Cranberry Orange Cake 🍊✨
This delightful cake blends the tangy sweetness of oranges with the tart burst of cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply indulging in a treat that tastes like sunshine!
Ingredients:
Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening (or substitute with additional butter for a richer flavor)
- 3 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best results)
- 1 bag of cranberries (fresh or frozen; no need to thaw if frozen)
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the orange juice and mix until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking powder, and flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the cranberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Generously spray a bundt pan or two loaf pans with nonstick baking spray (or grease and lightly flour them).
- Bake the Cake:
- For a bundt pan, bake at 350°F for 75–80 minutes.
- For loaf pans, bake at 325°F for 60–70 minutes.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool and Remove:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes (longer for a bundt pan). Carefully transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more sugar or juice.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
Tips for Success:
- Prevent Cranberries from Sinking: Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
- Enhance Orange Flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a brighter citrus note.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Optional Variations:
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Zesty Glaze: Mix a little orange zest into the glaze for a stronger citrus kick.
- Make It Festive: Garnish with sugared cranberries and orange zest for a beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love It:
This cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor! The balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Enjoy every bite of this Cranberry Orange Cake! 🍊❤️