Trail Mix Cake Recipe

Name: Trail Mix Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries; 1 1/2 cups orange juice; 2 1/2 cups cake flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 8 ounces unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 3/4 cup sliced almonds; 3/4 cup unsalted sunflower seed kernels; Trail Mix Buttercream, recipe follows; 8 ounces butter; 2 cups confectioner's sugar; 1/3 cup sliced almonds; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup dried pineapple; 1/3 cup unsalted sunflower seed kernels

Servings: persons

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups orange juice
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
3/4 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup unsalted sunflower seed kernels
Trail Mix Buttercream, recipe follows
8 ounces butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried pineapple
1/3 cup unsalted sunflower seed kernels

1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2
Place the cranberries in a medium saucepan and add the orange juice.
3
Bring to a boil over medium heat on the stove top.
4
Cover and remove from the heat.
5
Refrigerate until completely cooled.
6
Sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda into a medium bowl.
7
Add the salt.
8
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
9
Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
10
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
11
Add the almond extract.
12
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, beginning with the dry ingredients and ending with the buttermilk.
13
Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
14
Fold in the chocolate chips, coconut flakes, almonds and sunflower seeds.
15
Drain the cranberries well and gently fold into the cake batter.
16
Divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans.
17
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
18
Remove from the pans and cool the cake layers completely.
19
Top one of the layers with some Trail Mix Buttercream, then place the second layer on top and decorate the outside of the cake with more of the buttercream and serve.
20
In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter.
21
Add the confectioner's sugar and mix thoroughly.
22
Fold in the almonds, cranberries, pineapple and sunflower seeds.

3138

kcal

Calories

210

Fat

295

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 22 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and more.

Yes, Trail Mix Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Trail Mix Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions