Introduction
If you’re looking for a cake that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, cranberry orange cake is the ultimate treat. This delightful dessert is packed with fresh flavors from tart cranberries and zesty orange, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or weekend baking. The freshness of cranberries complements the sweetness of orange, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also packed with ingredients that offer health benefits. For instance, cranberries are known for being rich in antioxidants and can help improve overall health. You can read more about the health benefits of cranberries to understand why they’re a great addition to your baking. Plus, using fresh orange zest adds a pop of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients
To make this delicious cranberry orange cake, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture, or using dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make the perfect cranberry orange cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze and Decoration
For an extra layer of sweetness, top your cranberry orange cake with a simple orange glaze.
Orange Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Glaze Instructions:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Decorate with sugared cranberries or slices of orange for a festive touch!
Variations
There are several fun variations to try with this recipe:
- Cranberry Orange Muffins: Instead of a cake, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake: Use a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation, increasing the bake time to about 60 minutes.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries.
Storing and Freezing
To keep your cranberry orange cake fresh:
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for about 15 minutes to rehydrate them.
How do I keep cranberries from sinking? Coat the cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
How long does the cake stay fresh? It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake and freeze it, then glaze it before serving.
Conclusion
This cranberry orange cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, the fresh combination of cranberries and orange zest will leave you craving more. Try this recipe today and savor the bright, citrusy goodness!