Cranberry orange cake is a bright, flavorful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty sweetness of orange, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This cake is ideal for the fall and winter seasons, offering a festive touch to holiday meals or a refreshing treat for any occasion.
The base of the cake is made from a simple batter that combines flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a bit of baking powder. Fresh or frozen cranberries are gently folded into the batter, adding bursts of tart flavor throughout. The key ingredient that elevates this cake is the addition of orange zest and fresh orange juice, which infuse the cake with a citrusy brightness that beautifully contrasts the tart cranberries.
As the cake bakes, the cranberries soften, releasing their juice and adding moisture to the cake, while the orange zest permeates the crumb, creating a fragrant, aromatic dessert. The texture of the cake is light and moist, with a slight tanginess from the cranberries that balances the sweetness of the cake itself.
To finish, the cake can be drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can be used for a lighter touch.
Cranberry orange cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting dessert for a cozy afternoon. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine like a Moscato.
This cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the bright red cranberries against the golden cake and the hint of orange zest making it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp orange zest grated
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries washed and dried
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the orange zest and cranberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
This cake is absolutely delicious! So moist and the orange flavor really pops. My family loved it!
Cranberries and orange? Sounds weird but I gave it a shot. Turned out pretty good! The tartness is nice.
Cranberries n’ oranges? Nah, I wouldn’t try that. Sounds too funky for me.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorite combos. The tartness is just perfect.
I tried making this but it didn’t raise much. Maybe I messed up the baking powder? Not sure if I would do it again.
I made this cake too and it flopped! I think my oven is too hot. Lol! Might not try it again either. 😅
It sounds like you might have added too much flour or not enough baking powder. It’s tricky sometimes! Don’t give up, though. Maybe try again with a fresh batch of baking powder?
Yum! Best cake ever! Though, I thought you needed more sugar in cakes. Mine was sweet enough tho!
This cake was delicious! The flavors really pop. My family loved it.
I don’t get why everyone is raving about it. It was just okay for me, too much orange maybe?
I’m glad you loved it! I tried it too, and it was a hit at my family gathering!
This cake was delicious! The combination of orange and cranberry is perfect. Will make again!
I found the recipe kinda confusing. What do you mean by ‘sifted’ flour? Should I sift it before or after measuring? It didn’t turn out well for me 🙁
Made this for a potluck and people went crazy for it! Will definitely make again.
Disaster! Cake didn’t rise at all and it was a gooey mess. Maybe I mixed it too much?
Or maybe your oven temp is off? I read somewhere that can mess up baking too.
I feel you! This cake can be tricky. Mixing too much can defo make it dense. Maybe try again but mix just until combined next time!
I followed the recipe but my cake came out super dry. Not sure what went wrong…
Amazing! I added nuts as well and it gave it a nice crunch. Definitely making it for the next family gathering!
So good, yum!
I’m not sure about this combo of flavors. Cranberries and orange? Seems odd.
This cake is simply divine! The flavors of orange and cranberry blend so well. My family loved it, and I just made it twice in a row!
Very good! But why is it called cranberry orange and has no orange peel? Need more zest, right?
Tasted good but my cake didn’t rise 😕. Any tips?
It might be the baking powder. Did you check that it wasn’t expired? That could cause the cake not to rise!
Gotta be honest, I burnt mine 🤦♂️. But the taste was great!
What even is a cranberry? My friend told me they’re red berries, but I thought they were small apples! 🤔
Cranberries are definitely not apples! They’re sour little berries, but they’re great in cakes. 🍰
Looks great! Can’t wait to give it a try this weekend! 👍
This cake was absolutely delightful! The combo of cranberries and orange is just perfect. My family loved it!
I tried this cake too and I wasn’t impressed. I think it needed more sugar or something. The cranberries were too tart for my taste!
Cake? I prefer pie! This seems too sweet for my taste, but my wife loves cranberries, so maybe I’ll give it a shot for her.
Easy to make but very basic. Just a regular cake to me. Probably won’t make again.
This cake is the best thing ever!! My grandma used to make something similar, brought back great memories.
What if I use lemon instead of orange? Can anyone help?
I used bottled orange juice because, uhh, I’m lazy and it still was good!
Wait, I thought cranberries were only for Thanksgiving? 🤔
I had high hopes, but it was too dry for my taste. Maybe I overbaked it? Not sure if I would try again.
Cranberry Orange? This cake is a WINNER!
Meh. Not my favorite cake, but at least it was moist.
Not my fav, I like chocolate cake better.
Simple and tasty! My 7-year-old could help me make it. We had fun! 😊
I tried making this and it was a total flop! My cranberries sunk to the bottom? Help!
Don’t worry! I had the same issue the first time I made it. Try tossing the cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them in. It helps them stay suspended! Good luck!
Flop? Really? Maybe you mixed too much? Or did you forget to sift your flour? Happens to the best of us. Just keep trying, you’ll get it next time!
Yum! The citrus flavor was so refreshing. I think it’s perfect for brunch. Will make again!
I agree! Citrus flavors are the best for brightening up a dish. Perfect for brunch gatherings. 🍊
I dunno, citrus in cake? Sounds kinda weird to me. Cake should be sweet, right?
Is it really 1.5 cups of cranberries? That seemed like so much!
Easy recipe! I substituted butter with coconut oil, and it turned out great! My family loved it.
Cranberries are bitter tho! Added more sugar but still not sweet enough. Disappointed.
Super easy to make! I even added some nuts to mine. Yummy!
Sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding nuts! What type did you use?
I don’t know, it seems too sweet with all that sugar. Maybe it’s just me… 🤔