cranberry and orange cake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best cranberry and orange cake recipe

I have been making this cranberry and orange cake for years and it is always a hit with my family. My kids love the bright citrus flavor and the tart pop of cranberries in every bite. This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy weekend treat. It is also packed with vitamin C from the oranges and antioxidants from the cranberries, so I feel good about serving it to my loved ones. The recipe is simple and uses everyday ingredients, which makes it a go to for me when I need a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to pull together.

Cranberry and Orange Cake

4.6 from 1326 votes

A moist and tender cake bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange zest. This easy recipe is perfect for holidays or a simple dessert any day of the week.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

For the Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined. Fold in orange zest and cranberries.
6Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.

🔧Equipment

9 inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Zester or grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 210mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. You can substitute whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly healthier version.

Watch Video Of How Cranberry and Orange Cake Works

This cranberry and orange cake is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple to make and full of bright, festive flavor. It works perfectly for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a sweet treat with coffee. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry and Orange Cake

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries. They are sweeter and less tart, so you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe by a tablespoon or two. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the batter for a softer texture.

2. How do I store this cranberry orange cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake without glaze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make this cake gluten free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free all purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

4. What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?

Bottled orange juice works fine in this recipe. Just make sure it is 100% juice without added sugar. The zest is important for flavor, so use fresh oranges if possible.

5. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition. Fold in 1/2 cup of nuts along with the cranberries for extra crunch.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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