Cranberry Orange Cake

This moist, light Cranberry Orange Cake with cranberry filling and orange cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors make it perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home. With its beautiful presentation and delectable taste, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The tangy cranberries combined with zesty orange create an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this cake without any hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday feast, this cake fits right in at any dessert table.
• Versatile Options: This recipe can be adapted to make cupcakes or layered cakes, giving you flexibility in presentation.
• Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy orange frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to every slice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Cranberry Orange Cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (three 8×2 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving a light and fluffy batter by properly creaming the butter and sugar.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for organizing ingredients and mixing different components without mess.
• Cake pans: The right size ensures even baking and helps achieve the desired cake layers.

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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
  (If in a hurry, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.)
• 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 (plain in the UK) — 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 (either fresh or frozen) (90g)

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)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the 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 to wash away most of the seeds. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl add the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend, then set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your mixer, mix the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until it is lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each yolk disappears. If adding orange coloring to your batter, do it now.

Step 7: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture (3 additions of dry ingredients and 2 of wet). Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Add Cranberries

Gently stir in the sliced cranberries. Divide the batter between the three pans smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Bake times can vary—start checking as you approach the 25-minute mark.

Step 10: Cool & Serve

Let cakes cool for 5 to 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its vibrant flavors and moist texture make it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Traditional Slice

• Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Afternoon Tea Pairing

• Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea, enhancing the citrus notes with a classic Earl Grey or green tea.

Festive Garnish

• Top with fresh cranberries and orange zest to elevate the presentation during holiday gatherings.

Dessert Platter

• Include slices of Cranberry Orange Cake on a dessert platter alongside other cakes and pastries for a colorful display.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Pair with vanilla or orange sorbet to create a refreshing contrast to the cake’s flavors.

Breakfast Treat

• Serve as a sweet breakfast option, pairing well with coffee or as part of a brunch spread.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

Creating the ideal Cranberry Orange Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving perfection.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour and wet ingredients to maintain the cake’s lightness.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with few crumbs for optimal baking.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cakes to cool fully before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

• Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting based on your taste preference for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cranberry Orange Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: Include tangy cheeses like goat cheese or brie that complement the citrus flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit medley brightens up the meal and refreshes the palate.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola provides a creamy, crunchy contrast to the cake.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
6. Baked Apples: Cinnamon-spiced baked apples offer warm, comforting flavors that harmonize well with orange notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Cranberry Orange Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

• Boldly measure your ingredients – Not measuring accurately can lead to a dry or overly dense cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Don’t skip the room temperature eggs – Eggs at room temperature mix better into the batter, creating a lighter cake. If you’re short on time, warm them in water for five minutes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined after adding flour and sour cream mixtures.
• Check your oven temperature – An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Cool cakes properly – Removing cakes from pans too soon can result in breakage. Let them cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before turning them out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cranberry Orange Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the cake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Orange Cake.

What is the best way to enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Adding more orange zest or using fresh cranberries instead of dried ones can amplify the flavors significantly.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can use blueberries or raspberries as alternatives while maintaining similar proportions.

How do I make my Cranberry Orange Cake more moist?

Using sour cream and ensuring not to overbake will keep your cake moist. You might also consider adding a simple syrup glaze after baking.

Can I freeze leftover slices of Cranberry Orange Cake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for later enjoyment without losing flavor or texture.

What frosting pairs well with Cranberry Orange Cake?

Orange cream cheese frosting complements the flavors beautifully but feel free to experiment with other frostings like vanilla buttercream.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Cranberry Orange Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!