Delicious Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

This cranberry orange cake is a burst of bright flavors. It’s moist and perfect for any celebration. You can make it for gifts, snacks, or holiday breakfasts.

This recipe is simple, needing just one bowl and no mixer. It mixes tart cranberries with zesty orange flavors. The cake has a buttery brown sugar crumb and a cinnamon-sugar swirl.

It’s topped with a sweet orange glaze. A juicy cranberry ribbon adds a special touch. This homemade cake will be a favorite at any holiday event.

Key Takeaways

Easy, one-bowl, no-mixer recipe
Combines tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors
Moist, buttery brown sugar crumb with a cinnamon-sugar swirl
Topped with a simple orange glaze
Perfect for gifting, snacking, and holiday mornings

A Perfect Holiday Dessert Introduction

The cranberry orange cake is a festive treat for the holiday season. It combines tart cranberries with zesty orange, making it a delightful snack. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a great choice for holiday baking.

Why This Cake is Special

This cranberry orange cake stands out because of its fresh cranberries and orange-infused sugar. The tart berries and sweet orange create a perfect balance. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that adds holiday cheer to any event.

Seasonal Flavors and Versatility

The cranberry orange flavor captures the holiday season’s essence.
Enjoy this festive cake at breakfast, as a coffee-time treat, or as dessert.
Its versatility makes it perfect for holiday buffets and celebrations.

Bring the holiday season’s warmth with this cranberry orange cake. Its flavors and festive appeal will make your guests love it and ask for more.

Essential Ingredients Overview

To make a delicious Cranberry Orange Cake, you need the right mix of ingredients. It uses fresh cranberries for sweetness and orange zest for a citrusy flavor. The cake is moist thanks to cake flour, buttermilk, and eggs.

Brown sugar adds sweetness, while granulated sugar balances the taste. Real oranges give zest and juice, adding aroma and moisture. Sour cream and milk make the batter rich and moist.

Other key ingredients include unsalted butter, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Sparkling sugar on top adds a shiny touch.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cake Flour	2 1/2 cups (180 g)
Fresh Cranberries	6 oz (1 1/2 cups)
Orange Zest	Zest of 1 orange
Unsalted Butter	1/2 cup (76 g)
Buttermilk	1 cup
Eggs	2 large
Brown Sugar	1 1/4 cups
Granulated Sugar	1/4 cup
Baking Powder	2 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp
Sparkling Sugar	As needed for topping

With these ingredients, you can make a Cranberry Orange Cake that’s both tasty and impressive.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make this Cranberry Orange Cake, you’ll need some key baking tools and equipment. A 10-inch Bundt pan is essential. It can hold 10-12 cups of batter. This shape ensures your cake rises evenly and looks great when served.

You’ll also need a food processor for the orange sugar. This sugar adds a bright, citrusy taste that pairs well with the cranberries. An electric stand mixer or hand beaters are crucial for mixing the batter smoothly.

Required Baking Supplies

10-inch Bundt pan
Food processor
Stand mixer or electric hand beaters
Parchment paper rounds (for lining the pan)
Basic baking supplies like measuring cups and spoons, spatulas, and bowls

Optional Decorating Tools

To enhance your Cranberry Orange Cake, consider using cake decorating supplies. A pastry brush is great for the orange glaze. Tools like a small offset spatula help achieve a smooth finish. You might also like to make sugared cranberries as a garnish.

With the right baking tools and kitchen equipment, you’re ready to make a stunning Cranberry Orange Cake. It’s sure to wow your guests.

Making the Orange-Infused Sugar

Take your desserts to the next level with orange sugar. This easy trick mixes granulated sugar with fresh orange zest. It makes a sweetener that adds a burst of citrus to your baked goods.

To make orange-infused sugar, start by mixing 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest with 1 1/2 cups (300g) of granulated white sugar. Use a food processor to blend until the zest is spread out evenly. The sugar will turn slightly coarse, like brown sugar.

For the best citrus flavor, use the zest from about 1/2 a large orange. This gives the right mix of orange aroma and sweetness. It won’t overpower the other tastes in your recipe.

Once your orange sugar is made, you can use it in many ways. Sprinkle it on baked goods, mix it into coffee or tea, or rim cocktail glasses for a citrus kick. Its versatility makes it a key item in any baking collection.

Keep your orange-infused sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the citrus flavor bright and fresh.

Preparing Fresh Cranberries

The Cranberry Orange Cake recipe works with fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries. If you use frozen cranberries, you don’t need to thaw them first. But, if you choose fresh cranberries, there are a few steps to follow.

Fresh vs. Frozen Options

Fresh cranberries add a nice texture and a tangy flavor to the cake. To prepare them, just rinse and dry them. For the best results, cut the fresh cranberries in half before adding them to the batter. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Proper Cranberry Preparation

Rinse fresh cranberries under cool running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cut the fresh cranberries in half to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Toss the halved cranberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to coat them lightly. This helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.

The recipe needs 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) of cranberries, whether they’re fresh or frozen. By preparing the fresh cranberries right, you’ll get a burst of tart flavor in every bite of the Cranberry Orange Cake.

