Sour Cream Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Traybake Recipe. Fully Festive & Family Friendly

Some bakes feel as though they were made for winter. Not overly fussy, not ostentatious — just comforting, fragrant, and celebratory. This sour cream dark chocolate and cranberry traybake is one such cake. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with warm, slightly tangy aromas that hint at chocolate without overwhelming the senses. The sweet-tart cranberries promise a festive bite in every slice, making it perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or a cosy afternoon treat.

Why Cranberries Are Perfect for Festive Baking

Cranberries have long been a winter staple, especially on British Christmas tables, prized for their tartness and vibrant ruby-red colour. In this traybake, they provide bursts of tang that lift the richness of the dark chocolate, creating harmony in both flavour and texture. The soft, golden crumb contrasts beautifully with molten chocolate pockets and chewy cranberries, making each slice a visual and sensory delight.

This traybake brings together the richness of dark chocolate and the tanginess of cranberries, creating a delightful treat. For more cranberry-infused desserts, explore our White Chocolate & Cranberry Blondies and Cranberry and White Chocolate Flapjacks

The Secret of Sour Cream

Sour cream brings more than moisture — it adds a gentle tang that balances sweetness and creates a tender, pillowy crumb. The edges bake to a golden crisp while the centre stays soft, resulting in a texture that is indulgent yet light. This makes it perfect for holiday baking when you want something comforting but not overly heavy.

Baking With Kids

This traybake is ideal for little helpers. Children can measure, stir, and fold in chocolate chips and cranberries, sprinkling extras on top for a personal touch. Watching the berries and chocolate sink slightly into the batter is part of the magic.

It also works brilliantly for school lunchboxes: small squares are just the right size, and the chocolate-cranberry combination keeps things exciting without being too sweet. For bake sales, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with ribbon — the festive look is irresistible.

Serving Ideas

For afternoon tea, dust with icing sugar and serve alongside a mug of hot tea or spiced chai. For gifting, stack squares in a box lined with parchment and tie with twine — simple, festive, and personal. Family gatherings are another perfect opportunity: lay slices on a platter and watch them disappear.

Pairing the traybake with drinks enhances the experience: robust coffee, mulled wine, or a fortified wine complement the chocolate richness and cranberry tartness beautifully. Optional festive upgrades include drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled traybake or scattering extra cranberries for a celebratory look.

Variations to Try

Swap dark chocolate for white or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier finish. Try dried cherries, blueberries, or cranberries coated in orange zest for an extra festive twist. Chopped toasted nuts add crunch, while a drizzle of melted chocolate or a simple glaze with cranberries on top creates a “wow” factor for special occasions.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Traybake

Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Fold in flour gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. To prevent cranberries from sinking, toss them lightly in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter. Check for doneness with a skewer: it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make this traybake ahead of time?

Yes. This traybake actually improves in flavour after a day or two. The cranberries soften slightly and meld with the chocolate, and the crumb develops a tender richness that makes each slice even more indulgent. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Wrap individual squares in clingfilm and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or gently warm in the oven for a few minutes to bring the chocolate back to a melty delight.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, though the texture mightl be slightly different. Use plant-based butter in place of unsalted butter and substitute the sour cream with coconut or soy-based yogurt. The flavour will remain rich and comforting, though slightly less tangy.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes. For doubling, use a larger traybake tin or two standard 20 x 30 cm tins. Keep an eye on baking time, as a thicker batter may need a few extra minutes. Halving works too; just adjust baking time slightly and check doneness with a skewer.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking?

To keep the cranberries evenly distributed, toss them lightly in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the cake rather than sinking to the bottom during baking.

Can I substitute other fruits or chocolate?

Definitely. Dried cherries, blueberries, or cranberries coated in orange zest work beautifully. Dark chocolate can be swapped for milk or white chocolate, or a mix for visual interest and sweetness variation. Chopped toasted nuts can also be folded in for extra texture and festive flavour.

Is this traybake suitable for lunchboxes or bake sales?

Yes. Cut into small squares for lunchboxes — they’re perfectly sized and won’t be overly sweet. For bake sales, wrap individually in parchment or cellophane, and tie with ribbon for a festive presentation. Kids and adults alike will be drawn to the vibrant cranberries and pockets of chocolate.

How should I store leftover traybake?

Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing individual squares is best. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the crumb.

Can I make it spicier or more festive?

Absolutely. Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ground ginger to the flour adds a subtle warmth perfect for winter. Orange zest works wonderfully with both cranberries and chocolate for extra festive flavour.

Sour Cream Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Traybake

Serves: 12 generous slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

115 g unsalted butter, room temperature
200 g caster sugar
2 large eggs
250 g self-raising flour
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
360 g sour cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
90 g dark chocolate chips
75 g dried cranberries

Method

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 20 x 30 cm traybake tin with baking parchment, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Sift in the flour and salt, and fold gently to combine.

Whisk the sour cream with vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the batter in two stages, folding lightly to keep the mixture airy. Stir in the chocolate chips and cranberries gently, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Scatter with a little extra sugar for crunch if you like. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes in the tin before lifting out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Notes

The sour cream keeps the crumb tender and slightly tangy. For extra festive flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled traybake or dust lightly with icing sugar. Swap cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries if preferred. Perfect for baking with kids, school lunchboxes, or bake sales — slice into squares for easy serving.

Why This Traybake Is a Festive Favourite

Traybakes are inherently comforting: minimal effort, maximum impact. No layers, no frosting, just a cake that rises evenly and slices cleanly, with aromas that evoke warmth and celebration. This sour cream dark chocolate and cranberry traybake is elegant enough to impress yet practical enough for busy weekdays or holiday preparations.

Its charm lies in the quiet pleasures: tugging a slice from the tin, the surprise of tart cranberries, little pockets of molten chocolate, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Easy to make, flexible to serve, and endlessly comforting, it’s a bake destined to become a seasonal staple.

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