Orange Cranberry Cake

There’s something magical about baking, especially when it comes to a dessert as delightful as Orange Cranberry Cake. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cake filling your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those chilly fall afternoons, when the leaves were turning vibrant shades of gold and crimson. It was the perfect time to bake something special, a cake that would combine the zesty brightness of oranges with the tart sweetness of cranberries. Each bite is a burst of flavor that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent with loved ones.

As I sifted through the ingredients, I felt the excitement building. The butter and sugar creamed together perfectly, creating a fluffy base that would soon cradle all the other delightful components. Adding the eggs, one at a time, felt like an intimate dance, each element blending harmoniously into the mixture. When I stirred in the dried cranberries and orange zest, it was as if autumn itself had found a way to capture its essence in a cake, making it a truly special treat to share.

When the cake was finally in the oven, I eagerly awaited the transformation. The aroma wafting through my home felt like a warm hug, inviting everyone near. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving feast or a simple family gathering, Orange Cranberry Cake is bound to become a cherished favorite, reminding you that the best moments are often created in the kitchen, surrounded by those we love.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Orange Cranberry Cake

The ingredients for this lovely Orange Cranberry Cake work together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The key players are butter, sugar, and flour, forming a solid base, while the cranberries and oranges add brightness and zing. Together, they create a cake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

• ¾ cup butter, softened: This creamy base adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps develop its beautiful golden crust.
• 3 eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add lightness to the texture.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and acidity, which helps the cake rise.
• 1½ tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cake its rise.
• 1 tsp vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1½ cups dried cranberries: These provide tartness and sweetness, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor.
• zest of 2 oranges: Brightens the cake with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
• ¾ cup sugar: Used for the glaze that adds sweetness and moisture.
• 1½ oranges, juiced: The juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the glaze.
• 2 Tbsp orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor in the glaze.

How to Prepare Orange Cranberry Cake

Preparing Orange Cranberry Cake is a delightful journey filled with aromas that will fill your kitchen and warm your heart. With simple steps, you will create a cake that impresses everyone who tastes it. Let’s dive right into the process!

1. Preheat your oven to 300ºF (150ºC). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start baking. This ensures even cooking for your cake.
2. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. You want a perfectly shaped cake that comes out easily.
3. In the bowl of your electric stand mixer, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into your batter, giving your cake a lovely texture.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated and contributes to the moistness of your cake.
5. Add the baking soda to the buttermilk and stir it gently. This mixture will create bubbles, which add volume to your cake.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This method helps to keep your batter smooth and prevents lumps.
7. Stir in the dried cranberries, orange zest, pecans, and vanilla. Gently fold these ingredients in to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps the cake to rise evenly as it bakes.
9. Bake for 1½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set before transferring to a wire rack.
11. In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of sugar, the orange juice, and the remaining orange zest. Cook on medium heat just until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
12. While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze over the cake while it’s in the pan. This allows the glaze to seep into the cake, adding extra moisture and flavor.
13. Let the cake sit overnight before carefully removing it from the pan. This resting period enhances the flavors and helps the cake maintain its moisture.

Recipe Notes about Orange Cranberry Cake

As with any recipe, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your Orange Cranberry Cake turns out perfectly every time. Here are some helpful notes that will guide you through the process.

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Cool the cake completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for three to four months.
• Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon treat.
• Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Custom Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different glazes by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick.

Best Served With

When it comes to enjoying your Orange Cranberry Cake, there are countless ways to serve it. Here’s a list of some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your cake experience.

• Coffee: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of your favorite coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
• Tea: Pair it with a soothing herbal tea to complement the flavors of the cake.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.
• Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to enhance the fruity notes of the cake.
• Cheese Board: It makes a lovely addition to a cheese board featuring creamy cheeses and savory crackers.
• Seasonal Events: Perfect for festive gatherings, this cake shines on holiday tables or as a homely dessert for family dinners.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, consider turning them into a delicious trifle with layers of whipped cream and fruit.

FAQ

Conclusion

Orange Cranberry Cake is truly a delightful dessert that brings together the best of autumn flavors in every bite. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to create beautiful memories around the table with family and friends. I encourage you to try making this cake yourself. You’ll find that it’s not only easy to prepare but also a surefire crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Orange Cranberry Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Orange Cranberry Cake combines vibrant flavors of citrus and tart cranberries in a delightful dessert. Moist, delicious, and easy to make, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 325

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 units eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1½ cups dried cranberries
• zest of 2 units oranges
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1½ oranges oranges juiced
• 2 Tbsp orange zest

Equipment

• Kitchen-Aid Mixer
• Hand mixer
• Tube Cake Pan
• Microplate Zester

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 300ºF (150ºC). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start baking. This ensures even cooking for your cake.
2. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. You want a perfectly shaped cake that comes out easily.
3. In the bowl of your electric stand mixer, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into your batter, giving your cake a lovely texture.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated and contributes to the moistness of your cake.
5. Add the baking soda to the buttermilk and stir it gently. This mixture will create bubbles, which add volume to your cake.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This method helps to keep your batter smooth and prevents lumps.
7. Stir in the dried cranberries, orange zest, pecans, and vanilla. Gently fold these ingredients in to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps the cake to rise evenly as it bakes.
9. Bake for 1½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set before transferring to a wire rack.
11. In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of sugar, the orange juice, and the remaining orange zest. Cook on medium heat just until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
12. While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze over the cake while it's in the pan. This allows the glaze to seep into the cake, adding extra moisture and flavor.
13. Let the cake sit overnight before carefully removing it from the pan. This resting period enhances the flavors and helps the cake maintain its moisture.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Tip 2: Cool the cake completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for three to four months.
• Tip 3: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon treat.
• Tip 4: Consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Tip 5: Feel free to experiment with different glazes by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.