Cranberry Orange Cake (Printable)

A moist cake featuring tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, ideal for festive occasions or afternoon treats.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Zest of 1 large orange
10 - ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120 ml)
11 - ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (120 g)

→ Add-ins

12 - 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (150 g), do not thaw if frozen
13 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries)

→ Optional Glaze

14 - 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

# How To Cook:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until combined.
05 - Mix in freshly squeezed orange juice and sour cream until fully integrated; mixture may appear slightly curdled.
06 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; avoid overmixing to maintain moisture.
07 - Toss cranberries with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold into the batter.
08 - Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
09 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10 - Let the cake cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It combines tart cranberries with bright orange flavor in a way that feels like a friendly secret.
  • The moist texture and easy preparation make it a go-to for both festive gatherings and relaxing afternoons.
02 -
  • Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit curdled after adding wet ingredients—that’s a normal and good sign for the final texture.
  • Tossing cranberries in flour is a game changer to avoid sinking and uneven distribution.
03 -
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth batter and perfect rise.
  • The secret to moist cake lies in the sour cream or Greek yogurt—it keeps every bite tender and full of flavor.

Go Back