Ina Garten Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, simple, and full of warm flavors, Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake is just the thing. This rustic cake is bursting with tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery, moist cake that’s delicately spiced and golden on top. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, this cake comes together with everyday ingredients but delivers a flavor that feels special with every bite.

What is Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake?

Ina Garten’s cranberry and apple cake is a fuss-free dessert where chopped apples and fresh cranberries are layered under a buttery batter and baked until golden brown. It’s somewhere between a coffee cake and a cobbler, with a tender crumb and pops of tartness from the fruit. The top becomes slightly crisp while the interior stays soft and moist.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s Crunchy Iceberg Salad
• Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Terrine with Orange Sauce
• Ina Garten Winter Slaw
• Ina Garten Vegetable Tian

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

• Quick to prepare – No special equipment or frosting required
• Perfect for holidays – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy weekends
• Great use of seasonal fruit – Combines sweet apples and tangy cranberries
• Crowd-friendly – A simple, satisfying dessert for guests
• Pairs beautifully with ice cream – Warm cake + cold scoop = heaven
• Can be served warm or room temp – Versatile and forgiving
• Smells amazing while baking – Fills your home with cozy aromas

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

• For the fruit base:
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (optional)
• For the cake batter:
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Grease the Dish

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish or cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine cranberries, diced apple, brown sugar, and orange zest. Mix well and spread evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer (or by hand) until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 6: Spread the Batter Over the Fruit

Spoon the batter over the cranberry-apple mixture and spread evenly to cover all the fruit.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature—plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With Ina Garten Cranberry and Apple Cake

• Vanilla ice cream – Melts perfectly into the warm cake
• Whipped cream – Light and airy contrast to the dense fruit
• Cinnamon-spiced yogurt – A tangy, healthy topping option
• Caramel sauce drizzle – Adds an extra layer of indulgence
• Hot tea or coffee – Complements the sweet and tart flavors
• Maple-glazed nuts – For added crunch and flavor
• Mascarpone or crème fraîche – A rich and slightly tangy finish

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith – They hold their shape and balance the sweetness
• Don’t skip the orange zest – It brightens the fruit flavors beautifully
• Room temperature butter and eggs mix better – Ensures a smoother batter
• Spread the batter evenly – So it bakes uniformly over the fruit
• Add nuts for texture – Chopped pecans or walnuts blend well with the fruit
• Make it in advance – It tastes even better the next day
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving – For the best look and texture

Variations of the Recipe

• Add chopped pecans to the batter – For a nutty crunch
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt – A lighter alternative
• Use pear instead of apple – For a softer, sweeter variation
• Add a dash of cinnamon to the batter – Warms up the flavor profile
• Include a splash of orange juice in the fruit – Enhances brightness
• Try brown sugar in the batter – Adds depth and a molasses note
• Bake in mini ramekins – For individual servings

How to Store Leftovers

• Let the cake cool fully before storing – Prevents sogginess
• Cover with foil or store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature
• Refrigerate for longer storage – Up to 5 days
• Avoid storing with ice cream – Always add toppings fresh
• Freeze in slices – Wrap individually for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge – Then warm slightly before serving
• Store in the original baking dish – If covered tightly

How Do I Reheat Ina Garten’s Cranberry and Apple Cake?

• Reheat in the oven at 300°F – 10–15 minutes for even warming
• Microwave individual slices – Heat for 20–30 seconds for a quick treat
• Cover loosely with foil in oven – Prevents the top from drying out
• Add a fresh topping after reheating – Like ice cream or whipped cream
• Serve at room temperature – It tastes great even without warming
• Use a toaster oven for crisp edges – Especially nice for day-old cake
• Avoid over-microwaving – It may dry out the soft crumb

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 140mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for Ina Garten’s cranberry and apple cake?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Add them directly to the fruit mixture without thawing to prevent extra moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

What type of apples are best for cranberry apple cake?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because they’re tart and hold their shape during baking. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter result.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely. This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature. The flavors deepen overnight, and it tastes even better the next day.

Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?

Yes, peeling the apples ensures a soft, tender texture in each bite and helps the fruit blend smoothly into the base layer of the cake.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Easy Cranberry and Apple Cake is the kind of dessert that feels cozy, homey, and timeless. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a lot of flavor with little effort—and it never fails to impress.

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