Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the bright citrus flavor of oranges. This cake is perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Its moist texture and vibrant frosting make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a refreshing taste that’s unlike any other cake.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday feast, this cake fits beautifully on any dessert table.
• Moist and Light Texture: Made with sour cream, this cake stays moist and light, making every bite enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this cake even if you’re new to baking.
• Showstopper Presentation: The vibrant colors of the orange cream cheese frosting and cranberry filling make for an eye-catching dessert.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the ingredients, gather your kitchen tools to streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (three 8-inch round)
• Whisk
• Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a fluffy batter by properly creaming the butter and sugar together.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to easily mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them.
• Rubber spatula: A great tool for scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

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)
• Optional: Orange coloring gel to tint the batter

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), preferably full-fat
• 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)
• Optional: Orange coloring gel for tinting

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.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries

Chop the cranberries into small pieces. Place them in a strainer and rinse them gently to wash away most of the seeds; it’s okay if some remain. Gently pat dry.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until blended, then set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients with a fork until smooth, then set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 6: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until each yolk disappears completely. If using orange coloring gel, add it now or during any part of mixing.

Step 7: Alternate Dry and Wet Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed:
1. Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream mixture.
2. Start with flour mixture and end with it; mix just until combined.

Step 8: Stir in Cranberries

Gently fold in sliced cranberries into your batter. Divide it evenly between the three prepared pans, smoothing out tops with a spoon.

Step 9: Bake Your Cakes

Place cakes in preheated oven:
– Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
– Check doneness with toothpick; it should come out clean or with few crumbs attached.
Let cakes cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, frost your cakes with orange cream cheese frosting! 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 creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

Topped with Orange Zest

• Grating fresh orange zest over the cake enhances the citrus flavor and adds a pop of color.

With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the moist cake, creating a delicious combination.

Accompanied by Candied Oranges

• Candied oranges bring an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, making each slice even more inviting.

Drizzled with Citrus Glaze

• A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice can add a sweet finish that ties all flavors together.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Cake

To achieve the best results with your Cranberry Orange Cake, keep these tips in mind for baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary greatly.
• Cool Cakes Properly: Allow cakes to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent sticking.
• Store Correctly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Cranberry Orange Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits like berries, melons, and citrus can provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: Offering a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, adds savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
3. Roasted Nuts: Salted or spiced roasted nuts make for a crunchy complement that enhances texture alongside the cake.
4. Herbed Yogurt Dip: A light yogurt dip infused with herbs creates a tangy contrast that pairs well with dessert flavors.
5. Tea or Coffee: Serving your cake with brewed tea or coffee allows guests to enjoy warm beverages alongside their sweet treat.
6. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce can add richness and depth, making each bite more indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect Cranberry Orange Cake. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cold can impact baking time. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer.
• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter won’t blend well, affecting the batter’s consistency. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature before starting.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements. A kitchen scale can help ensure accuracy.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Removing the cake from pans too soon can cause it to break apart. Let it cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Cake

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet with a lid over low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the perfect Cranberry Orange Cake.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Cake?

Yes! You can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. They will add moisture and flavor to your cake.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

You can substitute with additional orange zest or juice to enhance the orange flavor in your Cranberry Orange Cake.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe makes approximately 28 cupcakes. Bake them at the same temperature but check for doneness around 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake is not only delightful with its moist texture and vibrant flavors, but it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different extracts, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!