If you’re looking for a cake that combines the festive sparkle of a mimosa with the tart freshness of cranberries, look no further than this Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake. Perfect for holiday brunches, weekend gatherings, or any breakfast that calls for a bit of extra cheer, this cake combines champagne, orange juice, and cranberries for a delightfully unique and flavorful experience. In this article, we’ll explore the recipe, share tips for achieving the perfect bake, and discuss how you can elevate this cake for any special occasion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Cranberry-Mimosa Cake is the Perfect Holiday Treat
- Ingredients Needed
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Tips for a Perfect Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake
- Creative Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
With its bright citrus flavors, light champagne notes, and tart cranberries, the Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake is both delicious and celebratory. Whether you’re a fan of brunch or just love the idea of a cake that brings a little morning sparkle, this recipe is a fantastic option. It’s simple to make and sure to impress guests with its unique flavor profile.
2. Why Cranberry-Mimosa Cake is the Perfect Holiday Treat
Holiday gatherings call for festive treats, and what’s more festive than a mimosa? By incorporating the flavors of a mimosa with the brightness of orange juice and the fizzy finish of champagne, this Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake brings a sophisticated twist to a classic breakfast cake. Cranberries add a pop of tartness, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake and glaze, creating a balanced and refreshing treat.
3. Ingredients Needed
This recipe keeps things simple with easy-to-find ingredients, and you can make a few substitutions depending on your preference or dietary needs.
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups) for structure
- Sugar (1 cup) for sweetness
- Baking powder (1 tsp) and baking soda (½ tsp) for lift
- Salt (¼ tsp) to enhance flavor
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened) for richness
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup, halved) for tart flavor
- Orange zest (zest of 1 orange) for citrus aroma
- Fresh orange juice (½ cup) for tangy sweetness
- Champagne (¼ cup) for mimosa flavor
- Eggs (2 large) for structure and texture
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) for added flavor
For the Mimosa Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup) for a smooth, sweet glaze
- Champagne (2-3 tbsp) for flavor
- Orange juice (1 tbsp) for brightness
4. Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, champagne, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix and Add the Cranberries
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the halved cranberries, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
4. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
5. Make the Mimosa Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, champagne, and orange juice until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired by adding more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze) or more champagne (for a thinner glaze).
6. Glaze and Garnish
- Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the Mimosa glaze over the top. Garnish with extra cranberries and orange zest for a festive finish.
5. Tips for a Perfect Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake
Achieving the best texture and flavor is easy with these helpful tips:
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness and texture.
- Room-temperature ingredients (eggs, butter) make for a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter to prevent a dense texture.
- Keep champagne fresh: Use champagne that still has a bit of fizz for added lift.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t absorb into the cake.
6. Creative Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your gathering:
- Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy brunch vibe.
- Serve with fresh mimosas to elevate the mimosa theme—perfect for a holiday brunch!
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a touch of extra indulgence.
- Top with sugared cranberries for a decorative and sweet-tart topping that complements the cake’s flavors.
7. Conclusion
The Cranberry-Mimosa Breakfast Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the holiday season. With its blend of champagne, orange, and cranberry, this cake is both sophisticated and festive, perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or just want to try something new, this cake will be a hit among family and friends. Enjoy this delicious twist on a traditional breakfast cake, and get ready to share a slice of holiday cheer!
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