Heavenly Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance around this vibrant cranberry orange cake that promises delightful bursts of tangy flavor.

Citrus zest and ruby-red berries mingle beautifully in a tender crumb that beckons you closer.

Soft, moist layers tell a story of comfort and warmth from grandmother’s kitchen.

Each slice carries whispers of holiday cheer and nostalgic moments shared over steaming mugs of tea.

Bright oranges contribute their sunny essence, while cranberries add a playful tartness that awakens your senses.

Delicate crumbs promise a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting, like a cherished family recipe passed through generations.

Bake this cake and watch how quickly it disappears from the serving plate.

Why Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Is Full of Flavor

• Bursting with vibrant cranberry and zesty orange notes, this cake delivers a tantalizing taste experience in every single bite.
• Requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients found in most kitchens, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious desserts without complex techniques.
• Versatile enough for casual gatherings or special occasions, this cake appeals to all ages with its balanced sweetness and moist texture that everyone will absolutely love.
• Highlighting winter's gorgeous cranberries and bright citrus flavors, this cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that captures the essence of cozy, comforting baking.

What Goes into the Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cake structure, light and reliable for balanced texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates soft, fluffy interior.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps control acidity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Rich foundation for cake's moisture and flavor, room temperature preferred.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor.
• Orange Juice, Sour Cream: Contribute moisture and tangy flavor profile.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tart burst of flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus aroma and flavor.

How to Prepare the Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper for smooth cake removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this magical dry blend aside.

Step 3: Butter and Sugar Dance

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. This magical process takes about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Flavor Infusion

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract and sprinkle orange zest for a burst of citrusy excitement.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly combine the flour mixture with butter mixture. Alternate between adding orange juice and sour cream. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 6: Cranberry Prep

Dust fresh cranberries with a light coating of flour to prevent them from sinking. Tenderly fold these ruby gems into the batter.

Step 7: Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro-Level Tips for Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Toss fresh cranberries in flour before folding into batter to keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Boost Citrus Flavor: Add extra orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to intensify the bright, tangy citrus notes in the cake.
• Ensure Moisture Retention: Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands that can make the texture dense.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk for a more inclusive recipe.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Check cake doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 35 minutes to prevent overbaking and maintain a moist, soft texture.

How to Keep Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to protect it from absorbing other food odors and prevent drying out.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Ideal Pairings for Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

• Pair this vibrant cranberry orange cake with a crisp, chilled limoncello to amplify the citrusy notes and complement the cake's bright orange zest.
• Serve alongside a velvety vanilla bean ice cream that softens the cake's tartness and provides a smooth, rich counterpoint to the cranberry's sharpness.
• Enjoy with a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot essence beautifully echoes the orange undertones while cutting through the cake's sweetness.
• Match with a light, semi-sweet Moscato d'Asti, whose gentle bubbles and fruity profile will dance perfectly with the cake's cranberry and orange symphony.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring equal measurements and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Citrus Berry Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt. Use plant-based milk and add extra orange zest for brightness.
• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Cake: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sweetener amount, and incorporate almond flour for added nutrition and lower carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Cranberry Citrus Cake: Replace butter with olive oil, sour cream with coconut cream, and use almond milk instead of regular milk while maintaining the original flavor profile.

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Cranberry Orange Cake brings zesty citrus notes dancing with tart cranberry sweetness, creating a perfect winter dessert. Warm spices and tender crumb invite holiday joy, promising pure comfort in each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh orange juice
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Glaze and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• Extra cranberries, orange slices, or powdered sugar for decoration

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and readying a 9-inch round cake pan with grease, flour, or parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel.
3. Transform butter and sugar into a fluffy, pale mixture using an electric mixer, ensuring a smooth and aerated consistency through vigorous blending for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Integrate eggs individually into the creamed mixture, thoroughly incorporating each before introducing vanilla extract and vibrant orange zest.
5. Construct the cake batter by alternating between dry ingredient blend and liquid components (orange juice and sour cream), beginning and concluding with flour mixture. Blend carefully to maintain a smooth texture without overmixing.
6. Protect cranberries from sinking by coating them lightly in flour, then delicately fold these ruby-hued fruits into the prepared batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for even baking. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
8. Allow the cake to rest within the pan for 10 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling. Optional: Dust with a gossamer layer of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Prevent cranberry sinking by coating them lightly in flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance; start checking the cake around 35 minutes to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.
• Enhance the citrus flavor by adding a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice, drizzled over the cooled cake for extra zest.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg