Indulge in the delightful flavors of cranberry and orange with this scrumptious cranberry orange cake recipe. This cake is moist, tangy, and bursting with citrusy goodness, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
- This cake is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- The orange cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy finish that complements the cake beautifully.
Ingredient Notes:
- Flour: Provides structure and volume to the cake.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake.
- Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Infuses the cake with bright citrus flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- Orange Zest: Adds a fragrant citrus flavor.
- Fresh Cranberries: Provide a burst of tartness and color.
- Butter: Adds richness to the cream cheese frosting.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds citrus flavor to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cake batter by mixing the dry ingredients.
- Combine the wet ingredients and fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the orange cream cheese frosting by beating the ingredients together.
- Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- You can swap the fresh cranberries for dried cranberries if needed.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish the cake with additional orange zest for a pop of color and freshness.
- For a festive touch, top the cake with sugared cranberries as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this cranberry orange cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or let them come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and frost it when ready to serve.
- Can I omit the orange zest from the frosting? Yes, but it will alter the citrus flavor of the frosting.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a slice of this delicious cranberry orange cake and savor the delightful combination of flavors. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delightful dessert with friends and family. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Orange Cake
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful blend of citrusy orange and tart cranberry flavors, topped with a rich and creamy orange cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 3/4 cups Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Oil (such as canola oil)
- 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Sour Cream (preferably full-fat)
- 1–2 teaspoons Orange Zest
- 1 1/2 cups Fresh Cranberries (cut in half)
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in oil, orange juice, eggs, sour cream, and orange zest until well combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, and beat until creamy.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the burst of citrus and cranberry flavors.
Notes
- You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese in the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg