This Apple Cranberry Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends the comforting sweetness of baked apples with the tang of dried cranberries and the smoothness of vanilla-lemon cream. It’s a moist, rich, and easy-to-make cake that’s ideal for both everyday baking and special gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat on a chilly afternoon or a fruit-forward cake for a festive occasion, this recipe checks all the boxes. With its simple ingredients and foolproof steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy professional-quality results.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the cream:

• 1 egg

• A pinch of salt

• 380 ml milk

• 30 g cornstarch

• 8 g vanilla sugar

• 70 g sugar

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 30 g butter

For the dough:

• 4 eggs

• A pinch of salt

• 8 g vanilla sugar

• 150 g sugar

• 80 ml vegetable oil

• 160 g sour cream

• 240 g flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

Fruit Layer:

• 4 apples, peeled and sliced

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 100 g dried cranberries

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 24×24 cm baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, salt, milk, cornstarch, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until it thickens into a custard.

3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and butter. Let the cream cool completely.

4. For the dough, beat the eggs, salt, vanilla sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add the vegetable oil and sour cream, mixing well.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until you achieve a smooth batter.

7. Pour half of the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

8. Evenly distribute the sliced apples and cranberries over the batter. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp sugar.

9. Carefully spread the cooled cream over the fruit layer.

10. Top with the remaining dough, smoothing it out to cover the cream layer.

11. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

12. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 320 per slice

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 28g

• Calcium: 70mg

• Vitamin C: 5mg

• Iron: 1.2mg

About This Recipe
This Apple Cranberry Cream Cake is a comforting fusion of tender fruit, creamy filling, and soft sponge. It’s rooted in traditional European cake-making, where layers and custard-style creams are commonly featured. The balance between the sweet apples and the tart cranberries adds depth and texture, while the luscious lemon-vanilla cream binds it all together into an irresistible bite. This cake shines both warm and cold, and it’s one of those treats that gets even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings together moist sponge, smooth cream, and tangy fruit in perfect harmony. It’s a great alternative to classic apple cake or cheesecake and is incredibly versatile—ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday spreads. The ingredients are accessible and budget-friendly, and the recipe requires no special equipment, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
The use of custard cream in baking is a technique that hails from Central and Eastern European traditions. Recipes from countries like Hungary, Poland, and Austria often layer custard with fruits and sponge cake for a satisfying and multi-textured experience. This version integrates those roots with a modern twist—adding dried cranberries for a festive, colorful flair that boosts both taste and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips
Once baked and cooled, store this cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in cling film and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften the texture slightly, although it also tastes wonderful chilled.

Common Variations to Try
You can swap cranberries for raisins, cherries, or blueberries if you prefer. Pears or plums make excellent substitutes for apples. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds between the fruit and cream layers. If you like a spiced flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture.

Pairing Recommendations
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea. It’s also delicious with a light dessert wine, especially those with citrus or floral notes. For a more indulgent serving, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Health Benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, and cranberries provide powerful antioxidants. The eggs and milk in both the dough and cream offer protein and calcium. By using sour cream instead of heavy butter-based batters, the cake is slightly lighter without compromising richness. This dessert offers a satisfying treat without going overboard on sugar or fat.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, but you may want to increase the sugar slightly since fresh cranberries are more tart.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

3. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a replacement for sour cream in this recipe.

4. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

5. Can I make the cream ahead of time?
Yes, the cream can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator until needed.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking pan and extend the baking time by 10–15 minutes.

7. Should the apples be pre-cooked?
No, they cook perfectly in the oven and retain a lovely bite.

8. Can I add spices to the apple mixture?
Definitely. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom add warmth and depth.

9. Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, it’s made with wholesome ingredients and contains no alcohol or artificial flavorings.

10. Can I freeze the entire cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion
This Apple Cranberry Cream Cake is a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the cozy warmth of home baking with a touch of elegance. The blend of tangy cranberries, soft apples, and silky vanilla cream creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat your family to something wholesome and delicious, this recipe is a must-try. With simple pantry ingredients and step-by-step guidance, it’s a cake you’ll want to make again and again.