Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of oranges. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy family dessert, this cake is moist and bursting with flavor. Its unique cranberry filling and creamy orange frosting make it stand out, ensuring it will be a hit at any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet oranges paired with tart cranberries create a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream and butter, this cake remains incredibly moist, making each bite delightful.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or just because! This cake fits perfectly into any dessert lineup.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors from the cranberries and optional orange tint make this cake visually stunning.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this impressive cake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8×2 inches)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes whipping butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, especially in cakes.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy organization of ingredients during preparation.
• Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully.

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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
• 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 Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (339g)
• 16 oz cream cheese, total weight 452g. Full fat recommended.
• 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. Rinse them in a strainer to wash away most seeds. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
1. Cake flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Baking soda,
4. Salt.

Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, combine:
1. Sour cream,
2. Orange juice,
3. Orange zest,
4. Vanilla extract,
5. Orange extract.

Blend with a fork and set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer bowl, mix softened butter until smooth:
1. Gradually add sugar,
2. Mix on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy and lightened in color.

Step 6: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time:
1. Mix until each yolk disappears before adding the next.
2. If adding orange coloring gel to your batter, do so now.

Step 7: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Add dry ingredient mixture alternately with wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
2. Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Stir in Cranberries

Gently fold in sliced cranberries:
1. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans,
2. Smooth tops with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake Cakes

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes:
1. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with few crumbs attached.
2. Let cakes cool for about 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto cooling racks.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Creation!

This recipe makes about 7 cups of cake batter, ideal for creating approximately 28 cupcakes as well! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake!

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

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and complements the tartness of the cranberries.

As a Layered Dessert

• Stack layers of cranberry orange cake with additional frosting in between for an impressive presentation.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Serve slices with fresh raspberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of color and flavor.

Drizzled with Orange Glaze

• A simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice can provide an extra layer of sweetness.

With Ice Cream

• Pairing this cake with vanilla or orange sorbet creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.

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: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Properly Measure Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the center is baked through; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these options when planning your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and berries create a healthy yet indulgent side that balances sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars add crunch and are great as a snack alongside cake slices.
5. Citrus-Infused Water: Infuse water with slices of orange and lemon for a refreshing drink that echoes the cake’s flavors.
6. Chocolaty Brownies: Rich brownies can satisfy chocolate cravings while complementing the fruity notes of Cranberry Orange Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Cranberry Orange Cake can be simple and fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until you no longer see flour.
• Ignoring baking time – Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
• Skipping the cooling process – Letting the cakes cool in the pans for too long can cause them to become soggy. Turn them out onto a wire rack after 10 minutes.
• Not adjusting sugar levels – The sweetness of cranberries can vary. Taste your batter before baking and adjust sugar if necessary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it chilled in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a slice on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this delicious dessert, here are some common questions answered.

Can I substitute other fruits in the Cranberry Orange Cake?

Yes! You can use blueberries or raspberries as alternatives, keeping in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I add more orange flavor to my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Consider increasing the orange zest or juice in both the cake and frosting for an extra citrus punch.

What is the best way to frost my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Use a spatula to spread cream cheese frosting evenly between layers and on top. For decorations, consider adding fresh cranberries on top.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular cake flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it has xanthan gum included.

How can I customize my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into the batter or garnish with candied orange peel on top of the frosting!

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake is not only moist and light but also bursting with flavors that appeal to many palates. Its flexibility allows you to customize it with various fruits or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe—your guests will surely love it!