Cranberry Orange Cake

This moist, light Cranberry Orange Cake with cranberry filling and orange cream cheese frosting is sure to please a crowd! Perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings, this cake balances tart cranberries with sweet citrus flavors, making it a delightful treat any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that stands out.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a simple dessert night, this cake suits various events.
• Moist and Light Texture: Using sour cream ensures the cake remains tender and moist, making each slice irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe without stress.
• Frosting Perfection: The orange cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy layer that complements the cake beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Cranberry Orange Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (3 x 8-inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in organizing ingredients effectively during the prep stage.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

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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
• 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 — 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 (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)

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.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse away most seeds; it’s fine if some seeds remain. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, mix together the sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Blend with a fork until combined.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture while mixing until each yolk is fully incorporated. If desired, add orange coloring to the batter at this stage.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding in the flour mixture and wet mixture starting with flour. Do this in three additions of dry ingredients and two of wet until just combined.

Step 8: Stir in Cranberries

Gently fold in sliced cranberries into the batter using a rubber spatula. Divide evenly among prepared pans smoothing tops with back of spoon.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into center should come out clean or with few crumbs attached. Check around the 25-minute mark as baking times may vary.

Step 10: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning out onto cooling racks.

Now you have your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake ready to impress! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying it at home, here are some creative ways to enhance your cake experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Oranges – The citrus notes complement the cake and add a refreshing touch.
• Berries Medley – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can elevate the presentation and flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a creamy texture that balances the tartness of cranberries.
• Cinnamon Whipped Cream – Adding a hint of cinnamon gives a warm twist to your dessert.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins – Serve mini muffins alongside for a delightful brunch option.
• Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad can complement the flavors and textures of the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

Achieving the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Keep these in mind as you bake.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool Cakes Properly – Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake shines even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances each bite with creaminess.
2. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats add a contrasting texture that pairs nicely with the cake.
3. Chocolate Ganache – Drizzling chocolate ganache over slices adds richness and decadence.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can create an interesting flavor balance.
5. Nutty Granola – Sprinkle some granola on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Herb-Infused Tea – A warm cup of herbal tea can provide a soothing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Cranberry Orange Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing the batter too long can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake’s structure. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups specifically for dry and wet ingredients.
• Ignoring bake time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes earlier than the recipe states. This prevents overbaking and keeps it moist.
• Skipping the cooling period: Letting the cake cool too quickly can cause it to break apart. Cool it gradually in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Cranberry Orange Cake covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions about Cranberry Orange Cake that might help you in your baking journey.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Yes, using frozen cranberries is perfectly fine! Just toss them in flour before mixing into your batter to prevent them from sinking.

How can I make my Cranberry Orange Cake more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, try adding extra orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice into the batter. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

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

A creamy orange cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Store it properly and frost just before serving for best results.

How should I decorate my Cranberry Orange Cake?

For decoration, consider garnishing with fresh cranberries or orange slices on top of your frosting. A sprinkle of zest adds a lovely touch as well!

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as an everyday treat, its moist texture and vibrant flavors are sure to impress. Feel free to customize with additional fruits or spices based on your preference!