How to Make Festive Sourdough Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce

I love this recipe for sourdough cranberry cake with butter sauce and I hope you will too! This cake doesn’t last long in our house. Enjoy!

As the holiday season approaches, there’s one recipe that always finds its way to our family table: cranberry cake with butter sauce. I was very excited to turn one of our holiday favorites into sourdough cranberry cake with butter sauce this season. This simple yet stunning holiday dessert marries the tangy bite of fresh cranberries with the rich sweetness of a warm butter sauce, creating a perfect pairing for cold winter nights. With its festive flair, cranberry Christmas cake isn’t just delicious – it’s an easy make-ahead dessert that brightens any gathering. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this mouthwatering treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sourdough Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce

For the cake, gather these ingredients:

2 cups fresh tart cranberries

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs beaten 

1/2 cup sourdough discard

½ cup butter, melted 

½ teaspoon almond extract

¼ teaspoon salt

For the butter sauce:

½ cup  butter

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup evaporated milk

This sourdough cranberry cake with butter sauce has two key components: the cake itself and the sweet, luscious butter sauce that tops it off. Each part comes together with simple ingredients, yet they create a holiday masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cranberry Cake With Butter Sauce

1. Preheat and Prepare this Delicious Cake Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 350°. Grease a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring your prepared pan holds the batter without sticking. Set it aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt to create the flour mixture. Toss the cranberries in the flour mixture. The tartness of the cranberries balances beautifully with the sweet flavors in the cake. When the cranberries bake, they’ll add a juicy pop of flavor in every bite.

3. Create the Batter for Sourdough Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce

Mix in the melted butter, almond extract, 1/2 cups sourdough discard, and 2 beaten eggs. Stir gently until you create a thick, smooth batter. This simple batter serves as the perfect base for our sourdough cranberry cake with butter sauce.

4. Pour and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top of the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before serving. This cranberry Christmas cake works wonderfully as an easy make-ahead dessert, so feel free to bake it a day in advance.

Making the Butter Sauce for this Warm Cake full of Cranberries

While the cake bakes, prepare the hot butter sauce, which adds that extra touch of indulgence. This warm sauce is a delightful mixture of rich butter, evaporated milk, and sugar, heated gently to create a smooth, pourable texture.

1. Melt the Butter – In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquified.

2. Combine the Ingredients – Add the sugar and evaporated milk, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar into the mixture.

3. Bring to a Gentle Boil – Bring the sauce ingredients to a gentle boil. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Serving Your Sourdough Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Cream Sauce

Slice the cake into squares, serving each piece of cake with a generous drizzle of hot butter sauce. The sweet butter sauce complements the tart cranberries perfectly, creating a delicious contrast in each bite. As you pour the sauce over the top of the cake, it seeps into every nook, making the dessert even more flavorful. It will be a total hit at any holiday party. 

To enhance the flavor, you can garnish with additional fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This cranberry Christmas cake not only tastes amazing but also brings a touch of holiday spirit to the table with its festive color and cozy aroma.

Tips for Success

• Prepare the Sourdough Cranberry Cake in Advance: Cover with a piece of aluminum foil and leave on the counter for a day. Refrigerate it after that.

• Prepare the Sauce in Advance: This sweet butter sauce stays fresh for a few days in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and reheat it before serving.

Why This Cake Belongs on Your Holiday Table

If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead dessert that will impress friends and family, this sourdough cranberry cake with butter sauce checks every box. Its moist texture, sweet-tart flavor, and warm, creamy topping make it a standout treat during the holiday season. The fresh cranberries add a festive pop of color and flavor, while the buttery sauce elevates the cake to something truly special.

In the rush of holiday preparations, having a perfect dessert that you can prepare ahead gives you more time to enjoy the moments that matter. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your home with the delightful aroma of this cranberry dessert cake. With each bite, you’ll taste the warmth and joy that makes holiday gatherings truly unforgettable.

This is a very old recipe that has been in our family for a long time. I believe my Aunt is the one who introduced the original recipe to us. However, I am not sure where she got it from. I added in the addition of sourdough this year for the first time. It is a perfect Christmas dessert. We serve it at Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. It is a huge hit and we have shared the recipe with many families. I hope it becomes a new family favorite of yours. When that first bite hits your mouth and you realize what a simple cake this is to make, you will add it to your favorite recipes list. Trust me! This unique cake naturally creates a beautiful presentation because of the large red vibrant cranberries! They are absolutely beautiful and stunning.

Enjoy this festive, flavorful dessert – a perfect pairing for any holiday gathering!

Seasonal Baking Ideas

Easy Persimmon Cookies: Grandma’s Recipe

Protein Pumpkin Muffins: An Easy Fall Favorite

Apple Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls: A Classic!

Made From Scratch Persimmon Pudding: An Old Fashioned Recipe