Cranberry and orange are a match made in heaven, don’t you think? The tart, juicy berries perfectly balanced by the sweet, fragrant citrus – it’s a flavor combination that just screams cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious. That’s why my Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe has become an absolute staple in my household, especially around the holidays.
I can still remember the first time I baked this cake. It was a few years ago, right before Thanksgiving. I had planned to make my traditional pumpkin pie, but at the last minute, I decided to switch things up. I spotted some fresh cranberries at the grocery store and had a sudden craving for that classic cranberry-orange flavor. So I grabbed them, along with a few oranges, and set to work.
As I mixed the batter, the aroma of the citrus and spices just started to fill my kitchen. I knew I was on to something special. When the cake finally emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I could hardly wait to try it. That first bite was absolute perfection – the tender, moist crumb, the pop of tart cranberries, the bright, zesty orange notes. It was love at first taste! Needless to say, my family devoured the entire Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe in record time.
From that day on, this recipe has become a staple in my baking repertoire. It’s the perfect dessert for the holidays, but I find myself making it year-round whenever I’m craving something a little special. And the best part? It’s actually really easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Let me walk you through exactly how to bake up your own showstopping Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe.
Why This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
What makes this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe so incredible is the balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is wonderfully moist and tender, with a subtle orange flavor that complements the tart cranberries perfectly. And speaking of those cranberries, I love how they burst with juicy flavor in every bite, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy cake. Plus, the simple orange glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and citrus punch. It’s truly a flavor explosion in the best possible way.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen will both work beautifully. The tart, juicy berries are the star of the show.
- Oranges – You’ll need both the zest and juice to infuse the cake with that signature citrus flavor.
- Butter – For a rich, tender crumb.
- Sugar – A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
- Eggs – To provide structure and moisture.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is the perfect base.
- Baking powder and soda – For lift and rise.
- Salt – To balance the sweetness.
- Spices – A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe is a breeze to make, taking just about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment – a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, a cake pan, and a few measuring cups and spoons. Once you’ve gathered everything, let’s dive right in!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
2- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange zest and juice. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries.
4- Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5- Allow the Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Once the cake is cooled, make the orange glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake and let it set before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few of my top tips for making the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and rise.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
- If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first – just fold them in straight from the freezer.
- Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of baking to prevent overbrowning.
- For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the batter.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, or a glass of mulled wine or apple cider. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe is that it keeps really well. Once the cake is fully cooled and glazed, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months – just thaw it at room temperature before adding the orange glaze.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
Creative Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Variations
If you want to mix things up, there are lots of fun ways to put your own spin on this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe. Try swapping in different citrus zests and juices, like lemon or lime. You could also add a crunchy streusel topping, or even turn it into cupcakes or mini loaves. And for a festive touch, you could top the glazed cake with sugared cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Making Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the regular butter, and unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk in the glaze. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and use a sugar-free powdered sweetener for the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe. In fact, I often use frozen berries, as they’re available year-round and save me the hassle of having to prep fresh ones.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe actually keeps very well. You can bake and glaze the cake up to 4 days in advance, and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months.
Q: How should I serve the Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe?
A: This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or mulled cider.
Q: What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
A: If your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe doesn’t rise as much as you’d like, there are a few potential causes. Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh, and that you’re not overmixing the batter. Also, be sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 8
Description
This Cranberry Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful and visually stunning holiday dessert. The tart cranberries and bright citrus flavors create a delightful balance, making this cake the perfect centerpiece for your festive celebrations.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. – Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, mixing just until combined. Fold in the orange zest and cranberries.
5. – Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. – Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. You can also substitute frozen cranberries if fresh are not available. This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I truly hope you’ll give this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe a try – it’s an absolute showstopper that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The balance of tart cranberries, bright orange, and sweet spices is just so incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s really not that difficult to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
So what are you waiting for? Grab those cranberries and oranges and get baking! I guarantee this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe will become a new holiday favorite. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy!
