Who says you need a special holiday to make an extra special dessert? In my book, every day is a gift that we need to celebrate. What better way to do that than to indulge in a rich and decadent cake like the Sparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake?
There’s so much to love about this cake because it offers a new experience with every layer, starting off with the sparkling sugar-coated cranberries on top. Dusting the tangy cranberries with white sugar is a simple way to add a subtle crunch to the otherwise soft cake. When you bite into it, the burst of the fruit mixed with the sweetness of the sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors that will keep you wanting more — and more it shall give!
Now, let’s talk about the next layer: the frosting. The Sparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake uses white chocolate to create the plain outer layer. Because of this, you’ll taste vanilla tones with a delicate and slightly floral flavor.
Even if it may not seem like much from the outside, it hides a big surprise on the inside. When you cut into it, you’ll realize that it’s nothing short of magic. Every element is a feast for your taste buds and your eyes. The airiness of the cake layers, the smoothness of the frosting, and the succulence of the fresh cranberries create an incredible symphony that never fails to impress.
You really can’t go wrong! Three layers of decadent cranberry vanilla cake with white chocolate frosting come together for a rich and beautiful cake. Topped with sparkling sugar coated cranberries, this is a magical-looking dessert that will impress your friends and family members.
PrintSparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
Make every day special by gifting yourself this irresistible Sparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake. The magical treat consists of three layers of decadent vanilla cake with a burst of cranberries in between, making it perfect for just about any day of the year!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
- Category: Bakery
Ingredients
- Cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- Cake
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- Frosting
- 12 ounces white chocolate morsels
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 9 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- For the cranberries: Combine 1 cup sugar and the water in a large saucepan and simmer over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour the simple syrup into a bowl and let cool for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cranberries. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the cranberries and roll in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Set the cranberries aside to dry for about 30 minutes.
- For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat three 8-inch cake pans with cooking spray and place parchment paper in the bottom of
the pans. - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla just until smooth. Stir in the cranberries. Divide the batter evenly between the 3 cake pans.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Place the white chocolate chips in a large bowl.
- Microwave the cream until it starts to boil. Pour over the chips. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for about 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let sit until thick.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the frosting until smooth. Beat in the butter. Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- To assemble the cake: Place a cake layer on a cake plate. Spread some frosting over the cake in an even layer. Repeat with the next 2 layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake. Top with sparkling cranberries and add some around the edge, if desired. Slice and serve.
Have you tried this recipe yet? What did you think of it? Would you make it again?