Experience the ultimate festive delight with this incredible Cranberry Cake recipe. Perfectly moist, rich, and bursting with flavor, this dessert is destined to become a cherished tradition for your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Prepare to be enchanted by its decadent taste all year long!
As the holiday season approaches, are you searching for that show-stopping dessert to grace your table? Look no further than this exquisite Cranberry Cake. It masterfully balances the sweetness of a classic cake with the vibrant, tart notes of fresh cranberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will captivate every palate. Imagine a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you more time to cherish moments with family and friends.
This cranberry-infused masterpiece offers a delightful escape from traditional holiday fare, providing a unique and memorable ending to any festive meal. Its simplicity in preparation means you can focus on enjoying the party, knowing a spectacular dessert is ready to impress. Don’t wait to discover the joy of baking and sharing this exceptional Cranberry Cake!
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What could be more comforting during the festive season than a slice of perfectly baked, moist Cranberry Cake? This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience, especially when served during Thanksgiving. Its rich, buttery texture combined with the bright tang of cranberries creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly embodies the spirit of holiday indulgence. Forget complicated recipes; this easy-to-follow guide ensures a delicious outcome every single time, making you a holiday baking hero.
Our Cranberry Cake is an ideal choice for any holiday celebration, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a grand festive gathering. The vibrant red cranberries embedded within the golden crumb not only offer a visual feast but also deliver a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. This recipe has been crafted to be straightforward and rewarding, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful cake that will undoubtedly earn rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Make sure this delicious holiday cake becomes a part of your seasonal baking repertoire!
The Ultimate Cranberry Cake Recipe for Holidays
Welcome to your new favorite holiday dessert! This recipe for Cranberry Cake is designed to be effortlessly delicious, ensuring a stunning and scrumptious cake even for novice bakers. We’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the best ingredients to achieving that perfect golden crust and tender, fruit-filled interior. Get ready to create a memorable treat that tastes as good as it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cranberry Cake
Baking can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you’re trying a new recipe for a special occasion. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about making this Cranberry Cake to ensure your baking journey is smooth and successful. Let’s demystify the process and boost your confidence in the kitchen!
How long does it take to prepare and bake this Cranberry Cake?
You’ll be delighted to know that this incredibly flavorful Cranberry Cake comes together in just over an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules. The hands-on preparation for the batter is surprisingly quick, typically requiring only about 10-15 minutes of your time. This speedy assembly allows you to focus on the enjoyable aspects of baking, getting the cake into the oven in no time. While it bakes to perfection, you’ll have ample opportunity to tidy up your kitchen, so by the time the timer dings, you’ll have a gorgeous, fragrant cake and a clean workspace. The baking itself takes approximately 45-55 minutes, ensuring a beautifully cooked cake with a golden-brown top and a wonderfully moist interior.
What exactly is a Cranberry Cake?
A Cranberry Cake is a delightful dessert cake renowned for its incorporation of fresh or frozen cranberries, which lend a distinct sweet-tart flavor profile. Unlike some overly sweet confections, the cranberries provide a refreshing zing that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cake. While cranberries are the star, some variations might include other complementary fruits such as plump raisins, tart currants, or finely chopped apples, adding layers of texture and flavor. The cake itself typically features a tender, buttery crumb, making it a comforting and satisfying treat. It’s often adorned with a simple sugar sprinkle, a light glaze, or a rich frosting, enhancing its appeal as a festive centerpiece.
What essential kitchen tools are needed for this Cranberry Cake recipe?
Gathering your tools before you begin baking will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. For this Cranberry Cake recipe, you will need a few standard kitchen items:
- **Mixing Bowl:** A large bowl is essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- **9×13 Baking Dish:** This standard size ensures even baking and the perfect cake thickness.
- **Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer):** Crucial for creaming butter and sugar and beating eggs to achieve that light, fluffy batter. A hand mixer will also work perfectly.
- **Prep Bowls:** Handy for organizing your measured ingredients before mixing.
- **Wooden Spoons or Rubber Spatulas:** For folding in ingredients and transferring batter.
- **Measuring Cups:** For accurate measurement of dry ingredients.
- **Measuring Spoons:** For precise measurement of extracts and smaller quantities.
Having these tools ready will ensure you can move efficiently through each step of the recipe.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Cranberry Cake
The success of any great cake lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. For this Cranberry Cake, we use a selection of simple yet potent components that come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive treat:
- **Granulated Sugar:** Provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. You’ll also need a little extra for sprinkling on top, which creates a delightful sparkling crust.
- **Large Eggs:** Act as a binder, add moisture, and contribute to the cake’s structure and richness. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- **Butter – Softened to Room Temperature:** Essential for a moist and flavorful cake. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely.
- **Vanilla Extract:** A foundational flavor enhancer that complements the cranberries and provides a warm, inviting aroma.
