Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the bright citrus flavor of oranges. Perfect for celebrations, this cake has a luscious cranberry filling and a creamy orange frosting that will impress your guests. Its moist texture and vibrant flavors make it suitable for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange, creating a delightful flavor profile.
• Moist and Light Texture: This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the incorporation of sour cream and fresh cranberries, making every bite a pleasure.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a sweet treat on a regular day, this cake fits right in.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors from the orange zest and cranberries make this cake visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
• Easy to Follow Instructions: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently create this delicious dessert.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cranberry Orange Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixer: A good mixer helps achieve fluffy butter and sugar mixtures quickly, ensuring your cake is light and airy.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare dry and wet ingredients separately without any hassle.
• Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

This moist, light Cranberry Orange Cake with cranberry filling and orange cream cheese frosting is sure to please a crowd!

For the Cake

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened (226g)
• 2 cups sugar (400g)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• If in a hurry, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.
• 1 cup sour cream (242g)
• ⅓ cup juice from approx. one medium sized orange
• 3 Tablespoons orange zest (or zest from 2-3 oranges)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 Tablespoon orange extract (10g)
• See notes
• 3 cups cake flour, if you do not have cake flour see substitution below (342g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (7g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (3g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1 cup cranberries, sliced into pieces (either fresh or frozen) (90g)
• Optional: Orange coloring gel to tint the batter

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries(180g)
• ¾ cup sugar(150g)
• ¾ cup water(180g)

For the Frosting

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (339g)
• 16 oz cream cheese, total weight 452g. We recommend full fat cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract(4g)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract(4g)
• ½ teaspoon salt(2g)

For Garnishing

• 7 cups confectioners sugar, adjust slightly up or down to your liking (805g)
• Optional: Orange coloring gel

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour three 8×2 inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse to wash away most seeds. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, add the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend; set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, combine sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Blend with a fork; set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your mixer’s bowl, mix softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time while mixing until yolks disappear. If using orange coloring gel in your batter, add it now.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour mixture and sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Fold in Cranberries

Gently stir in sliced cranberries. Divide batter between pans smoothing tops with a spoon.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs attached. Let cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning out.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe makes about 7 cups of cake batter which is also great for cupcakes—approximately enough for 28 cupcakes! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a holiday party, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of the cake topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of cranberries and adds a rich texture to each bite.

Drizzled with Orange Glaze

• Enhance the citrus flavor by drizzling an orange glaze over the top. Simply mix powdered sugar with orange juice for a quick glaze.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Present the cake alongside fresh fruit like oranges or berries to add brightness and additional flavors to your plate.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include slices of Cranberry Orange Cake on a dessert platter with assorted treats such as cookies, brownies, and mini pastries for variety.

With a Hot Beverage

• Enjoy this cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The soothing warmth of your drink balances perfectly with the sweet and tangy elements of the cake.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

Perfecting your Cranberry Orange Cake can elevate its taste and presentation. Here are some essential tips for achieving that perfect bake.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements, avoiding dense cakes.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Cakes Properly: Allow cakes to cool in pans before transferring them to wire racks, preventing sogginess.
• Store Wisely: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature or refrigerate if you plan on storing it longer than two days.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. These options can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or gouda offers a creamy counterpart to the tartness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and a variety of textures that balance nicely with the cake.
3. Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts for crunchiness; their savory notes will contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
4. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a luxurious touch and deep flavor profile that pairs well with orange nuances.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top or serve it on the side for those who enjoy extra sweetness.
6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights offer a unique flavor combination that works surprisingly well with cranberry and orange.
7. Custard Cups: Individual custard cups can provide creaminess that balances out the tartness of the cranberry.
8. Mini Tarts: Small fruit tarts make for elegant presentations alongside slices of cake, enhancing visual appeal at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Cranberry Orange Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined when adding the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Skipping the flouring step: Greasing and flouring your cake pans is essential to prevent sticking. Don’t skip this step!
• Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake around the 25-minute mark with a toothpick.
• Ignoring cooling time: Let the cakes cool in the pans for at least 5-10 minutes before transferring them. This prevents breakage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm the cake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make it dry.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Cranberry Orange Cake.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your cake without thawing them first. They may release more moisture, so adjust baking time slightly if needed.

What’s the best way to frost my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Using cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor of this cake. Make sure the frosting is at room temperature for easy spreading.

How do I add more orange flavor?

You can increase the amount of orange zest or juice used in both the cake and frosting for a more intense orange taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

How long does it take to bake?

The total baking time is about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but ovens vary, so check with a toothpick starting at 25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. Its combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes it versatile and appealing. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different fruit juices!