This Cranberry Orange Cake is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet citrusy orange, creating a delightful dessert with a burst of flavor. The cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients. Topped with a light glaze, this cake is sure to be the star of your holiday table or a charming addition to any gathering. It’s simple to make and will fill your home with a delicious aroma.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped or whole
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp orange zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and fresh orange juice. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this delicious Cranberry Orange Cake with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.