- **Almond Extract:** A secret ingredient for many, almond extract elevates the flavor profile, adding a subtle nutty note that pairs exquisitely with cranberries. Don’t skip this for an extra layer of deliciousness!
- **All-Purpose Flour:** The structural base of our cake. Sifting it ensures a lighter, lump-free batter.
- **Whole Cranberries – Fresh or Frozen:** The star of the show! Fresh cranberries offer the best texture and burst of flavor. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them directly into the batter to prevent bleeding and maintain their shape.
Can this Cranberry Cake be frozen for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for advance preparation, especially during the busy holiday season. Freezing allows you to bake ahead and simply thaw when you’re ready to serve, significantly reducing your holiday stress. In fact, the very cake featured in these photos was frozen to simplify holiday prep!
To freeze your cake effectively, ensure it is completely cooled to room temperature first. Then, wrap it tightly in several layers: start with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For extra protection against freezer burn, you can add another layer of plastic wrap or use a “press and seal” freezer-safe wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious frozen Cranberry Cake, transfer it to the refrigerator the day before you plan to serve it. Allow it to thaw slowly overnight or for several hours until it reaches an even temperature throughout. This gradual thawing process helps maintain its moist texture and rich flavor.
Does Cranberry Cake require refrigeration?
While this Cranberry Cake does not strictly require refrigeration for short-term storage (1-2 days), storing it in the refrigerator will certainly extend its freshness. If kept at room temperature, covered tightly, it will remain delicious for about 2-3 days. However, for maximum freshness and to enjoy it longer, placing it in an airtight container in the fridge can keep it delightful for up to a week. If you’ve added any frosting, especially a cream cheese-based one, refrigeration becomes essential.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Perfect Cranberry Cake
Creating this irresistible Cranberry Cake is a delightful process, and with our clear, detailed instructions, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. Follow these steps carefully to bake a moist, flavorful, and beautiful holiday dessert.
- **Prepare Your Oven and Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan or casserole dish. Line it completely with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment sling makes it incredibly easy to lift the cooled cake out of the pan, ensuring clean slices and no sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
- **Cream Sugar and Eggs:** In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat these ingredients together on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes thick, pale in color, and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s light and tender texture. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- **Incorporate Wet Ingredients:** Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually beat in the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- **Add Dry Ingredients:** Switch from the whisk attachment to the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. With the mixer on its lowest speed, slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is barely combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to a tough cake.
- **Fold in Cranberries:** Gently remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a firm rubber spatula, carefully fold the whole cranberries (fresh or frozen) into the batter. The mixture will be quite thick at this stage, which is perfectly normal and desirable for a rich, fruit-laden cake. Ensure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- **Transfer to Pan and Smooth:** Transfer the thick batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. You might find that the easiest way to spread the stiff batter evenly is to lightly dampen your hands with water. Then, gently press and smooth the batter into an even layer across the bottom of the pan, much like you would with cookie dough. This ensures consistent thickness and even baking.
- **Sugar Topping:** Before baking, generously sprinkle the top of the cake batter with some additional granulated sugar. This creates a beautiful sparkling crust and adds a delightful subtle crunch and extra sweetness to the finished cake.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is ready. In our test kitchen, it was perfectly done in 57 minutes, but oven temperatures can vary, so always trust the toothpick test!
- **Cool and Serve:** Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Resist the urge to slice it too soon, as cooling allows the cake to set properly and intensify its flavors. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cake out of the pan. Slice, serve, and enjoy your magnificent homemade Cranberry Cake!
Can you enhance a Cranberry Cake with white chocolate?
Absolutely, adding white chocolate to your Cranberry Cake is a fantastic idea and a popular variation! The creamy sweetness of white chocolate perfectly complements the tartness of cranberries, creating a sophisticated and utterly delicious flavor combination. To incorporate it, simply add about 1 cup of chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips to the batter at the same time you’re folding in the cranberries. This ensures even distribution and prevents the chocolate from sinking to the bottom of the pan. The melting white chocolate will create pockets of luscious sweetness, elevating your Cranberry Cake to a new level of indulgence.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Cranberry Cake
Achieving a truly outstanding Cranberry Cake goes beyond just following the recipe steps. These expert tips will help you elevate your baking, adding extra layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your festive dessert.
- **Incorporate Nuts for Texture:** For an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor, consider folding in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts with the cranberries. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
- **Zesty Citrus Boost:** Instead of almond extract, or in addition to it, try adding the zest of one orange. Orange zest introduces a bright, aromatic citrus note that beautifully complements cranberries, creating a classic holiday flavor combination.
- **Manual Mixing Option:** Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem! This cake can easily be made using a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease. Just ensure you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and beat the eggs until light and fluffy for the best results.
