Cranberry Orange Cake: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Treat

As autumn arrives and the holidays get closer, nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked cake. The mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange is unbeatable. This Cranberry Orange Cake is perfect for the season, delighting everyone around you.

This recipe is easy, whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen. It makes a moist, flavorful cake with a creamy frosting. It’s sure to be a favorite at your holiday gatherings.

Let’s explore how to make the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake. It’s a treat that will win over your guests’ hearts. Get ready to bake something special for your loved ones!

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Your Cranberry Orange Cake

Making the perfect festive cake with seasonal ingredients like tart and sweet cranberries and zesty cranberry orange glaze needs the right tools and ingredients. Let’s explore the key elements for a standout cranberry orange cake.

Key Baking Equipment Needed

A large Bundt pan (10-12 cup capacity) is crucial for even baking and easy release. Also, a cake turntable and an offset spatula are essential for smooth frosting and decorating.

Fresh vs Frozen Cranberry Options

Both fresh and frozen cranberries are great for this festive cake. If using frozen cranberries, just fold them into the batter without thawing for a burst of color and tartness.

Quality Ingredients Selection Guide

• All-purpose flour for a light, tender crumb
• Unsalted butter for rich flavor
• Brown sugar for a subtle molasses note
• Fresh oranges for zest and juice
• Eggs for structure
• Sour cream for moisture and tanginess
• Cream cheese for the signature orange-infused frosting

Choosing quality seasonal ingredients is vital for a tart and sweet cranberry orange cake. With the right tools and ingredients, you’re ready to bake a stunning festive cake.

Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake Base Preparation

Making a moist cake with citrus flavors is essential for a great winter baking experience. Begin by creaming 1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) of unsalted butter with the zest of 3 large oranges and 2 cups of sugar. Mix until it’s pale and fluffy.

Then, add the 6 eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Next, mix in the 3 1/4 cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, and 2 teaspoons of orange juice. This will make the batter thick yet smooth.

To keep the 2 1/2 cups of cranberries from sinking, toss them in 1/4 cup of flour. Then, gently fold them into the batter. Now, the cake batter is ready for baking.

1. Grease and flour a tube pan, then pour in half of the cake batter.
2. Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar swirl over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
3. Bake the fruity dessert at 325°F (163°C) for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Follow these steps to make a beautiful cranberry orange cake. It will wow your guests and satisfy your winter baking cravings.

Creating the Signature Orange-Infused Cream Cheese Frosting

Elevate your cranberry orange cake with a decadent frosting. This frosting is the perfect complement to the festive cake. It provides a rich and creamy texture that showcases vibrant citrus notes.

Achieving the Perfect Frosting Consistency

To create the ideal frosting, start by beating softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. This will give you the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus flavor.

For a smooth texture, gently fold in a touch of heavy cream. Adjust the sugar or cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Orange Zest Integration Tips

Incorporate orange zest early in the mixing process. This ensures the flavor permeates throughout the frosting. Use a microplane for the finest, most uniform zest to maximize the aromatic impact.

Frosting Storage Guidelines

To keep the frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, refrigerate the frosting overnight to thaw. Then, re-whip it briefly to restore its light and creamy texture.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Baking is both a science and an art. To ensure your Cranberry Orange Cake turns out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips and troubleshooting suggestions:

1. Ensuring a Moist Cake

• Tip: For a moist and tender cake, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Troubleshooting: If your cake turns out dry, check that you’re measuring the flour correctly (too much flour can lead to dryness). Use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements.

2. Preventing Cranberries from Sinking

• Tip: Tossing your cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This step ensures the cranberries stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Troubleshooting: If the cranberries still sink, it may be due to an overly runny batter. If this happens, add a little more flour to thicken it up before adding the cranberries.

3. Achieving the Perfect Frosting Consistency

• Tip: If your frosting feels too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the right spreadable consistency.
• Troubleshooting: If your frosting isn’t smooth, try letting it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to spread.

4. Preventing Cake from Sticking to the Pan

• Tip: Grease and flour your pan well to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking. For added assurance, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
• Troubleshooting: If your cake sticks despite greasing, gently run a knife around the edges of the pan before inverting it.

5. Ensuring Even Baking

• Tip: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Also, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.
• Troubleshooting: If your cake is browning too quickly on top but not cooking through, cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

6. Flavor Boosters

• Tip: For an even more intense orange flavor, add a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the batter or frosting.
• Troubleshooting: If the cake tastes a bit too sweet or too tart, adjust the balance by adding a touch more orange juice or zest to the batter or frosting.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake every time. Happy baking!

Layer Assembly and Decorating Techniques

Making the perfect holiday treat with your cranberry orange cake is an art. After cooling the cake for an hour, it’s time to decorate. This brings your festive cake to life with layer assembly and creative touches.

Start by flipping the cooled cake onto a platter or cake stand. Spread orange-infused cream cheese frosting between each layer for a smooth taste. Add cranberry orange marmalade for a tart twist.

To make your holiday treat look great, use seasonal ingredients like sugared cranberries and orange slices. Thyme sprigs add a fragrant touch. Use an offset spatula for a beautiful pattern, chilling it between layers.

With these techniques, your cranberry orange cake will wow your guests. It captures the spirit of the festive season.

Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (per serving)

Calories: 460 kcal · Carbohydrates: 60 g · Protein: 4 g · Fat: 24 g · Saturated Fat: 14 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g · Trans Fat: 0 g · Cholesterol: 115 mg · Sodium: 200 mg · Potassium: 150 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 44 g · Vitamin A: 735 IU · Vitamin C: 9 mg · Calcium: 60 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Conclusion

The Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful winter treat. It combines tart cranberries with zesty orange flavors. This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Its moist texture and decadent cream cheese frosting make it a hit. Whether you’re impressing at a holiday party or treating yourself, this cake is a must-try. You can make it ahead and freeze slices for easy enjoyment.

Embrace the citrus flavors and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Elevate your winter baking with this stunning cake. Its beautiful presentation and delicious taste will make it a cherished tradition.

Indulge in the perfect blend of Cranberry Orange Cake this season. Experience the joy of festive, flavorful baking.