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, holidays, or simply as a delightful treat, this cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges. You’ll love its tender crumb and vibrant colors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a refreshing taste that is irresistible.
• Versatile Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors make it visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for dessert tables.
• Flexible Serving Options: It can be served as a layered cake or as cupcakes, allowing you to adapt it for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Cranberry Orange Cake, gather your essential tools and follow the preparation steps carefully.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 8×2 inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components of the recipe simultaneously without confusion.
• Rubber Spatula: A flexible spatula is great for scraping down the sides of your bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

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)
• 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 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: Mix 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: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, combine 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 softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs

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

Step 7: Mix Flour and Sour Cream Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture beginning and ending with flour mixture (three additions of dry ingredients and two wet). Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Fold in Cranberries

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

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Start checking around the 25-minute mark. Let cakes cool for 5-10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields about seven cups of batter—perfect for creating cupcakes as well!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, here are some great serving suggestions.

For a Classic Presentation

• Slice and Serve: Simply cut the cake into even slices and serve on individual plates. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
• Garnish with Cranberries: Top each slice with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest for visual appeal.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mix with Other Treats: Include small portions of cookies, brownies, or fruit tarts on a dessert platter alongside the cake for variety.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Pair slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream to enhance the flavors.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Festive Tiers: Stack slices on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching presentation at holiday parties.
• Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle warm cranberry sauce over each slice just before serving to elevate the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

Perfecting your Cranberry Orange Cake recipe ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful. Here are some tips to achieve cake perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Start with eggs and butter at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your cranberry filling and frosting before serving; adjust sweetness as needed for balance.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Cranberry Orange Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some complementary options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the tartness of cranberry.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds creaminess to each slice of cake.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cake.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, pairs well with sweet desserts.
5. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and velvety chocolate mousse offers a decadent contrast to fruity flavors.
6. Pecan Tartlets: These nutty treats provide crunch and richness, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and there are some common pitfalls when making Cranberry Orange Cake. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and affect the cake’s texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can change the cake’s consistency and flavor.
• Skipping the Sifting Step: Sifting flour helps aerate it, leading to a lighter cake. Make sure to sift your cake flour before adding it to the mix.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make your cake tough instead of light and fluffy.
• Ignoring Cooling Times: Let your cakes cool in the pans for at least 5-10 minutes before removing them. This prevents breakage and helps maintain their shape.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cranberries and other ingredients are fresh for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can result in a dull taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (about 15 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place a slice in a pan on low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cranberry Orange Cake?

Cranberry Orange Cake is a moist dessert made with fresh cranberries and infused with orange juice and zest, topped with creamy orange frosting.

How Can I Customize My Cranberry Orange Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans or substitute different fruit juices to create unique flavors that suit your taste.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just ensure they are chopped before mixing into the batter.

What Flavors Pair Well With Cranberry Orange Cake?

Flavors like vanilla, lemon, or even almond extract complement cranberry orange beautifully and can enhance its taste profile.

How Do I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute regular cake flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Its vibrant flavors make it an excellent choice for dessert tables. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions or variations. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!