Cranberry Meets Orange: The Zesty Cake That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Sing!

There’s something about the combination of cranberries and oranges that feels both festive and refreshing. This Cranberry Orange Cake brings together the tangy brightness of oranges with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a cake that’s vibrant, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. It’s the perfect dessert to make during the holiday season or anytime you’re craving a citrusy treat.

The cake itself is soft, light, and airy, with flecks of juicy cranberries throughout. The orange zest in the batter adds a fresh, citrusy aroma, making every bite a little burst of sunshine. A drizzle of fresh orange glaze on top ties everything together perfectly, adding a delightful sweetness to every slice.

If you want to elevate this cake even further, serve it alongside Cranberry Sauce for a burst of extra berry flavor, or enjoy it with a warm glass of Mulled Wine for the ultimate cozy experience.

Why You Will Ask More of It?

The Bundt cake being carefully inverted onto a wire rack on the white marble cooktop. The golden, moist cake remains perfectly intact, ready for further cooling.

  • Perfect for the season: The combination of cranberry and orange is so festive and fresh—perfect for any celebration.
  • Moist and flavorful: The cake is light and airy with just the right amount of tangy sweetness.
  • Beautiful presentation: The vibrant red cranberries and golden orange glaze make it a showstopper on any table.
  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is perfect for beginner bakers.
  • Versatile pairings: It pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce or a cozy glass of mulled wine, making it a go-to holiday treat.

Make this Cranberry Orange Cake your new holiday favorite—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The Bundt cake being carefully inverted onto a wire rack on the white marble cooktop. The golden, moist cake remains perfectly intact, ready for further cooling.

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

A moist and zesty Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange flavor. Perfectly sweetened and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal treat for any festive occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Additional Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 431 kcal

Equipment

  • Elegant Party Bundt Pan
  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.

Prepare the Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until well incorporated and smooth.

Add the Cranberries and Zest

  • Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and orange zest to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
    Smooth batter being poured into a greased Bundt pan on the white marble cooktop. Cranberries and zest are evenly distributed, and a spatula smooths the surface of the batter.
  • Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
    A greased Bundt pan filled with batter being placed into a preheated oven on the white marble cooktop. The oven door is slightly ajar, showing the pan inside.

Cool and Invert

  • Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze for extra sweetness. Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat!
    The Bundt cake being carefully inverted onto a wire rack on the white marble cooktop. The golden, moist cake remains perfectly intact, ready for further cooling.
  • This moist and flavorful cranberry orange Bundt cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a bright addition to your dessert table.
    The Bundt cake being carefully inverted onto a wire rack on the white marble cooktop. The golden, moist cake remains perfectly intact, ready for further cooling.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories431kcal
Carbohydrates60g
Sodium243mg
Fat20g
Protein5g
Sugar37g

Tips that Will Blow Your Mind!

  1. Prep Your Pan Well: To ensure easy removal, use nonstick spray with flour or grease the pan with butter and a light dusting of flour.
  2. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used. If using frozen, do not thaw them to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
  3. Zesting Orange: Use a microplane zester for fine, fragrant orange zest without the bitter pith.
  4. Add an Orange Glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply a warm beverage like coffee or tea. Perfect for creating memorable moments with loved ones!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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