Ingredients
																
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			For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
 - 3 large eggs
 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
 - 1 cup buttermilk
 
For the Cranberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
 - 1/2 cup water
 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
 
For the Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
For Garnish
- Sugared cranberries
 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
 - Edible glitter (optional)
 
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
 
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
 - Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
 
Step 3: Make the Cranberry Filling
- While the cake bakes, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a medium saucepan.
 - Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10–12 minutes.
 - Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
 
Step 4: Poke the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
 - Pour the cranberry filling over the cake, spreading it with a spatula to ensure it seeps into the holes.
 
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
 - Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
 
Step 6: Decorate and Chill
- Garnish the cake with sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch.
 - Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
 
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
 - Chill Time: 1–2 hours
 - Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
 - Calories: 320 kcal
 - Sugar: 28g
 - Fat: 15g
 - Carbohydrates: 42g
 - Fiber: 1g
 - Protein: 4g