Description

A rich and festive layer cake featuring soft vanilla cake layers studded with tart dried cranberries and crunchy macadamia nuts, frosted with creamy white chocolate or cream cheese frosting—perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Fold in dried cranberries and chopped macadamia nuts.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
To make frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Frost cooled cake layers and decorate as desired, optionally with extra cranberries and macadamia nuts.

Notes

Toast macadamia nuts for extra flavor before adding to the batter.
Dried cranberries can be soaked in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump.
Cake layers can be made a day ahead and kept wrapped at room temperature.
Store frosted cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 510
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg