Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

We all know that Thanksgiving is going to be different this year. Small groups, maybe just the people who live at your house. So in the scale-back version of the holiday, how about Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes?


Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

I know pumpkin or pecan are the traditional go-to desserts, but let’s be different if this year is gonna be different!

Cranberries are a traditional Thanksgiving item but usually not for dessert. Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes are perfect individual desserts for this untraditional time. Super easy and can be made the day before.

Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

A muffin tin is a perfect vessel for these desserts—twelve little dessert gems.

Fresh cranberries are in season and available everywhere. Bright red and the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Add a bit of orange zest, and the flavors are out of this world.

Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

Add butter and brown sugar to the muffin tins. Top with cranberries and scoop on a batter loaded with cranberries and orange zest.

Bake for a mere 25 minutes. Flip them over, and oh la la, you have twelve perfect desserts. No muss-no fuss!

Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

They can be eaten right away or kept in the frig until you are ready.

Garnish with sugared cranberries ( I used this recipe from Damn Delicious) and orange peel, or let them stand in their own ruby red glory.

Were you looking to try a non-traditional dessert for these non-traditional times? Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes are for you!

Need a small turkey dinner idea ? Click here  Our Thanksgiving Turkey Roll is just what you need for a small gathering!

Thanksgiving Turkey Roll 4

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Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

Cranberry Upside Down Mini Cakes

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  • Author: Marty Boyd
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 mini cakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
6 teaspoons light brown sugar
3 cups fresh cranberries
Zest of one orange
1 ½ cups gluten-free flour I use Bobs Red Mill 1&1 you may also use regular flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or paste
½ cup buttermilk


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Divide 1 tablespoon of butter equally into 12 muffin cups (I cut the cube in half, then in half again, and then into thirds). Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of brown sugar into each muffin cup. Place muffin tin into the preheated oven for about 2 minutes to melt the butter.
Divide 2 cups of cranberries between muffin tins (about 2/12 tablespoons per tin)
Chop remaining 1 cup of cranberries; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl using a stand or hand mixer, beat the remaining 1/3 cup of butter and sugar together until creamy.
Add egg and vanilla extract and beat for another 2-3 minutes, until mixture is fluffy and white.
Add half of the flour mixture into the batter, beat for 1 minute.
Stir in the buttermilk, beating for another minute.
Add the remaining flour mixture and beat just until combined.
Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
Divide the batter into 12 muffin pan cups using a large ice cream scoop.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pan for 5 minutes. Place the wire rack over the muffin pan and carefully turn the pan upside down to remove the cakes. Cool completely before serving.
Garnish with sugared cranberries and orange zest if desired. Serve with ice cream or whipped topping.


 

 

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