Back in France, we did not use cranberries simply because they did not exist there. They were one of the delicious discoveries I made when I moved to North America. The tartness of the cranberries is nicely balanced with the buttery caramel created by the butter and sugar. The pecans add crunchiness to this finger-licking good cake. I like to use oat flour to cut down on my gluten intake, but you can also use all-purpose flour.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time50 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: christmas, dessert, gluten free option
Servings: 6
Ingredients
8tablespoonssalted buttersoftened (6+2)
2cupsfresh or frozen cranberries
0.3cuppecans
0.3cupsugar
0.5cupsugar
1large egg
0.5cupall-purpose flour or oat flour
Instructions
Prepare the Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil. Spread the pecans on the sheet and place in the oven just until they become aromatic, about 5 minutes. Watch them carefully as they are easily scorched. Let them cool down, then chop coarsely.
Make the Cake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Butter bottom and halfway up sides of an 8-inch square baking dish using 2 tablespoons butter. Cut a piece of parchment paper the same size as your baking dish, and place it on the bottom. Spread cranberries evenly. Sprinkle pecans on top, then sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar; set aside.
Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a microwave; set aside. Put egg and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl and whisk together until pale and thick. Gradually beat in flour. Pour in melted butter, beating until smooth.
Slowly pour batter to cover cranberries. Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, and invert to unmold onto a serving platter. Be careful and slow when peeling off the parchment paper. Serve warm or at room temperature.