Preheat the oven to 350°F &d grease & parchment line 3-7" cake pans
Combine all the ingredients for the cake in your food processor and & process to a smooth batter (if you do not have a 14 cup capacity food processor simply blend the cranberries separately them mix everything by hand)
Divide the batter evenly amongst the prepared cake pans & bake for approx 25 minutes or when you gently press the center they are springy to the touch (toothpick test is also a good measure)
Cool the cake layers in the pans until you can safely touch then without burning yourself then flip them onto a cooling rack to cool completely
Make the sugared cranberries: bring the water & sugar to a boil in a small sauce pot. Boil for about 2 minutes then add the cranberries remove from the heat & drain the cranberries
Toss them into the granulated sugar & lay them on a parchment lined sheet pan to dry overnight
For the Cranberry Compote: In a heavy bottom sauce pot, combine the cranberries with the liquid of your choice along with the sugar & spices and bring to a boil over high heat.
Lower the temperature to a simmer for 15 -20 minutes, the sauce will begin to thicken & the berries will begin to pop.
Turn off the heat & discard the anise pods & cinnamon sticks then add the vanilla extract
Using a stick blend or a food processor puree the compote slightly leaving it chunky
Cool in refrigerator while you prepare the buttercream recipe as per the instructions on that recipe post
Assemble the cake as shown in the video tutorial