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe Base

This Cranberry Orange Cake starts with a classic chai Bundt cake recipe. It’s known for its buttery, moist, and dense texture. The batter mixes all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, creamy butter, sugars, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, milk, and orange juice.

The batter is thick but silky. It’s made to keep the cake moist, even with juicy cranberries and extra liquid. This moist base is perfect for the tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors to stand out.

Ingredient	Amount
All-Purpose Flour	1 ½ cups
Baking Powder	1 ½ Teaspoon
Salt	½ Teaspoon
Granulated Sugar	1 ⅓ cups
Unsalted Butter, at room temp.	¾ cup
Large Eggs, at room temp.	2
Fresh Orange Juice	3 Tablespoons
Orange Zest	1 heaping Tablespoon
Buttermilk	¼ cup
Sour Cream	¼ cup
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries	6oz

The mix of these ingredients makes a rich, flavorful base. It’s perfect for the tart cranberries and fresh orange notes. This results in a delicious Cranberry Orange Cake.

The Secret to Perfect Moisture

Creating a moist and delicious cranberry orange cake is all about the right mix of ingredients. This recipe uses both butter and oil. This combo makes the cake tender and moist, even when it’s big.

The butter adds a rich, buttery taste we all love. The oil helps keep the cake moist. Adding sour cream and milk makes the cake even more indulgent and moist.

This cake is special because it uses both butter and oil. It’s a moist cake with a luxurious texture. The tangy cranberries and zesty orange flavors blend perfectly with it.

Oil vs. Butter Benefits

Using butter in this recipe brings many advantages:

Richer, more indulgent flavor
Tender, moist crumb that doesn’t dry out
Enhanced texture and mouthfeel
Complements the cranberry and orange flavors beautifully

The mix of butter and oil in this cake makes every bite moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

Mixing and Baking Instructions

Creating the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake starts with mixing and baking. Begin by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. Then, gently combine them until just mixed. The batter might look curdled at first, but it’s okay.

Next, put half of the Bundt cake baking batter in your greased pan. Add the cinnamon-sugar filling on top. Finish with the rest of the batter. This way, the flavors spread evenly.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bake the cake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before flipping it.
The cake should reach 205-210°F (96-99°C) inside for full baking.

Getting the cake batter preparation and baking right is key for a moist, tasty Cranberry Orange Cake. Follow these steps for a perfect cake every time.

“Baking is like chemistry, and the key to success is understanding the cake mixing technique and how the ingredients interact.”

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Baking powder	2 teaspoons
Baking soda	1/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon	1/4 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Butter, softened	1/2 cup
Egg	1 whole, plus 1 yolk
Vanilla extract	1 tablespoon
Yogurt, kefir, or buttermilk	1/2 cup
Orange juice	1/4 cup
Orange zest	1 tablespoon
Fresh or frozen cranberries	2 cups
Additional granulated sugar	1 tablespoon

Creating the Orange Glaze

The orange glaze is the highlight of the Cranberry Orange Cake. It perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries. The secret to a great orange glaze is getting the glaze consistency just right.

Consistency Tips

To get the perfect glaze consistency, mix confectioners’ sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice. Start with a little juice and add more until it’s right. If it’s too thin, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a bit more juice.

Application Techniques

Apply the orange glaze when the cake is still warm. This lets the glaze soak into the cake, making it look like candy. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. As it dries, it will add a nice crunch to each bite.

Ingredient	Amount
Confectioners’ Sugar	1 cup
Fresh Orange Juice	2-4 tablespoons

With the right orange glaze and a moist cake, your Cranberry Orange Cake will be a hit. Enjoy the citrus flavor and the crunchy cake icing in this seasonal treat.

Decorating Your Cake

Turn your Cranberry Orange Cake into a holiday masterpiece with a few easy steps. The secret to a beautiful cake is sparkling sugar. Sprinkle it over the orange glaze when it’s still wet. This creates a crunchy texture and a shiny, festive look.

For a festive flair, top your cake with sugared cranberries. These red berries add color and match the cake’s flavors. The sweet berries coated in sugar contrast beautifully with the moist cake.

Decorative Element	Benefits
Sparkling Sugar	Adds a crunchy texture and glistening appearance to the cake
Sugared Cranberries	Provide a vibrant pop of color and complement the flavors of the cake

With these simple yet elegant touches, your Cranberry Orange Cake becomes a stunning holiday cake presentation. It will wow your guests and impress dessert lovers.

“The sparkling sugar adds the perfect festive touch to this cake, making it a true showstopper on any holiday table.”

Storage and Freshness Tips

Your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake can last for days with the right storage. To keep it fresh and tasty, just follow these steps:

Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration

For a short time, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it tightly covered for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before you eat it.

To store it longer, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic or foil, or use an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Bake the cake up to 2 days early and refrigerate it before glazing and serving. This lets the flavors mix and the cake become even more moist and tasty.

