Cranberry White Chocolate Pound Cake – A Perfect Festive Dessert
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (chopped)
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients
- Add the sour cream to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Cranberries and White Chocolate
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips to evenly distribute them in the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Pound Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle with White Chocolate
- Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle it over the top of the cake for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish with dried cranberries for a festive look.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cake and serve as a delightful dessert for your holiday table.
Conclusion: This Cranberry White Chocolate Pound Cake is a perfect dessert for any special occasion. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate makes it a delicious treat that is both flavorful and visually stunning. Serve it at your next holiday gathering, party, or family celebration, and it will surely be a hit with everyone!