Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, zesty flavors of orange. This cake is a favorite during the holiday season, but its refreshing taste makes it suitable for any time of year. The combination of the moist, buttery cake with bursts of cranberry and a hint of citrus creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. I first encountered this recipe at a family Christmas gathering, where it quickly became the highlight of the dessert table. The cake was so popular that I had to bake another one the next day! This recipe is straightforward, yet it yields a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started on making this delicious Cranberry Orange Cake.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
Juice of one orange
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons water, milk, or orange juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease the Pan:
Spray a bundt pan generously with cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Add Sugar and Cranberries:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly on the bottom of the pan.
Scatter 1/4 cup of the fresh cranberries over the sugar. This layer will create a lovely cranberry topping when the cake is inverted after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture turns a light lemon color and is fluffy. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
Add Orange Zest and Juice:
Add the zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon) and the juice of one orange to the batter. Mix until well combined.
Incorporate Sour Cream:
Add 1 cup of sour cream and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Add Remaining Cranberries:
Gently fold in the remaining 1 1/4 cups of fresh cranberries into the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour Batter into Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a tester (such as a toothpick or cake tester) inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before applying the glaze.
Step 4: Prepare the Icing
Mix Icing Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water, milk, or orange juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.
The consistency should be thick but pourable. Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top and sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing the cake.
Serve:
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the combination of the moist, flavorful cake with the tangy, sweet glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweeter Cake:
If you prefer a sweeter cake, use dried cranberries (such as Craisins) instead of fresh cranberries. This will reduce the tartness and add a bit of chewiness to the texture.
Different Flours:
You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a different texture and dietary needs.
Dairy-Free Option:
Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt.
Additional Flavorings:
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
Citrus Twist:
Experiment with other citrus fruits such as lemon or lime. Substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon or lime zest and juice for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Addition:
Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet and zesty flavors of orange. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or simply an everyday treat. The moist, buttery texture and the vibrant bursts of cranberry make every bite a delightful experience. The easy preparation and the ability to customize the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs make it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious cake with your loved ones, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite in your home.
