Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing zest of oranges. Perfect for gatherings or celebrations, this cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds a vibrant touch to any dessert table. Its moist texture and flavorful cream cheese frosting make it an unforgettable choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of cranberries and oranges creates a unique taste that is both tangy and sweet.
• Moist and Light Texture: This cake is designed to be fluffy, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, this cake is sure to impress.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this beautiful cake without stress.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add more fruit based on your preference!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools ensure thorough mixing, making the batter light and airy.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps organize ingredients efficiently during preparation.
• Spatula: This tool is essential for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

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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 your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour three 8×2 inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse to wash away most 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 these together until well combined and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, mix together 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 your mixer bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time into the mixture, mixing until each yolk disappears completely. If using orange coloring gel for tinting, you can add it now.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding dry flour mixture and wet sour cream mixture—beginning with flour mixture—mixing just until combined.

Step 8: Incorporate Cranberries

Gently stir in sliced cranberries using a spatula. Divide batter equally between prepared pans smoothing tops.

Step 9: Bake Your Cakes

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs attached. Start checking around the 25-minute mark.

Step 10: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning them out onto cooling racks.

Now you are ready to enjoy your delightful 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 make it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy evening at home.

For a Festive Touch

• Garnish with Fresh Cranberries: Top the cake with a handful of fresh cranberries for a pop of color and tartness.
• Add Edible Flowers: Decorate with edible flowers to elevate the cake’s presentation, making it perfect for special occasions.

With Ice Cream

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the citrus notes of the cake beautifully.
• Try Citrus Sorbet: For a lighter option, pair your cake with refreshing citrus sorbet.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: A slice of Cranberry Orange Cake makes for a delightful breakfast when paired with your favorite beverage.
• Top with Yogurt: Adding a dollop of yogurt can enhance the flavor and add creaminess to your morning slice.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and quality butter for the best flavor in your cake.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake pairs well with several side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness without overpowering the cake’s flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance the overall tasting experience; consider pairing it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist that contrasts nicely with citrus notes.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia seed pudding can serve as a refreshing side that adds texture and health benefits.
6. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of roasted nuts provides crunch and a savory element to balance out the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well your cake rises. Always use room temperature eggs and other dairy products.
• Skipping the flour sifting: Not sifting flour can result in clumps, affecting the cake’s fluffiness. Sift your flour before measuring for accuracy.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; check your cake early to prevent overbaking. Use a toothpick test to ensure it’s done.
• Not properly greasing pans: Cakes can stick if pans aren’t greased well. Use butter or cooking spray and dust with flour for easy release.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat with a lid, warming for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cranberry Orange Cake that may help you bake it perfectly.

How do I make my Cranberry Orange Cake more flavorful?

Adding extra orange zest or using fresh cranberries can enhance flavor significantly. You might also consider a splash of citrus juice for balance.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can replace cranberries with blueberries or cherries if you prefer a different fruit flavor while maintaining moisture.

What pairs well with Cranberry Orange Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A dollop of yogurt can also add a delicious tang.

How should I store leftover Cranberry Orange Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage as detailed above.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake is not only moist and delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. You can customize it by adding nuts or switching up the frosting flavors. Give this delightful recipe a try, and impress your family and friends!