Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe 🎂🍊 – Easy Holiday Dessert 🍴

Indulge in the delightful taste of our Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe, an easy holiday dessert that’s both refreshing and festive. This cake perfectly combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty burst of oranges, offering a delectable treat that will brighten up any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this cranberry orange cake is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Cake is the ultimate fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a standout dessert for the holiday season. The moist, soft cake is speckled with bursts of cranberries, adding an irresistible tartness balanced by the sweet citrus notes of orange zest. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday dinners, or as a delightful breakfast treat, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion.

Additionally, the simplistic elegance of this cake makes it both a feast for the eyes and the palate. With minimal effort and basic ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. It’s a guaranteed hit that even baking beginners can successfully tackle.

Context/Background

The tradition of combining cranberries and oranges isn’t new. These flavors have long been celebrated in holiday dishes due to their complementary taste profiles. Cranberries, native to North America, have a long-standing association with holiday feasts, while oranges introduce a vibrant flavor and color, symbolizing warmth and abundance. This recipe pays homage to these classic flavors while offering a modern twist with a simple cake form.

Baking with cranberries and oranges brings forth a fresh, aromatic scent that fills the home with holiday cheer, echoing traditions while creating new memories.

Recipe Details

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
4. Alternately add the flour mixture and orange juice to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in the sour cream until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Test for doneness using a toothpick to prevent overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added citrus kick, drizzle some freshly made orange glaze over the top before serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will remain fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Our Cranberry Orange Cake is a heartwarming addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s a dessert that delights and impresses. Give it a try and let your tastebuds revel in this festive treat!

Recipe Notes

• For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired.
• Adjust sugar levels based on your preference by reducing up to 1/4 cup for a less sweet cake.