Irresistible Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange. Imagine biting into a slice of Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze, where every forkful bursts with flavors that dance on your taste buds. The cake is moist, fluffy, and oh-so inviting, while the orange glaze adds a shiny coat that makes it look like a piece of art. Just one whiff of this delightful treat baking in your oven can transport you to a cozy holiday kitchen.

This cake is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for any day that ends with ‘y.’ Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a cozy Sunday brunch, or simply craving something sweet, this cake will make everyone’s day a little brighter. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll want to share it with friends—unless you decide to hide it behind the broccoli in the fridge.

Ingredients for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for the cake’s fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors in the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened before mixing!
• Eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to that lovely fluffiness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to your cake.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Tartness overload! Choose bright berries for best results.

For the Orange Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth texture for the glaze while adding sweetness.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Provides acidity and flavor that complements both cake and glaze.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan with nonstick spray or butter. You want your cake to slide out easier than your last Tinder date.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This dry mixture will serve as the foundation of our culinary masterpiece!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together softened butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy. It should look like clouds on a sunny day—fluffy but with no chance of rain!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well blended. The mixture will transform from yellowish lumps into a heavenly batter that smells amazing.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in cranberries—no need for roughhousing here; we want them intact!

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. When you open that oven door, be ready for an explosion of fragrant goodness!

Let cool before drizzling with orange glaze.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with glaze for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every crumb—it’s worth it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake batter while it warms up. Bake the cranberry cake first, then whip up the orange glaze as it cools for that perfect finishing touch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or even chopped apples. Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or lime for the glaze to give it your special flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cranberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, microwave individual slices briefly or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

I remember baking this cranberry cake for my sister’s birthday last year. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless—pure joy and a sprinkle of disbelief!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

To make Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze, you will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, fresh cranberries, orange juice, and baking powder. Additionally, for the glaze, you’ll require powdered sugar and orange zest. These ingredients come together to create a delightful cake that balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of the orange glaze. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time to ensure a smooth baking process.

How long does it take to bake Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

The baking time for your Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is approximately 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when fully baked. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps prevent the cake from breaking apart.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze recipe. However, it’s advisable to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. Frozen cranberries can be slightly softer than fresh ones, but they still provide that delicious tart flavor you desire in this cake. Adjusting baking time may be necessary when using frozen fruit.

How can I store leftover Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

Store leftover Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. For extended storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This allows you to enjoy the cake later while maintaining its rich flavor and moist texture.

Conclusion for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze:

Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors beautifully. With simple ingredients like fresh cranberries and a zesty orange glaze, this cake makes for an impressive treat on any occasion. Remember to allow adequate baking time and cooling before serving. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, this cake promises satisfaction in every bite!

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Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries with a sweet, zesty orange glaze, creating a moist and fluffy cake perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh orange juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully blended.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in cranberries.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before drizzling with orange glaze.
8. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider adding orange zest to the glaze. This recipe can be adapted by substituting cranberries with blueberries or diced apples.