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Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe - Easy Holiday Dessert

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert

Description

Hello, baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to create a show-stopping dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious? This Moist Cranberry Orange Delight Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or any special gathering. Packed with the zesty tang of orange and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, this cake promises to become your new favorite treat. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Orange slices or zest

Substitutions:

  • Replace buttermilk with a mix of ½ cup milk and 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Zest

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest for a burst of citrus aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with orange juice and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This prevents overmixing and keeps the batter light.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula, ensuring even distribution. If using frozen cranberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.

Step 7: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the citrus flavor.
  • Chill Before Frosting: Cool the cakes completely to avoid melting the frosting.
  • Add a Pop of Color: Use sugared cranberries or candied orange peels as garnishes.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/cranberry-orange-cake-recipe-easy-holiday-dessert/