- **The Magic of a Sugar Topping:** Do not skip sprinkling extra granulated sugar on top of the cake before baking. This simple step creates a gorgeous, glittering crust that adds a lovely textural contrast and a delightful caramelized sweetness.
- **Embrace the Thick Batter:** When the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, the cake batter will be quite thick. This is intentional and helps suspend the cranberries evenly throughout the cake, preventing them from sinking to the bottom. Don’t be tempted to add more liquid.
- **Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries:** While I personally prefer using fresh cranberries for their vibrant color and firm texture, frozen cranberries work perfectly well too. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; simply add them directly to the batter. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents the batter from becoming too watery.
- **Monitor Baking Time:** All ovens vary slightly in temperature and heat distribution. Once your cake has baked for 45 minutes, begin checking it regularly with a toothpick. This vigilance ensures your cake is perfectly cooked through without becoming overbaked or dry.
- **Alternative Extracts or Juices:** If you want to experiment with flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice (about 1-2 tablespoons) or orange extract in place of, or alongside, the vanilla and almond extracts. Lemon zest also offers a wonderful bright note.
- **A Coffee Cake Cousin:** This sweet, buttery Cranberry Cake shares a delightful consistency with a classic coffee cake. Its tender crumb, the delightful tartness from the cranberries, and the sparkling sugar on top combine to create a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. It’s comforting and incredibly satisfying.
- **Perfect for Any Gathering:** This delicious Christmas cake recipe is wonderfully versatile. It’s perfect for serving as the grand finale at Christmas dinner, a delightful addition to a potluck, or a welcome treat at any holiday gathering.
- **Garnish with Style:** For an extra flourish, top your cooled cake with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar mixed with orange juice) or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds an elegant touch.
- **Gift-Giving Made Easy:** If you plan to share this delectable Cranberry Cake with neighbors or use it for holiday gifts, consider baking it directly in disposable aluminum pans. This makes gifting convenient and cleanup a breeze.
- **Flour Substitutions:** Please note that this recipe has been developed and tested specifically with all-purpose flour. I have not tested it with almond flour or any other gluten-free or alternative flour substitutes, so I cannot guarantee similar results.
- **Year-Round Enjoyment:** Don’t limit this amazing recipe to just the holidays! If you’d like to make this cake when cranberries are out of season, or simply prefer a different fruit, fresh blueberries make an excellent substitute, offering a similar burst of fruity flavor.
- **A Pop of Orange Zest:** For a final touch of bright flavor and aroma, sprinkle a little fresh orange zest over the top of the cake just before serving. It adds both beauty and an incredible fragrance.
Explore More Festive Cranberry Recipes!
Cranberries are a true holiday hero, versatile enough to star in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as refreshing drinks. If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavor of cranberries in this cake, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic cranberry-themed recipes:
- Sparkling Cranberries: A beautiful and festive garnish or snack.
- Cranberry Orange Mimosa: A bright and bubbly beverage perfect for holiday brunches.
- Refreshing Cranberry Salad Recipe: A light and tangy side dish to balance your rich holiday meals.
- Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe: A classic accompaniment that far surpasses store-bought versions.
- Sweet & Savory Cranberry BBQ Meatballs: A crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.
- Delightful Cranberry Quick Bread: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
- Warm Crockpot Cranberry Cider: A comforting and aromatic drink for chilly evenings.
- Irresistible Cranberry Cupcakes: Individual servings of cranberry deliciousness.
- Crisp Apple Cranberry Spritzer: A light and fizzy non-alcoholic option.
Why is Cranberry Cake a Beloved Holiday Tradition?
The popularity of Cranberry Cake during the holidays is no coincidence; it’s a beautiful confluence of seasonality, tradition, and exquisite flavor. Cranberries are inherently a fall and winter fruit, reaching their peak harvest just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This natural availability makes them a quintessential ingredient for festive baking, lending their vibrant color and distinctive tartness to holiday tables.
Beyond seasonality, cranberries hold a special place in holiday culinary traditions. Their bright, zesty flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the richer, heavier dishes often served during this time of year. A Cranberry Cake offers a refreshing palate cleanser while still delivering the comforting sweetness expected from a holiday dessert. It’s versatile enough to be served as an elegant dessert after a grand meal or as a delightful snack cake with a cup of coffee or tea during a casual holiday gathering. Its festive appearance and classic flavors evoke warmth, joy, and the cherished memories of the holiday season.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Cranberry Cake
While this Cranberry Cake is magnificent on its own, pairing it with certain accompaniments can elevate the entire dessert experience. Here are a few delectable options that complement its sweet and tart profile:
- Light & Fluffy Stabilized Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds an airy, creamy contrast that is simply heavenly with the cake’s rich texture. Stabilized whipped cream holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for presentation.
- Classic Vanilla Frozen Yogurt: For a lighter, yet equally satisfying pairing, a scoop of cool and tangy vanilla frozen yogurt provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm cake.
