Introduction to Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel
The holiday season brings a flurry of joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats. One of my favorite recipes to whip up is the Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel. It’s a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this buckle is not only easy to make but also a surefire way to impress your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is your go-to solution for spreading holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel
This Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel is a game-changer for your holiday baking. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet streusel creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks stunning on any dessert table, ensuring you’ll be the star of your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this festive delight. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems provide a tart burst of flavor that balances the sweetness of the streusel.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, it’s divided into two portions—one for the cranberries and one for the batter.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the buckle, creating a tender crumb.
Egg: A large egg helps bind the ingredients together, contributing to the overall texture.
Vanilla Extract: This aromatic ingredient enhances the flavor profile, making every bite more delightful.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the recipe, it provides structure to the buckle and streusel.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your buckle rises beautifully, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to create a smooth consistency.
Sugar Cookie Streusel Ingredients: A mix of flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, baking powder, and salt creates a sweet, crunchy topping that’s irresistible.
For those looking to switch things up, consider adding a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spicy note. You can also substitute half of the cranberries with chopped apples or pears for a different flavor twist. Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake. While the oven warms up, grease a 9-inch square baking pan. A little butter or cooking spray will do the trick, ensuring your buckle comes out easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
Next, toss your cranberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a medium bowl. This step enhances their natural sweetness and helps balance the tartness. Set them aside for a few minutes to let the sugar work its magic.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process is key to creating a light texture for your buckle. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is essential for a nice rise in your buckle.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method helps maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold the prepared cranberries into the batter. Be careful not to break them apart; you want those beautiful bursts of tartness throughout your buckle.
Step 7: Prepare the Streusel
In a small bowl, mix together the streusel ingredients: 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until it’s crumbly. This sweet, crunchy topping is what makes this dessert truly special!
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel over the top, making sure to cover the batter well. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen works just as well.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for a tender texture.
Let the buckle cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape.
For a festive touch, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.
Equipment Needed
9-inch square baking pan: A standard size for this recipe; you can use a round pan if needed.
Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help with ingredient prep.
Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients; a fork can work in a pinch.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in cranberries and scraping the bowl clean.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key; a kitchen scale is a great alternative.
Variations
Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Spiced Up: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, festive flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped apples or pears along with the cranberries for a unique twist.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and milk.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to each slice.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Festive Platter: Arrange slices on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and mint leaves.
Hot Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat.
FAQs about Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just toss them in sugar and add them directly to the batter without thawing. They’ll still provide that delightful tartness!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Buckle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving!
Can I make this buckle ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the streusel topping right before baking for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, a flax egg works great! Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your ingredients just like a regular egg.
Can I add other fruits to the buckle?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped apples or pears along with the cranberries. This adds a lovely sweetness and a different texture to your Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Christmas Cranberry Buckle with Sugar Cookie Streusel is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and warmth with those you love. The vibrant cranberries paired with the sweet, crumbly streusel create a delightful contrast that captures the essence of the holiday season. Each bite is a reminder of cozy gatherings and laughter around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this buckle is sure to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday spirit, and let this recipe become a cherished tradition in your kitchen!
A delightful Christmas Cranberry Buckle topped with a sweet Sugar Cookie Streusel, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
For the sugar cookie streusel:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, toss the cranberries with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the cranberries gently. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
For the sugar cookie streusel, in a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This recipe serves 9.
For a festive twist, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
You can substitute half of the cranberries with chopped apples or pears for a different flavor profile.
