Creative Culinary

Food and Cocktail Recipes l Denver, CO

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact
 
You are here: Home / Cakes, Cupcakes & Cheesecake / Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries

December 2, 2015 21 Comments

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries on a White Cake Stand Garnished with Rosemary and Cranberries
Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries Served on a China Plate with Cranberry Glaze
This Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries is a spectacular cake. The combination of chocolate cake with a mascarpone and buttercream frosting all topped with sugared cranberries is simply divine. Extend it to any season by garnishing the cake with fresh Strawberries or Raspberries.

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries

I had originally planned to make a version of this Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries for Halloween. I knew it would be a really dark chocolate and I anticipated adding red wine to the cake as well as making a red wine glaze and simulating something ghoulish. What stopped  me? The cake was simply too good to have it reside in the world of Halloween is what happened.

Never my favorite holiday in the first place (orange is SO not my color), I saw greater potential in taking it into the realm of holiday as I spied cranberries in the freezer and my mind immediately veered off path and I’m so glad it did.

Besides that? My daughter Emily and I both have birthdays this month; maybe this is for us!

Whenever I plan a dessert like this, I always round up what I call ‘eaters.’ Not that I wouldn’t enjoy a slice every day for 2 weeks but I know I shouldn’t so I have willing participants when it comes to desserts (and cocktails).

All I have to do is get the word out and a mini party happens in my kitchen.

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries

The combination of a dark chocolate cake with red wine topped with a mascarpone and whipped cream frosting seemed delightful enough but it was the addition of sugared cranberries on top that really won my guests over this time.

I just love those little orbs and it was fun to see people try them for the first time and join me in that love.

Tart and just barely softened by a quick simmer and then covered with sugar that dries to a hard shell, they are so easy, taste amazing and really are the icing on the proverbial cake. So beautiful with their deep red color topped with a bit of sparkle.

This time around I tried something new and simmered them in the same red wine I had used in the cake. Oh my is right. I suggest making extra; you will want to snack on as many of them as you put on the cake!

Want to try this for something other than a holiday celebration? Switch out the cranberries for fresh strawberries and raspberries in season; it would be fantastic! Truly a special dessert fit for a celebration. Happy Holidays! (And Happy Birthday Em!)

Love Sugared Cranberries? Me too!

Sugared Cranberries are so easy to make and add a beautiful sparkling effect to your holiday desserts.

1

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling and Sugared Cranberries

2

Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Rum Sauce and Sugared Cranberries

3

White Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream

PIN ‘Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries’

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries Served on a China Plate with Cranberry Glaze

Yield: 10 Servings

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries

Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries Served on a China Plate with Cranberry Glaze

A wonderful rich chocolate cake is enhanced with the addition of red wine which plays beautifully with the sugared cranberries piled on top.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 11/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups golden brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup red wine

For the Frosting

  • 11/2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1/3 cup white chocolate, grated
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 8-ounce containers chilled mascarpone cheese

For the Sugared Cranberry Garnish

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers

  1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 325. Generously butter two 9-inch cake pans; dust with flour, tapping out excess. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper.
  2. Sift 2 cups cake flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt into medium bowl.
  3. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
  5. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions, beating just until blended after each addition.
  6. Gradually add wine, beating just until smooth.
  7. Divide batter between pans; smooth tops. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on rack 15 minutes. Run small knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Invert cakes onto racks; lift pans off cakes and remove parchment. Place wire rack atop each cake, invert again so top side is up.
  8. Cool completely.

To Make the Frosting

  1. Bring 1 cup cream to boil in small saucepan. Slowly pour cream over grated white chocolate and stir until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of the whipping cream and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours. Can be made one day ahead; cover and keep chilled.
  2. Add mascarpone to chilled mixture; Using electric mixer; beat on low speed until blended and smooth. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until mixture is thick and medium-firm peaks form when beaters are lifted, about 2 minutes (do not overbeat or mixture will curdle).
  3. To Assemble the Cake:
  4. Brush crumbs from cakes. Place one cake layer, top side up, on platter. Divide frosting in half and spread one-half on first cake layer. Using offset spatula, spread frosting to edges. Top with second layer, top side up. Spread remaining frosting over top of cake.
  5. Chill.

To make sugared cranberries

  1. Wash cranberries and remove any bad berries.
  2. To Make the Sugared Cranberries:
  3. Combine sugar, water and wine in a small pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and cook on medium low heat until some of the cranberry skins just start to pop and water starts to turn pink; 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Drain cranberries in a colander set over a bowl. Spread sugar on a cookie sheet and gently put the cranberries on the sugar and roll them until coated. Let them stand in a single layer at room temperature until dry, about 1 hour.
  5. Return the drained juice to a saucepan and simmer until reduced by half. Cool completely.

To Serve

  1. Mound the cranberries on the top of the chilled cake. Drizzle some of the red wine sauce on each plate and top with slices of cake and sugared cranberries.

Notes

Do not refrigerate sugared cranberries; putting them in the refrigerator may ruin the hard shell of the sugar. Use immediately or leave at room temperature for no more than a day.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn revenue from qualifying purchases.