- Decadent Cookies and Cream Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, the rich flavors and varying textures of cookies and cream ice cream create an exciting and unexpected combination with the tart cranberry cake.
Choosing the Best Frosting for Your Cranberry Cake
The right frosting can transform an already delicious Cranberry Cake into an absolute showstopper. While the cake is wonderful plain or with a simple sugar sprinkle, a layer of frosting adds extra indulgence and beauty. Here are some top recommendations:
The ultimate choice for many is a classic Buttercream Frosting. Its smooth, rich, and creamy texture provides a perfect balance to the tart cranberries. A vanilla buttercream allows the cake’s natural flavors to shine, while a hint of orange zest in the buttercream can further enhance the cranberry notes. Another exceptional option is a tangy and sweet Cream Cheese Frosting. The slight tanginess of cream cheese harmonizes wonderfully with cranberries, creating a comforting and luxurious finish. For a lighter touch, a fluffy whipped cream frosting is also a fantastic choice, especially if you want to keep the dessert feeling fresh and less heavy. Any of these choices will make your Cranberry Cake an even more irresistible holiday treat.
How long can a baked Cranberry Cake be stored?
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Cranberry Cake for as long as possible. When stored at room temperature in an airtight container, your delicious homemade Cranberry Cake will remain fresh and moist for approximately 2-3 days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, or if you’ve opted for a frosting that requires refrigeration (like cream cheese frosting), storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container can keep it fresh for up to a week. Beyond these times, or for longer storage, freezing is your best bet, as detailed in our freezing instructions above.
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Recommended Baking Essentials for Your Cranberry Cake
This Cranberry Cake recipe is not only incredibly easy and delicious, but it also relies on standard kitchen tools that you might already have on hand. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a classic holiday cake for the first time, having the right equipment makes all the difference. I’ve curated a list of my absolute favorite and most essential tools that I simply can’t bake without when creating this delightful dessert. These items ensure precision, ease, and consistent results, making your baking experience truly enjoyable. (You can also find more of my top recommendations and **SHOP MY FAVORITES** directly in my online store!)
- Reliable Cake Pan: A sturdy 9×13 inch pan ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly baked cake.
- High-Quality Mixer: A stand mixer is ideal for creaming ingredients and achieving a smooth batter, though a powerful hand mixer works wonderfully too.
- Convenient Prep Bowls: Great for organizing and pre-measuring all your ingredients, making the baking process seamless.
- Durable Wooden Spoons: Perfect for folding in delicate ingredients like cranberries without overmixing.
- Accurate Measuring Cups: Essential for precise ingredient quantities, which is crucial for baking success.
- Precision Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring small amounts of extracts and other powerful ingredients.
If you adore this easy, homemade Cranberry Cake, you’re sure to find delight in these other holiday recipes too! Each link below leads to a simple, printable recipe for your convenience.
Explore this Rum Cake Recipe
Get the Cannoli Cupcakes Recipe
Discover this Classic Fruit Cocktail Cake
Bake these Perfect Christmas Cupcakes
Find the Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Try this Decadent Christmas Cheesecake
Make these Moist Red Velvet Cupcakes
Discover the Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Try these Christmas Eggnog Cupcakes
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Festive Holiday Cranberry Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar + more for topping
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces whole cranberries (fresh or frozen, unthawed)
Instructions
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**Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan or casserole dish completely with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
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**Cream Sugar & Eggs:** In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the granulated sugar and large eggs. Beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy, typically 5-7 minutes. This step incorporates air for a lighter cake texture.
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**Add Wet Ingredients:** Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the egg mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
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**Incorporate Flour:** Switch to the paddle attachment (if using a stand mixer). Slowly add the all-purpose flour on the lowest speed, mixing just until the flour is barely incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
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**Fold in Cranberries:** Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a firm rubber spatula, gently fold the whole cranberries (fresh or frozen) into the thick batter until evenly distributed. The batter will be quite dense, which is expected.
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**Transfer & Smooth Batter:** Transfer the batter to the prepared 9×13 inch pan. To smooth it into an even layer, lightly dampen your hands and gently press the batter across the pan, similar to pressing cookie dough. This ensures uniform baking.
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**Add Sugar Topping:** Sprinkle the top of the batter generously with additional granulated sugar. This creates a beautiful, sparkling crust and a lovely textural contrast once baked.
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**Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. (Our cake was done in 57 minutes.)
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**Cool & Serve:** Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. Cooling ensures the cake sets properly and allows the flavors to fully develop. Once cooled, lift the cake using the parchment overhang, slice, and serve!
Recommended Equipment
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Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer)
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9×13 inch Baking Dish
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Large Mixing Bowls
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Rubber Spatula
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Measuring Cups & Spoons
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is an approximate estimate. For precise dietary planning, please double-check with your own nutritional calculator. Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information presented for any recipe on this site.