Cranberry Orange Cake

This Cranberry Orange Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its moist texture and vibrant flavors make it a delightful treat that will impress your guests. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or celebrating a special event, this cake stands out with its tangy cranberry filling and creamy orange frosting. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an ideal centerpiece for your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange, creating a refreshing taste.
• Moist and Light Texture: With sour cream and butter, this cake stays moist while being light enough for any dessert lover.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake suits any celebration.
• Easy to Follow Instructions: The simple step-by-step guide makes baking this cake accessible for all skill levels.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful layers and creamy frosting make this cake a showstopper at any event.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Cranberry Orange Cake, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8×2 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and achieves that fluffy texture needed for a great cake.
• Cake pans: Properly sized pans help the cake bake evenly, preventing undercooked or overcooked edges.
• Cooling rack: Aids in cooling the cakes evenly, which is crucial before frosting them.

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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)
• 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 to rinse 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 to blend; set aside.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or measuring cup, combine the sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Blend with a fork; 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 to 5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time while mixing until the yellow of the yolk disappears. If using orange coloring gel, add it now.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, add flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately—beginning and ending with flour mixture (3 additions of dry ingredients and 2 of wet). Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Add Cranberries

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

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 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 as bake times can vary. Let cakes cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning out onto racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately seven cups of batter—perfect for making cupcakes as well! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Cake!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake

This delightful Cranberry Orange Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of the cake topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Orange Glaze

• Add a drizzle of orange glaze over the top for an extra burst of citrus flavor that complements the cake beautifully.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Serve with a side of mixed fresh fruit for a refreshing balance that enhances the cake’s fruity notes.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include slices of Cranberry Orange Cake on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies or brownies for variety at gatherings.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

To achieve the best results with your Cranberry Orange Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature helps them mix more evenly, leading to a better texture.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s accuracy, as uneven temperatures can affect baking time and texture.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Chilled Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with citrus fruits that complements the cake’s sweetness.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tang of coleslaw balance the moistness of the cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add savory elements that contrast nicely with the sweet cake.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses offers a creamy counterpart to the fruity flavors.
5. Savory Scones: Pair with cheese or herb scones for an interesting textural contrast.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad adds nutrition and brightness, making it a great side dish option.
7. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote can add additional layers of flavor when served alongside slices of cake.
8. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert provides an indulgent pairing without overpowering the cake’s taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cranberry Orange Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can result in a dense cake. Always bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is precise! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring Bake Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Improper Cooling: Letting the cake cool in the pan can cause sogginess. Cool on a wire rack for better air circulation.
• Neglecting Flavor Enhancements: Skipping extracts or zests diminishes flavor. Use fresh orange zest and quality extracts for a vibrant taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cranberry Orange Cake in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat each slice for about 2-3 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Cranberry Orange Cake recipe.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly in the recipe without thawing them first.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?

You can use plain yogurt as an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Incorporating extra orange zest or using high-quality extracts can greatly enhance the flavor profile of your cake.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

How long does it take to bake this cake?

The baking time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven’s accuracy.

Final Thoughts

This moist and light Cranberry Orange Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a festive celebration. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it versatile enough to customize with additional fruits or spices. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations and make this cake uniquely yours!