  • Regency Wraps RW117-50 9" Greaseproof Parchment Paper Liners for Round Cake Pans, 50 Count, White
    Regency Wraps RW117-50 9" Greaseproof Parchment Paper Liners for Round Cake Pans, 50 Count, White
  • Cuisinart AMB-9RCKBZ Round Cake Pan, 9", Bronze
    Cuisinart AMB-9RCKBZ Round Cake Pan, 9", Bronze

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1430Total Fat: 86gSaturated Fat: 53gTrans Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 304mgSodium: 1280mgCarbohydrates: 149gFiber: 2gSugar: 121gProtein: 13g

The nutritional information is computer-generated and only an estimate.

© Creative Culinary
Category: Cakes, Cupcakes & Cheesecake

« Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Bacon
Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Port Wine Pâté »

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    February 21, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Question: How much white chocolate for the frosting? For some reason my browser is displaying it as "? cup white chocolate" As an aside, this looks amazing and one of my co-workers just declared it out of our pay grade fancy. Which means I have to make it now, because who can resist that challenge??
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      February 22, 2016 at 1:03 am

      You can do this! Not sure why that typo was there but it's 1/3 cup of grated white chocolate. Good luck!
      Reply
  2. Rahul @ samosastreet says

    December 16, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    The holidays and chocolate just go together...
    Reply
  3. Jenni says

    December 3, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    Absolutely the right call to save this beauty for Christmas. It is just stunning. I'm sure your "eaters" were all thrilled!
    Reply
  4. Kasey says

    December 2, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    OMG Barb, that looks amazing!!!! My birthday is next week, I think I'll make myself a cake! Thanks so much!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 2, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Best way to get the one you want right? Mine is too...Happy Birthday Kasey!
      Reply
  5. Kristen says

    December 2, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    This is the most beautiful cake, Barb!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 3, 2015 at 1:09 am

      Thanks Kristen!
      Reply
  6. John/Kitchen Riffs says

    December 2, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I believe I remember you mentioning this cake back in October. Or am I fantasizing? Anyway, it's my fantasy to have a slice of this in front of me! What a wonderful cake -- so much flavor. And it looks stunning! I'd share this too -- I couldn't resist slice after slice of this if it was hanging around the house. Which it wouldn't do for long. :-)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 3, 2015 at 11:42 am

      You are NOT fantasizing; I think you even commented when I said I was going to wait on a cake I had made! You know what I love? This new thing about just putting frosting in between layers. Makes it so easy and yet still looks so pretty. Gives me time to sugar some cranberries. :)
      Reply
  7. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    December 2, 2015 at 9:14 am

    This cake is a stunner, Barb! Perfect for the season :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 3, 2015 at 11:43 am

      Thanks so much Jennifer; I admit it was a huge hit and now on the requested list to do again!
      Reply
  8. Karen says

    December 2, 2015 at 7:13 am

    What type of red wine do you suggest? What did you use? Son's bday is Dec 23 and I'm thinking of this for his 32(!) celebration.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 2, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Nothing too fancy is necessary. The one I used had a slight sweetness to it but I can't remember the name! Still I think any Cabernet or Pinot Noir would be good.
      Reply
  9. Amy says

    December 2, 2015 at 6:03 am

    Looks wonderful, I have never seen this before, is delivery available?
    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Beautiful Cake Recipes For Mother's Day- Cake Recipes&Ideas For Mother's Day says:
    May 1, 2018 at 9:05 pm
    […] Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries- By Creative Culinary […]
    Reply
  2. 21 Cake Ideas You Must Try This​ Winter​ Season | Homemade Recipes says:
    January 13, 2017 at 2:39 pm
    […] image via Creative Culinary […]
    Reply
  3. How To Make Sugared Cranberries - Boston Girl Bakes says:
    December 21, 2016 at 8:30 am
    […] Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries (Creative Culinary) […]
    Reply
  4. Pretty Things: November 2016 – Last Nite's Makeup says:
    October 30, 2016 at 8:22 am
    […] 2.  Creative Culinary’s Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries: […]
    Reply
  5. Pretty Things: November 2016 – Last Night's Feast says:
    October 30, 2016 at 6:22 am
    […] 2.  Creative Culinary’s Red Wine Chocolate Cake with Sugared Cranberries: […]
    Reply
  6. The Happiness Report #38 (Happy Calm Focused Edition) - Dine and Dish says:
    December 6, 2015 at 4:23 pm
    […] is one of the most beautiful cakes I have ever […]
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 

SUBSCRIBE and NEVER MISS A RECIPE!


Recipes by Category

Recipes by Month

Amazon Disclosure

Creative Culinary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com .

About Me

I’m Barbara Kiebel, the cook, photographer, author, and everyday eater at Creative Culinary. I hope you enjoy the recipes I prepare for family and friends and appreciate every one of you that come visit my virtual home! Read More…

About – Privacy Policy – Terms of Use – Contact Us

Copyright © 2020 Creative Culinary

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
MENU
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beans and Lentils
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Cookies, Brownies and Bars
    • Meat and Fish
      • Beef
      • Chicken and Turkey
      • Lamb
      • Pork
      • Fish, Seafood
    • Pasta, Potatoes, Rice & Grains
    • Pizza
    • Pressure Cooker Favorites
    • Salads, Dressings, Marinades, Sauces
    • Sandwiches
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Friday Cocktails
    • Cocktail News
    • Bourbon
    • Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Liqueurs
    • Mocktails
    • Rum
    • Scotch
    • Tequila
    • Vodka
  • About
    • Tips for High Altitude Baking
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Food Blogs in Colorado
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Contact