Cranberry Orange Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that feels festive, fresh, and utterly delicious, then Cranberry Orange Cake is the answer. This cake is like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day—bright and citrusy with just the right balance of tart and sweet. The tangy cranberries paired with the refreshing orange create a symphony of flavors, while the moist texture of the cake will make it your new favorite dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you deserve something special, this cake is sure to impress. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Cake

• Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh orange zest and tart cranberries gives this cake a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Moist and Fluffy: With the perfect balance of ingredients, this cake is incredibly soft and moist, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth moment.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps here—just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can master.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The cranberries give this cake a seasonal touch, making it perfect for fall or winter celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
• Deliciously Versatile: This cake works as a dessert, breakfast treat, or even an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients—nothing too complicated, but they come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need for this cake:

• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure and a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, balancing out the tartness of the cranberries.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
• Butter: Unsalted butter provides moisture and a rich flavor that makes the cake irresistible.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bring everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: The zest of an orange gives the cake a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show—tart and juicy, they make the cake both pretty and delicious.
• Orange Juice: A little fresh orange juice enhances the citrus flavor and keeps the cake moist.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking this gorgeous cake!

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important to get that light, airy texture in the cake. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, making for a fluffy cake.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

5. Fold in the Cranberries:

Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter. If you want to avoid them sinking to the bottom, you can toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

7. Let the Cake Cool:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cake is completely cooled, slice and serve! It’s fantastic on its own, but you could also serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of orange glaze for an extra special touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

• With Whipped Cream: A light and airy dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and zesty orange.
• As a Breakfast Cake: This cake is sweet enough for dessert but light enough to enjoy as a breakfast or brunch treat, especially with a hot cup of coffee.
• With Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the tart cranberries.
• Orange Glaze: For a sweeter finish, drizzle a homemade orange glaze over the cake to enhance the citrus flavor even more.

Additional Tips

• Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this cake, but you can also use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to fold them in frozen to prevent the batter from turning purple.
• Add Nuts: For extra texture, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Just fold them in with the cranberries.
• Make It into Cupcakes: This recipe works great as cupcakes! Just divide the batter evenly among a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A1: While fresh cranberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Just soak them in some warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before adding them to the batter.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this cake stores beautifully! Bake it a day or two in advance, and it will stay moist. Just cover it well and store at room temperature.

Q3: How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
A3: Toss the cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Q4: Can I add other fruits to this cake?
A4: Absolutely! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed.

Q5: How can I make this cake even more citrusy?
A5: Add more orange zest or substitute the orange juice for lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

This Cranberry Orange Cake is everything you want in a cake: bright, fresh, flavorful, and simple to make. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as an everyday treat, it’s bound to become a favorite. Happy baking!

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