Go Back
+ servings
A slice of upside-down cranberry cake on a white plate with a fork, garnished with cranberries and Christmas stars in the background
Print Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Easy Cranberry Upside Down Cake has a perfectly balanced flavor and looks so festive and vibrant. A gorgeous cake made with fresh cranberries that's perfect for the holidays!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Holiday
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cranberry topping:

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 1/2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen, at room temperature

For the cake batter:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 3/4 cups cake flour (instructions to make your own in post above)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9-inch springform or cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and butter the paper. If using a springform pan wrap it tightly with foil.
  • Put 4 Tbsp butter into the pan, transfer the pan to the oven and take it out when the butter is melted about 5 minutes.
  • Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the pan, stir well until combined, then spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Distribute the cranberries evenly on top. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream the granulated sugar and remaining butter together at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  • Then add the eggs. Mix for 30 seconds on high speed until combined.
  • Add sour cream, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed until combined.
  • Sift cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined and no lumps remain. The batter will be thick.
  • Spread the batter evenly over the cranberry mixture.
  • Bake in the lower third of the oven for about 50-55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then remove the ring of the springform or run a knife along the sides of the pan if using a normal pan. Invert the cake onto a serving plate and remove the bottom/pan.
  • Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Make sure to watch the video above the recipe card before you make the cake! I show you every step so you get the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 615IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 0.5mg