Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Sauce

If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning cranberry dessert recipe to impress your guests, this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce is the perfect choice!

Made with an easy angel food cake mix and topped with fresh, juicy cranberries, this cake is a delightful combination of tart and sweet.

The warm buttery cake recipe paired with a rich sweet butter sauce will make your guests rave.

Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday dinner or a casual family get-together, this holiday cake recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I got this yummy recipe from my dear friend, Karen!!

Keep reading for the full recipe and pro tips to make this beautiful cake shine at your next event.

Post contains affiliate links and we earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page, including Amazon Associate links. For more information please read the disclaimer on the Privacy Policy page.

What You’ll Need for This Festive Cranberry Cake Recipe

Making this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce is surprisingly simple, and it all starts with just a few key ingredients.

For the cake, grab 1 box of angel food cake mix and prepare it according to the instructions on the box.

Then add 2 cups of fresh cranberries to give it a pop of tart flavor and a festive flair.

The Sweet Butter Sauce comes together with 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 stick of butter, and 3/4 cup of sugar, melted into a luscious, warm topping that perfectly complements the light and airy cake.

These pantry and fridge staples combine to create a cranberry dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.

Simple Ingredient Swaps for Your Cranberry Cake Recipe

Sometimes, you may need to make ingredient swaps to fit what you have on hand, and this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce is flexible enough to accommodate!

If you’re out of fresh cranberries, dried cranberries rehydrated in a bit of warm water or orange juice can add a similar tangy sweetness.

No heavy cream? Try substituting evaporated milk or half-and-half for the Sweet Butter Sauce; it will still be creamy and delicious, though slightly lighter.

If butter is a concern, plant-based alternatives can work well for the sauce too.

These easy substitutions make it simple to whip up this holiday favorite without missing a beat.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Cake Recipe with Sweet Butter Sauce

If you’re gluten-sensitive or cooking for someone who is, this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Simply swap out the regular angel food cake mix for a gluten-free version, which you can find in most baking aisles or online retailers.

Prepare the batter as directed, and top it with fresh cranberries before baking to get that perfect tart and sweet contrast.

The Sweet Butter Sauce requires no changes, as it’s already gluten-free.

With these simple adjustments, this festive cranberry dessert can be a safe and scrumptious option for your holiday table.

You can also make this a healthy, low-calorie dessert by leaving off the butter sauce!!

Essential Tools for Making Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce

To make this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools and one special piece of equipment.

The most important tool is an angel food cake pan, as its unique design ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises properly.

Additionally, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer to prepare the cake batter, and a saucepan for making the Sweet Butter Sauce.

A cooling rack is also helpful for properly cooling the cake after baking.

These tools are easy to find and make preparing this festive cranberry dessert simple and stress-free.

How to Make Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce in 5 Easy Steps

Crafting this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce is as easy as it is delicious!

Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the angel food cake mix box.

Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, then pour it into an ungreased angel food cake pan.

Add a festive touch by sprinkling 2 cups of fresh cranberries evenly over the top of the batter—they’ll sink slightly as the cake bakes, creating pockets of tart flavor.

Make sure to rinse and completely dry the cranberries before adding them!!

Bake the cake until golden brown, then invert it to cool upside down in the pan.

While the cake cools, whip up the Sweet Butter Sauce by combining 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 3/4 cup of sugar in a saucepan.

Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.

Serve slices of cake with a warm drizzle of sauce for a dessert that’s sure to impress!

If you want to really get fancy, you can add a spritz of whipped cream to the top!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce

To ensure your Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

First, always use an ungreased angel food cake pan to help the cake rise properly and stick to the sides during baking.

Make sure the fresh cranberries are thoroughly washed, dried, and evenly distributed over the batter for the best results.

When preparing the Sweet Butter Sauce, stir continuously over medium-low heat to avoid scorching the sugar or cream.

Finally, allow the cake to cool completely upside down in the pan before attempting to remove it to maintain its airy texture.

These simple tips will make this cranberry dessert a foolproof success.

What to Serve with Cranberry Cake for a Perfect Pairing

When serving this Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce, the right pairings can elevate the dessert to a whole new level.

The sweet and tangy flavors of the cake shine alongside hot beverages like spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, while a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a cranberry spritzer adds a refreshing contrast.

For food pairings, consider serving it after a savory feast featuring roasted poultry or creamy mashed potatoes, as the rich butter sauce provides a decadent finish.

If you’re crafting a dessert spread, pair it with simple vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a light citrus sorbet for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Best Tips for Storing and Freezing Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce

Leftovers of Cranberry Cake with Sweet Butter Sauce are just as delightful as the first slice, and proper storage ensures they stay that way!

Keep the cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.

At room temperature, it stays moist for two days, but for longer storage, refrigerate it for up to five days.

Store the Sweet Butter Sauce separately in a sealed container in the fridge, then reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.

For freezing, cut the cake into individual slices, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Freeze the sauce in small, airtight containers.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake and sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat the sauce for a cozy treat that tastes just as good as the day it was made.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this cranberry cake with sweet butter sauce is a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for any gathering.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy cranberry cake recipe will impress your guests with its bold flavors and simplicity.

Enjoy it warm with the luscious sweet butter sauce, and it will surely be a hit at your next event.

If you enjoyed this easy cake recipe check out my Blueberry Lemon Cake or my Heath Bar Cake recipes too!!

Enjoy!