Cranberry Upside-Down Cake (Print View)

Golden sponge with caramelized cranberries creates a rustic, festive dessert for cool seasons. Serves eight.

# Components:

→ Topping

01 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
02 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

→ Cake

04 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
12 - Zest of 1 orange, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
03 - Scatter cranberries evenly over the sugar mixture in the pan.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and orange zest if using.
07 - Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
08 - Carefully spoon batter over cranberries and smooth the top evenly.
09 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 - Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate. Remove parchment paper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready from scratch in just over an hour
  • Uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand
  • Rich tart-sweet flavor contrast thanks to cranberries and caramel topping
  • Crowd-pleasing centerpiece for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers
02 -
  • High in antioxidants thanks to cranberries
  • Keeps well for several days stays moist and flavorful
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert for easy entertaining
03 -
  • Do not skip lining your cake pan with parchment for stress-free release. Use a metal pan for even browning and caramelization.
  • Cream your butter and sugar until light for the fluffiest crumb. Spotty rising or rubbery texture is almost always from under-creamed butter or overmixed batter. Finally be bold when flipping, your moment of cake magic comes with confidence.