This moist cranberry orange cake is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday or a casual family gathering, this cake will impress your guests with its delightful flavor and moist crumb. The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing and aromatic treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create a cake that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients for Moist Cranberry Orange Cake
To make this delicious cranberry orange cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
How to Make Moist Cranberry Orange Cake
Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and flavors throughout the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise properly.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps to incorporate the eggs thoroughly into the batter, creating a smooth and uniform mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest in a separate bowl. The sour cream adds moisture to the cake, while the orange juice and zest contribute to its vibrant flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the coarsely chopped fresh cranberries. This will distribute the cranberries evenly throughout the batter, ensuring that each slice of cake has a burst of cranberry flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart and allows it to set properly.
Making the Glaze (Optional)
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. The glaze should be slightly thick but still pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the cake, enhancing its flavors.
Garnish (Optional)
- Decorate: Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch. This step adds a beautiful visual element to the cake and complements its flavors.
About the Main Ingredients
Cranberries
Cranberries are a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a nutritious addition to your dessert. When using fresh cranberries, chop them coarsely to distribute their flavor throughout the cake.
Oranges
Oranges add a refreshing citrus flavor to the cake. The zest provides a concentrated burst of orange flavor, while the juice adds moisture and a subtle tanginess. Choose a fresh orange for the best flavor and use a microplane to zest the skin.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is used in this recipe to add moisture and richness to the cake. It also helps to create a tender crumb and adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Butter
Butter is a classic ingredient in baking that adds richness and flavor. In this recipe, softened butter is creamed with sugar to create a light and fluffy texture, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
This cranberry orange cake is a delightful treat that combines the best of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a simple dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this moist, flavorful cake that captures the essence of both cranberries and oranges.
