Name: Moist Cranberry Orange Delight Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 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; 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened (for frosting); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); 1 tablespoon orange juice (for frosting); Optional Garnish: Fresh cranberries, orange slices or zest

Are you searching for a delightful and festive dessert to elevate your holiday gatherings? Look no further than this Moist Cranberry Orange Delight Cake! It perfectly combines the vibrant flavor of oranges with the sweet-tartness of cranberries, creating a treat that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. This cake is incredibly easy to make, so even novice bakers can impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for any occasion, this cake promises to be a show-stopper, ensuring your holiday table is both festive and delectable.

Imagine serving a beautiful cake that not only tastes heavenly but also fills your home with the inviting aroma of fresh oranges. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and a hint of citrus, making it an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a festive party, family gathering, or simply enjoying a piece with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Cake

Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty orange and tart cranberries delivers a refreshing burst of flavor that is perfect for the holidays.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, this cake is accessible for bakers of all skill levels, making it an easy holiday baking project.
Versatile: It can be served as a dessert, paired with coffee or tea, or enjoyed as a sweet snack.
Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices, this cake is as stunning visually as it is delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the layers in advance and frost them just before serving, making it a convenient choice for holiday entertaining.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this baking adventure, it’s imperative to prep your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare your batter. Make sure to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly; this step is crucial for preventing the cake from sticking.

Next, you will need basic baking tools, including mixing bowls, a whisk for combining ingredients, a spatula for folding in cranberries, and a hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar. A measuring cup and spoons are also essential for accurate ingredient measurement. Having everything at your fingertips will make the process swift and enjoyable, so take a moment to organize your workstation before you start baking.

Ingredients

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
1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tablespoon orange juice (for frosting)
Optional Garnish: Fresh cranberries, orange slices or zest

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

The first step in crafting this delicious cake is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take the time to properly prepare your cake pans by greasing and then dusting them with flour. This will help the cakes to slide out easily once baked, ensuring perfect round layers.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients evenly, as this will ensure that the leavening agents are well-distributed throughout the batter. Mixing dry ingredients separately gives your cake a consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is important as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender and airy cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Zest

Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then, stir in the freshly grated orange zest. This step enhances the cake with a fragrant citrus aroma that will make your kitchen smell delightful!

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine your wet and dry ingredients! Begin by adding about one-third of the dry mix to the butter and egg mixture, followed by half of the fresh orange juice and buttermilk. Alternate these additions, ensuring to start and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps maintain a light batter texture and prevents overmixing.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cranberries

Carefully fold the cranberries into your batter using a spatula. If you’re using frozen cranberries, dusting them with a tablespoon of flour beforehand helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Mix just until the berries are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.

Step 7: Bake the Layers

Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake your cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting them.

Variations

Protein: For a more substantial cake, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Incorporating grated carrots can introduce natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Spices: To enhance the flavor profile, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced touch.

Cooking Notes

Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming; leaving it out at room temperature for an hour before baking works well.
Fresh orange juice truly elevates the flavor—if available, opt for hand-squeezed juice over store-bought for the best results.
Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake; every oven is different, and overbaking can lead to dryness.
Chill the cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting during assembly.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Pair with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee to enhance the flavors during a relaxed gathering.

Tips

For an easy decorating tip, top the cake with sugared cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful and festive touch.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its moistness.
To freeze the cake, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
If looking for a lower-sugar option, consider using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar without compromising on taste.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 400 per slice
Protein: 5g per slice
Sodium: 250mg per slice

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost them just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes before using.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?

Tossing the cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps them stay suspended during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace regular flour with gluten-free flour. Just make sure to use a gluten-free blend that includes a leavening agent for the best results.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings festive joy and delightful flavors to your gatherings. Every slice offers a taste of the holiday spirit, with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning your baking journey, this recipe is simple enough to ensure success. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations or experiences, and be sure to comment below with your thoughts or any questions. Happy baking and enjoy your flavorful journey with this delightful cake!