Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delicious, festive treat with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and citrusy orange. It’s a wonderful choice for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a bright, flavorful dessert!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Prepare the Cranberries: In a small bowl, combine the cranberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and the orange zest. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange juice.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the cranberry mixture into the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 60-70 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings:

• 8 slices

Tips and Variations:

• Sweeten with a Glaze: You can drizzle a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar mixed with orange juice) over the cooled cake for extra flavor and a nice finish.
• Substitute Cranberries: You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
• Storage: Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion:

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert with bright, fresh flavors and a soft, tender crumb. The combination of citrus and cranberries makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season!

Print