The topping for this cake is simple: cranberries are placed over sugar and spices at the bottom of the pan. As the cake bakes, the sugar caramelizes, forming a syrup. When you invert the pan, the syrup soaks into the cake, creating a festive dessert.

　　

Ingredients

serves 8

　　8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

　　1 cup sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

　　1 3/4 cups cranberries

　　1 large egg

　　1 teaspoon vanilla extract

　　1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

　　1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1/2 cup milk

　　Sweetened whipped cream, for serving (page 363, optional)

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F, with a rack in center. Rub the bottom and sides of an 8-inch round cake pan with 2 tablespoons of the butter. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar with the cinnamon and allspice. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan; arrange the cranberries in a single layer on top.

　　

Step 2

With an electric mixer, cream the remaining 6 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla; beat until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk, until well combined.

　　

Step 3

Spoon the batter over the cranberries in the pan, and smooth the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet; bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake; invert onto a rimmed platter. Serve with whipped cream on the side, if desired.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.