Cranberry Upside-Down Cake 🍰🍂

This delightful Cranberry Upside-Down Cake is a perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal dessert for fall and winter gatherings. The sultry, luscious top layer showcases cranberries bathed in a buttery brown sugar glaze, while the moist cake underneath balances the tartness perfectly. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also brings a festive touch to your table. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat! 🍦❤️

Ingredients

For the topping

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the topping:
   • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until combined and slightly bubbling.
   • Add the cranberries and gently stir until coated. Remove from heat and set aside.

🥄 Don’t skip the vanilla in the topping—it's the secret ingredient that enhances the flavor of the cranberries wonderfully!

2. Make the batter:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

3. Assemble the cake:

   • Pour the cranberry topping mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Gently pour the batter over the cranberry layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Bake the cake:

   • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will turn a lovely golden brown.

5. Cool and serve:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so that the cranberry topping is on top.

🍽️ Serve warm or at room temperature. If you choose to enjoy it warm, allow it to sit for a few minutes to set before slicing.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry topping for added crunch and flavor! 🌰
• Zesty Lemon: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter for a fresh citrus note that complements the cranberries beautifully. 🍋
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it's still delicious! 😋
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cake batter for an extra warmth and depth. Perfect for cozy gatherings!

Enjoy this tantalizing dessert that’s sure to leave your guests wanting more! 🎉🍂