Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cake that perfectly balances sweet and tart, you’ll adore this Cranberry Orange Cake recipe. The vibrant flavors of fresh orange juice and zest mingle beautifully with the chewy cranberries, creating a delightful taste experience.
Each bite is moist and flavorful, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. I love how the cake’s texture combines the lightness of cake flour with the heartiness of cornmeal.
Plus, it’s simple to make, which means you’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this cake will be a hit!
Ingredients of Cranberry Orange Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients is key to creating something truly delicious, and this Cranberry Orange Cake is no exception. The combination of dried cranberries and fresh orange juice not only makes for a sweet and tangy flavor explosion, but it also makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes.
You’ll be amazed at how simple it’s to gather everything you need for this cake. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons orange zest (from 2-3 oranges)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Now, let’s chat a bit about those ingredients. The dried cranberries bring a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the fluffiness of the cake, while the fresh orange juice and zest really brighten the flavor profile.
You might be wondering about the cornmeal—don’t skip it! It adds a delightful heartiness that sets this cake apart from your typical dessert. Plus, using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour keeps the cake light and tender, which is what we all want, right?
And if you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, don’t worry—just adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly. It’s all about making it work for you, so don’t stress too much about perfection. Happy baking!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake
Making a Cranberry Orange Cake is easier than you might think, and it all starts with a few simple steps. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, grab an 8-inch cake pan and give it a good spritz with non-stick spray. No one wants a cake that’s stuck to the pan, am I right?
Now, let’s focus on those dried cranberries—take 1 cup of them and put them in a sieve set over a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cake flour over the cranberries and let that flour sift down into the bowl below. This will help keep the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake later on. Set those aside for now.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of fine yellow cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 3 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest. The zest is where all the citrusy goodness is, so don’t skimp on it!
Now, let’s get that stand mixer out because we’re about to cream some butter. In the bowl of your mixer, combine 3/4 cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing) with 1 1/4 cups of sugar. Beat them together at medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes, but feel free to dance a little while you wait.
Once that’s nice and creamy, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract followed by 4 large egg yolks and 2 large eggs, one at a time. If you drop an egg on the floor, don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. Just clean it up and carry on.
Once your eggs are mixed in, turn the speed down to low and pour in 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice. Now, take a moment to smell that amazing aroma. It’s like a little slice of sunshine in your kitchen.
Finally, gently fold in the cranberries you set aside earlier, just until they’re incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffiness!
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smooth out the top, and then pop it in the oven. Let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. After it’s done, cool it on a wire rack for about an hour.
When you’re ready to serve, turn the cake onto a plate and dust it with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Voila! You’ve got yourself a delightful Cranberry Orange Cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share—if you can resist the temptation to keep it all to yourself.
Cranberry Orange Cake Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Cranberry Orange Cake, you might wonder what adjustments you can make to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Try using almond flour instead of cake flour for a nutty flavor or swap in coconut sugar for a healthier sweetener. If you’re looking to reduce calories, substitute applesauce for some of the butter.
For a different twist, add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. You can even use lemon zest instead of orange for a revitalizing variation.
Feel free to experiment and make this cake your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Cake
Pairing the delightful Cranberry Orange Cake with complementary flavors can elevate your dessert experience.
I love serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a rich contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonders, as the creaminess balances the cake’s tartness.
For a more invigorating touch, I suggest a citrus salad with segments of orange and grapefruit. If you want to add some crunch, a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, enhances the texture beautifully.
Finally, a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee completes the experience, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Additional Tips & Notes
Although you might be tempted to dive right into serving the Cranberry Orange Cake, taking a few extra steps can enhance its flavor and presentation.
For an added burst of citrus, I recommend drizzling a simple orange glaze over the top before serving. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of fresh orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Also, let the cake cool completely; this helps to set the flavors.
If you want to elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with fresh cranberries and orange slices. These touches make your cake not only taste better but look stunning too!