Cranberry Orange Cake

Imagine the sweet and tangy scent of fresh oranges blending perfectly with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a moist, soft cake. That’s what this Cranberry Orange Cake is all about—pure joy in every bite. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s not only simple but delivers big flavor, trust me, this cake is going to become your new favorite. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season or add a bit of brightness to any day. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this cake is bound to win hearts and tastebuds alike.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Cake

This isn’t just another cake recipe—it’s a slice of happiness that brings people together. Here’s why this cake will become your go-to:

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dessert, a holiday treat, or a weekend brunch, this cake fits every occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving something special.

Budget-Friendly: No need for extravagant ingredients. This cake is made with pantry staples and fresh fruits, making it a recipe that’s both affordable and delicious.

Quick and Easy: You don’t have to be an expert baker to pull this off. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant cake to enjoy. Plus, it doesn’t require a lot of prep time, so it’s perfect for those moments when you want something sweet without a long wait.

Customizable: You can tweak this cake however you like! Add a glaze, change up the fruit, or throw in some nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. This cake is a great base for your personal touch.

Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves a slice of this cake. It’s got the right balance of sweetness and tang, and it’s sure to disappear from the table in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful cake:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of this cake, giving it structure and softness.

Granulated Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tart cranberries.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb in every bite.

Eggs: Provides structure and stability, helping the cake hold together while staying moist.

Orange Zest: Brings that bright, citrusy zing that pairs so beautifully with the cranberries.

Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show, adding a pop of tartness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile of the cake.

Orange Juice: Adds moisture to the cake while boosting the fresh orange flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right in and make this cake!

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises to perfection.

Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line it with parchment paper). This step will make sure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light and airy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely warmth.

Incorporate the Orange Zest and Juice: Add the orange zest and fresh orange juice to the batter. The citrus will give the cake its fragrant, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cake to be tender and light.

Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Be careful not to crush them too much—just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so check a few minutes before the suggested time.

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait will be worth it.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• With a Cup of Tea: Serve a slice alongside a hot cup of tea for a cozy, comforting treat.
• As a Breakfast Cake: It’s light enough to be the perfect companion for your morning coffee or tea.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Garnished with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for a pretty presentation.
• On Its Own: Honestly, this cake is so good on its own that it doesn’t need anything else. But if you want to jazz it up, feel free!

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make this cake the day before and store it in an airtight container. The flavors will only get better as it sits!
• Frozen Cranberries: If you’re making this out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just make sure to toss them in a bit of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom.
• Add Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this cake gluten-free.
• Make a Glaze: Drizzle an orange glaze over the top for extra sweetness and a citrusy zing. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and zest until it reaches the consistency you want.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work perfectly. Just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to keep them from sinking.

Q2: Can I use lemon instead of orange?
A2: Absolutely! Lemon will give the cake a slightly different, but equally delicious citrus flavor. Feel free to swap the orange zest and juice for lemon.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A4: Yes! This cake keeps well for a couple of days, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it fresh.

Q5: How do I make the cake moist?
A5: The key to a moist cake is to not overmix the batter and to avoid overbaking. Make sure to remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Q6: Can I add other fruits to the cake?
A6: Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different twist.

Q7: Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
A7: Yes! Just divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll get about 12 cupcakes from this recipe.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q9: Can I freeze this cake?
A9: Yes! This cake freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight before serving.

Q10: What should I serve this cake with?
A10: This cake is great on its own, but you can also pair it with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite cake! With its perfect balance of sweet and tart, this Cranberry Orange Cake is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. It’s simple, versatile, and oh-so-delicious, making it a must-try for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, I know it will be a hit. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

a festive holiday gathering!

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