredients: Milk, sugar, butter, vanilla—together they create the smoothest, but not-too-sweet frosting you’ve ever had.

Variations

One of the best things about the Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with it quite a bit to suit different tastes or occasions, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Feel free to put your own twist on it.

• Use fresh orange zest in the cranberry sauce: Citrus brightens the sauce beautifully—I add it when I want a zesty holiday zing.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt: I’ve done this for a tangier flavor and it also works well if you want to lighten the cake a bit.
• Vegan variation: Use vegan butter, a nondairy milk like almond, and plant-based egg replacers. The cooked flour frosting also adapts great with these changes.
• Add cinnamon or warming spices: For a cozy winter flavor twist, sprinkle a bit into the cake batter or cranberry sauce.

How to Make Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Toss in the cranberries and simmer until they burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Don’t rush this—letting it reduce properly creates that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Once done, let it cool to room temperature before layering; this helps the flavors intensify and prevents sogginess in the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the White Cake Batter

Start by whisking the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer. Next, add the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The egg whites are what give this cake its lovely bright white color and airy texture.

Then mix in the clear vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and sour cream mixture (which includes the vinegar), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Keep the batter smooth but don’t overmix — you want to preserve that fluffiness!

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among three greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Cooling fully before assembling is key to avoid the frosting melting and the cake layers sliding.

Step 4: Make the Cooked Flour Frosting

Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan, then slowly add the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens to pudding consistency, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until completely cool.

Once chilled, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add the cooked mixture and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy—the result is a frosting unlike any other, rich but perfectly balanced to complement the tart cranberries and soft white cake.

Step 5: Assemble Your Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake

Start with one cake layer, spread a generous layer of the cooked frosting, then add a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce evenly on top—but don’t overdo it to prevent the cake from getting soggy. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the last cake. Frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting. Chill for at least an hour before serving to let everything set beautifully.

How to Serve Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this cake with fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that snowy, festive look. Sometimes, I add sprigs of fresh rosemary, which looks beautiful and adds a subtle pine aroma that really feels like the holidays. If you want to get fancy, a few white chocolate curls or silver dragees make it extra elegant.

Side Dishes

This cake stands perfectly on its own, but if you’re serving a holiday dessert spread, it pairs wonderfully with simple whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A light cup of spiced tea or coffee also complements the flavors nicely without overpowering the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

The last Christmas I made this cake, I placed it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pinecones and fairy lights—it instantly became a stunning centerpiece. For smaller gatherings, you can bake the layers in mini pans and create individual servings decorated with the cranberry sauce and frosting swirl on top. Either way, it’s festive and elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this cake has a cooked frosting and fresh cranberry sauce, I keep leftovers covered in the fridge in an airtight container. It stays delicious for up to 4 days—sometimes longer if well wrapped. Just bring it to room temperature before serving again for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

I usually freeze just the cake layers before assembling because the frosting’s texture changes slightly if frozen. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost as usual.

Reheating

I tend not to reheat this cake since it’s best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you want to warm a slice slightly, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it completely. This brings out the moistness without losing the elegant texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Elegant Layered Cranberry White Christmas Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect marriage of flavor, elegance, and holiday cheer. Every time I slice into those layers and spread that tangy cranberry sauce, I feel that warm festive spirit—and I hope you will too. Give it a try at your next holiday gathering; it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit year after year, trust me!

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