Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that perfectly captures the bright, tangy flavors of fresh cranberries and oranges. This moist and tender cake is infused with the zesty sweetness of orange and studded with tart cranberries, creating a beautiful balance of flavors in every bite. It’s an ideal cake for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The addition of an orange glaze enhances the citrusy notes, making this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine and Fold in Cranberries:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes (for a bundt pan) or 60-70 minutes (for a loaf pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the Cranberry Orange Cake as a delightful dessert or snack.
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Cake, a flavorful and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season!
