Easy Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

If you’re searching for the ultimate Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe to dazzle your holiday table, look no further. This easy holiday dessert combines tart cranberries with a zesty fresh infusion of orange zest and juice, creating a moist and flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for family gatherings or festive celebrations. Inspired by cherished holiday traditions, this recipe from Chef Lalyta at lalytarecipes.com solves the common problem of dry, bland cakes by incorporating fresh ingredients that burst with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe will guide you to success with its simple steps and reliable results.

Imagine the tantalizing aroma of oranges and cranberries wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes to golden perfection. The texture is incredibly moist, thanks to the vegetable oil and fresh orange juice that keep the crumb tender and springy. Each slice delivers a delightful contrast: the sharp tang of cranberries popping against the sweet, citrusy undertones, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sensory experience that evokes the warmth of the holidays, with its vibrant colors and irresistible moistness making it an instant favorite.

Brought to you by Chef Lalyta, a renowned expert in creating foolproof recipes, this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe stands out as the best on the internet due to its zesty fresh infusion technique that elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. You’ll learn the Chef’s Secret for achieving unbeatable moisture and flavor, along with step-by-step guidance that ensures your cake turns out perfectly every time. From ingredient spotlights to storage tips, this comprehensive guide will boost your confidence in the kitchen and make you the hero of your next holiday event.

Why This Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the zesty fresh infusion of orange zest and juice, which infuses every layer of this Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe with a vibrant citrus burst that sets it apart from ordinary fruit cakes. This technique not only enhances the tartness of the cranberries but also locks in moisture, resulting in a cake that’s incredibly flavorful and tender. By zesting the oranges directly into the batter, we’re releasing essential oils that amplify the aroma and taste, making this easy holiday dessert a standout choice for any occasion.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this texture comes from the combination of vegetable oil and fresh orange juice, which emulsify with the eggs to create a stable batter that bakes into a moist, springy crumb. Unlike cakes that use butter, this oil-based method ensures even moisture distribution, preventing dryness and promoting a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel that persists even after cooling.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee consistent results. With straightforward instructions and precise measurements, even novice bakers can achieve a perfect Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe without any surprises, making it a reliable go-to for holiday baking season after season.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Starting with 2 cups of all-purpose flour, this foundational ingredient provides the structure for your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe. High-quality flour with a fine grind ensures a light and airy texture, avoiding any dense spots. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the cake’s integrity without altering its moistness.

Granulated sugar at 1 cup sweetens the deal, balancing the tart cranberries in this easy holiday dessert. Opt for organic sugar to enhance natural flavors; it’s crucial for caramelization during baking. A good substitute could be coconut sugar for a subtle earthiness, though it might slightly alter the color and add a hint of nuttiness.

Baking powder, at 1 tablespoon, is the leavening agent that gives your cake its rise. Fresh baking powder is key to achieving that perfect lift; if it’s expired, your cake could fall flat. There’s no direct substitute, but ensure it’s aluminum-free to prevent any metallic aftertaste in your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe.

Salt, just 1/2 teaspoon, enhances all the flavors in this recipe. Use fine sea salt for even distribution; it amplifies the zesty fresh infusion without overpowering. In a pinch, kosher salt works, but adjust the quantity slightly as it’s less refined.

Two large eggs act as binders, adding richness and helping with the emulsion in the batter. Fresh, room-temperature eggs ensure better incorporation; for a vegan twist, replace with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to keep the cake moist.

Fresh cranberries, 1 cup, provide that signature tart burst in your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe. Their quality is paramount—choose firm, bright berries for the best pop of flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen works, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Zest of 2 oranges delivers the zesty fresh infusion that makes this recipe shine. Always use organic oranges to avoid pesticides on the peel; it’s what gives the cake its aromatic edge. There’s no true substitute, but if needed, a high-quality orange extract can mimic the essence, though it’s less vibrant.

1/2 cup of orange juice adds moisture and tang, complementing the zest in this easy holiday dessert. Freshly squeezed is best for maximum flavor; store-bought is fine if it’s 100% juice, but avoid any with added sugars.

Vegetable oil, at 1/2 cup, keeps the cake tender and moist. Choose a neutral oil like canola for the best results; olive oil could work but might impart a savory note, altering the balance.

Finally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a warm undertone. Pure vanilla is essential for authenticity—avoid imitation for that genuine depth; if you’re out, almond extract can substitute in a pinch for a nutty twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch cake pan with a light coating of vegetable oil or butter to ensure easy removal. This step is crucial for even baking and prevents the cake from sticking.

Pro Tip: Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the grease, including the sides, for a flawless release and to maintain the cake’s moist texture in your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until fully combined. This creates a uniform base that ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-whisk at this stage to prevent activating the gluten prematurely, which could make your cake tough—mix just until blended for that perfect, tender crumb.

Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of fresh cranberries, zest of 2 oranges, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix, which helps preserve the zesty fresh infusion.

Pro Tip: Zest the oranges directly over the bowl to capture all the essential oils, enhancing the flavor profile of your easy holiday dessert.

Step 4: Pouring and Baking the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared 9-inch cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to sink—wait until the minimum bake time for optimal rise and moisture.

Step 5: Cooling the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.

Pro Tip: Cooling on a wire rack promotes air circulation, preventing sogginess and preserving the moist, zesty qualities of your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe, slice it neatly and arrange on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch. Garnish with fresh orange slices or a few whole cranberries to highlight the zesty fresh infusion, adding visual appeal and a burst of color. This easy holiday dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, contrasting the tart cranberries with creamy sweetness.

To complement the cake, serve it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee to balance the citrus notes, or as a delightful ending to a holiday meal with roasted meats and vegetables. For larger gatherings, consider cutting it into wedges and plating individually with edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look, making your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe the star of the show.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and storing them separately from the wet ones in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready, combine and bake as directed for fresh results, or fully assemble the cake and store it unfrosted for up to 3 days before serving to maintain its zesty fresh infusion.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, ensuring you preserve the flavors of your easy holiday dessert.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original texture and flavor, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This gentle method revives the moistness without drying out the cake, making your Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe taste just-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Cranberry Orange Cake

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

A moist and flavorful cake combining tart cranberries with fresh orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add eggs, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, oil, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

For a festive touch, add a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g