By using these easy cake storage and freshness preservation tips, your Cranberry Orange Bundt cake will stay fresh and delicious. Enjoy it right away or over the next few days.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry orange cake is a real treat. It’s perfect for a holiday dessert table, a cozy brunch cake, or just when you want something sweet. It’s sure to wow anyone.

Enjoy the cranberry orange cake as a stunning dessert. Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special touch. The citrus and cranberries blend in a way that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

For a great brunch cake, slice the cranberry orange cake and serve with coffee or tea. Its moist texture and vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.

You can also give this cake as a thoughtful gift during the fall and holidays. Its festive taste and pretty look will make everyone happy.

Serving Suggestion	Pairing
Dessert	Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream
Brunch	Coffee, Tea
Holiday Dessert Table	Cranberry Sauce, Powdered Sugar
Homemade Gift	Ribbon, Festive Packaging

However you serve it, this cranberry orange cake will be a hit. Its flexibility makes it a top choice for any fall or holiday event.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baking the perfect cranberry orange cake needs focus, but don’t fret. A few easy tips can help you fix any baking problems or cake troubleshooting issues. Let’s look at solutions for common Bundt cake problems.

First, make sure your Bundt pan is ready. Grease it well with non-stick spray or butter and flour. This helps the cake come out easily after baking.

If the cake browns too fast on top, cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes. This stops the outside from getting too dark while the inside cooks fully.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
If the cake feels dry or crumbly, it might have baked too long. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. Aim for 205-210°F.
To spread the cranberries evenly, gently fold them into the batter instead of stirring.

“Baking is a science, but with a little troubleshooting, you can master the art of creating moist, flavorful cakes every time.”

By using these tips, you’ll bake a cranberry orange cake that’s moist, tasty, and problem-free. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The cranberry orange cake recipe is versatile. It can be adapted for different diets and flavors. You can make it gluten-free, vegan, or use different citrus fruits. This makes it enjoyable for everyone.

Dietary Modifications

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the cake moist and tender, without wheat.

Vegan bakers can make this festive treat by using flax or chia “eggs” and plant-based milk. Choose a vegan butter alternative too. The result is a cake that’s just as tasty as the original, but without dairy or eggs.

Seasonal Adaptations

While cranberries and oranges are a classic mix, you can try other citrus fruits. Use lemon or grapefruit zest and juice for a new twist.

You can also swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries. This changes the cake into a seasonal delight. These small changes make the cake a reflection of the seasons.

Variation	Ingredients
Gluten-Free	1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Vegan	Flax/chia “eggs,” plant-based milk, vegan butter
Lemon	Lemon zest and juice instead of orange
Grapefruit	Grapefruit zest and juice instead of orange
Blueberry	Blueberries instead of cranberries
Raspberry	Raspberries instead of cranberries

“The beauty of this recipe is its ability to be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs and seasonal preferences. With a few simple swaps, you can create a cake that’s tailored to your unique taste preferences.”

Conclusion

This holiday baking masterpiece, the Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake, is a true delight for the senses. It combines the tart essence of fresh cranberries with the vibrant citrus notes of orange. This creates a harmonious flavor profile that will impress your guests.

The recipe’s versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to choice for cranberry orange dessert enthusiasts. It bakes in 45-50 minutes and yields approximately 10 slices. This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is the perfect addition to your holiday spread, whether served as a delectable dessert or a thoughtful gift.

Embrace the flavors of the season and savor the moist, flavorful slices of this captivating cranberry orange dessert. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This ensures that you can enjoy the essence of the holidays long after the festivities have passed.

FAQ

What makes this Cranberry Orange Cake special?

This cake is special because it combines tart cranberries with zesty orange. It’s moist, easy to make, and perfect for holidays. It’s great for gifts, snacks, and breakfast.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are fresh or frozen cranberries, orange zest, and sugar. You’ll also need butter, eggs, buttermilk, flour, and baking powder. Don’t forget vanilla extract and sparkling sugar for the top.

What tools and equipment are needed to make this cake?

You’ll need a 10-inch Bundt pan and a food processor for the orange sugar. A stand mixer or electric beaters are also essential. You’ll also need basic baking supplies. Optional tools include a pastry brush and tools for sugared cranberries.

How do you make the orange-infused sugar?

To make orange sugar, process orange zest with sugar in a food processor. This infuses the sugar with orange flavor, making it similar to brown sugar.

Can you use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries. If using frozen, don’t thaw them. Fresh cranberries can be used whole or chopped.

What makes the cake base so moist and tender?

The cake base is adapted from a chai Bundt cake recipe. It’s known for its moist, buttery texture. The recipe uses butter, sour cream, and milk for the perfect flavor and moisture.

How do you prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the Bundt pan well with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. If the cake browns too quickly, cover it with foil.

Can this recipe be adapted for different dietary needs?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free or vegan. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or plant-based milk, butter, and egg substitutes.

How long does the cake last, and how should it be stored?

Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

How can this cake be served and enjoyed?

Serve the Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake as a dessert, breakfast, or brunch item. It’s great with coffee or tea. Enjoy it on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.