Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of citrus and berry flavors in a moist, fluffy cake. Perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings, this cake impresses with its vibrant colors and rich taste. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges creates a refreshing treat that appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of sweet oranges and tart cranberries makes each bite a burst of flavor.
• Moist and Light Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, this cake remains incredibly moist while being light and fluffy.
• Versatile Occasion: This cake is perfect for various occasions, from holiday feasts to casual gatherings.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright colors of the frosting and filling make this cake visually stunning on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create this impressive cake without stress.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Cranberry Orange Cake, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 8×2 inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless while ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

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 (plain in the UK) — 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)
• Orange Coloring Gel to tint the batter(optional)

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)
• 7 cups Confectioners sugar(adjust slightly up or down to your liking) (805g)
• Orange Coloring Gel (Optional. We used a very small amount for tinting.)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse them gently to wash away most seeds. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, add the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, mix together sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract using a fork until blended.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer bowl, mix softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs & Coloring

Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. If using orange coloring gel for your batter, add it now.

Step 7: Alternate Mixing

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture to your butter mixture. Start with flour and end with flour—mix just until combined.

Step 8: Fold in Cranberries

Gently stir in sliced cranberries into your cake batter. Divide equally between prepared pans smoothing tops as needed.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Start checking around the 25-minute mark. Let cakes cool for about 5-10 minutes before turning out onto cooling racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately seven cups of batter—perfect for making cupcakes too! Enjoy your deliciously moist 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 for a special occasion or simply as a treat, here are some fantastic serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light, creamy contrast to the zesty cake.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent pairing.

Drizzled with Orange Glaze

• A simple orange glaze can elevate the flavors. Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and drizzle it over each slice.

Topped with Candied Cranberries

• Garnish each slice with candied cranberries for added sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Alongside a Hot Beverage

• Pair your cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee to complement the citrus notes and create a cozy atmosphere.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

Achieving the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you bake this delightful dessert flawlessly.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This prevents the cake from becoming dense due to excess flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cake.
• Cool Cakes Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting or sliding off.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

To complement your Cranberry Orange Cake, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with its flavors.

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, dressed lightly in honey or citrus vinaigrette.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds texture and balances the sweetness of the cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes bring warmth and earthiness to your meal.
4. Cheese Platter: An assortment of mild cheeses complements the tangy flavor of the cake while offering savory notes.
5. Spinach Salad: A spinach salad topped with nuts, cranberries, and feta cheese provides both flavor contrast and nutritional balance.
6. Mini Quiches: These savory bites can be filled with various ingredients, making them versatile enough to serve alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when baking a Cranberry Orange Cake. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and airy texture.
• Skipping the flour dusting: Not flouring your cake pans can cause sticking. Always grease and flour your pans before pouring in the batter.
• Ignoring bake times: Every oven is different, so don’t rely solely on the timer. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick.
• Using the wrong type of flour: Using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour will change the texture. Stick to cake flour for a fluffier cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan with a lid over low heat, warming gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Cranberry Orange Cake that may help you in your baking journey.

What Is Cranberry Orange Cake?

Cranberry Orange Cake is a moist dessert that combines tart cranberries with fresh orange flavors, often topped with cream cheese frosting.

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just chop them while still frozen and add them directly into the batter.

How do I customize my Cranberry Orange Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or incorporate chocolate chips for added flavor. Adjusting the sweetness can also be done by altering sugar levels.

What is the best way to frost a Cranberry Orange Cake?

For best results, use a spatula to spread cream cheese frosting evenly between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

How long does it take to bake a Cranberry Orange Cake?

Typically, it takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on it as bake times may vary based on your oven.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Cranberry Orange Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with various toppings or flavors, making it a great choice for gatherings or simple family desserts. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its aromatic blend of cranberry and orange!