Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Cranberry Cake



If you are looking for a last minute dessert that is a sure crowd pleaser -- cranberry cake will fit perfectly in your Thanksgiving feast.  This cake is so delicious that I even like the edges to gnaw on.  The almond extract in the cake complements the cranberries so well and the cake is sweet enough to tame the tartness of the cranberries.  I was given this cake as a "welcome to the area," when we first moved here to our present home.  It is a Taste of Home Recipe developed by Marilyn Paradis of Woodburn, Oregon.  Thanks Marilyn! Everyone who tries it, loves it!

Before I give you the recipe, I want to remind and encourage you to join in my "It's Your Wonderful Life" linky party.  Click HERE for more details.  There weill be a few giftie giveaways.


I really hope you try this recipe.  It is one of my favorites.  There is something special about the texture of this cake -- it's almost like a brownie texture and consistency.



Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Whipped cream, optional

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes -- make sure you do this!  Add butter and extract; beat 2 minutes. Gradually stir in flour just until combined. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Spread in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream if desired. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Thanksgiving Challenge


Today will most likely be my last Thanksgiving Challenge for the season.  I am thankful for those of you who  "played along."  Today I am especially thankful for my parents who gave me life.  My mother passed away over 20 years ago and my father passed over over 15 years ago.  I wish that they could have got to know my children and that we could have spent many more years together than we did.  Nevertheless, I am thankful for them and for the many sacrifices that they made to raise me.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Posted with the following:

Tasty Tuesday

26 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I will never grow tired of cranberries and this looks like a wonderful recipe!

Kirby said...

Yup this sounds divine! I think I'll pick me up some cranberries tonite!

Lynn said...

Love cranberries Joni, this looks great! Have a Happy Thanksgiving:@)

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Cranberries are at the top of my list! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sue said...

This looks so good and my husband would love it. He loves recipes with fruit in them. I've saved it...thank you!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness that looks AMAZING!

La said...

This looks really good, Joni. I put your It's a Wonderful Life button on my sidebar. La

Holly said...

This Cranberry cake looks soooo scrumptious!:)

Creative Cupcake Recipes said...

I love cranberry's, this looks so go. I am going to bake it tonight. Thanks for sharing .

Anonymous said...

ooh la la this looks fabulous! beautiful photos too! anne

Miss Merry said...

Oh my goodness, I HAVE to try this for a Christmas dessert. It looks luscious. My mouth is watering already. WOW!

I lost my mom three years ago. Holidays are so hard. She never saw my grandchildren and I am so sad about that. I miss her so much. I am thankful I had my best friend while she was here.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I love those sugar-coated cranberries in your picture, Joni! What a wonderful recipe> I know I will love it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Sue said...

After looking at these photos and reading the ingredient list, I can't pass them up! Gorgeous! Thanks for another great recipe!

Lisa said...

This recipe sounds very easy and the results look fantastic. Great way to use cranberries.

Angellove's Cooking said...

The cake looks gorgeous!!! I love it :)

Jacqueline said...

I can tell the texture and mouthfeel of these yummy goodies would be wonderful just by seeing the picture. I followed you over from Foodie Fridays. I would love to try this with blueberries or raspberries too. Yum...
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The Charm of Home said...

Happy Thanksgiving Joni! You and your family have a great day. This cake looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Sherry

April J Harris said...

This sounds wonderful - and such a great dessert for the holiday season! I've bookmarked it to try. Thank you for sharing it.

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

Another great sounding recipe for using cranberries. Thanks for this, the cake looks delicious.

Martha said...

Looks like a good recipe -- I love cranberry anything!

MrsJenB said...

I just love cranberries!! This looks delicious and super festive - I might have to look into making it for my Christmas party!

Visiting from Foodie Friday :-)

Renée said...

Cranberries are so pretty and delicious and your cake is really yummy looking. Hope you've had a wonderful holiday and thanks for sharing your blessings all month. I haven't participated, my life is crazy right now, but your feelings have touched my heart and caused me to reflect often.

Jamie said...

I marked this to make on Monday for baking day. Looks fantastic. Will be linking up with your Wonderful Life linky! Looking forward to all the wonderful ideas!

Wendy said...

Oh my goodness this looks delicious! I usually make a coffee cake for our cookie party, but I am thinking this will be much prettier and they will love it! Thanks for sharing :)

Taylor said...

These looks delicious! I am hosting a holiday blog event called Merry Mondays, and the theme for this Monday is cranberries...this would be a great entry! Let me know if you'd like to participate :)

Patricia Cesare said...

Joni,
This cranberry cake recipe is just Fantastic! It is more like blondies with cranberries. This will be a definate go to recipe as everyone who tastes it is delighted and I am addicted. I look forward to trying you cranberry bars next....
You are just wonderful ~ keep them coming. I appreciate YOU:)

Engageya