This Cranberry-Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful fusion of zesty citrus and tart cranberries, creating a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The vibrant flavor of fresh oranges pairs beautifully with the subtle tartness of cranberries, making every bite a refreshing experience. Whether served as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a festive dessert, this loaf cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the yogurt (or sour cream) and orange juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries into the batter.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the orange glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Garnish with extra orange zest if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve this zesty Cranberry-Orange Loaf Cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat!