Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the vibrant flavor of oranges. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply treating yourself to something special. The cake boasts a moist texture and is topped with a creamy orange frosting, making it a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cranberries and oranges creates a refreshing taste that is both sweet and tangy.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to ingredients like sour cream and butter, this cake remains incredibly moist and light.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holiday celebrations, or just a delightful afternoon treat.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the frosting and cranberries make it visually appealing for any event.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following tools:

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: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and achieves the desired fluffiness.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no batter goes to waste.

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
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 Tablespoon orange extract (10g)
• 3 cups cake flour (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, full fat (total weight 452g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (4g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• 7 cups Confectioners sugar (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 to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse them to wash away most seeds. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, mix together sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Blend well with a fork and set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using your mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs Slowly

Add eggs one at a time while mixing until each yolk disappears completely. If using orange coloring gel in your batter, add it now.

Step 7: Alternate Mixing Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture—beginning and ending with flour mixture—mixing just until combined.

Step 8: Incorporate Cranberries

Gently stir in sliced cranberries. Divide batter evenly among the three prepared pans smoothing tops with a spoon.

Step 9: Bake the Cakes

Bake in preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with few crumbs attached. Let cakes cool in pans for about 5-10 minutes before turning out onto cooling racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields enough batter for approximately 15 servings or around 28 cupcakes if preferred!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to make your cake even more enjoyable.

With Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the moist cake perfectly.

Served with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or orange sorbet pairs well with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of the cake.

Garnished with Fresh Berries

• Top slices with fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant color and added freshness.

Drizzled with Citrus Glaze

• A simple citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice provides an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances the experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to a lighter cake.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly, which can lead to dense cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.

• Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached for perfect doneness.

• Cool cakes properly: Allow your cakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Pairing side dishes with Cranberry Orange Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.

2. Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, oranges, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness that complements the cake’s flavors.

3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The creaminess balances well with the tartness of cranberries.

4. Savory Scones: Pairing cranberry orange cake with savory scones can create an interesting contrast in flavors and textures.

5. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts adds crunch and richness that pairs nicely with the soft cake.

6. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness that complements the cranberry flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your cake. Always use room temperature eggs for a light and fluffy result.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Skipping the cooling step: Removing the cake from pans too soon can cause it to break. Let the cakes cool for at least 5-10 minutes before transferring them.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Make sure to check your cake early, as bake times can vary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 5 days.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cake in for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Orange Cake.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the batter.

What is the best way to store leftover Cranberry Orange Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as an alternative to sour cream while maintaining moisture.

How do I customize my Cranberry Orange Cake?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Consider using lemon zest along with orange zest for a unique twist!

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

This moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Cake is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various fruits or nuts. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dessert!