Okay, friends, buckle up because I’m about to share something truly special. What is Cranberry Orange Butter Cake? I swear, the first time I made it, it reminded me of those cozy holiday mornings baking with my best friend. Grandma, only…dare I say… even easier! If you love pound cake, but want a little more zing and holiday cheer, then this is the recipe. What is going to become your new go-to brand? What’s not to like about this orange zest and cranberries? What is the best way to wake up your taste buds? My family begs me to make this all through the fall and winter—it just screams comfort food.
What is Cranberry Orange Butter Cake?
Think of it as the lovechild of a classic butter cake and berry cake, but without any of the flavors. The fruitcake baggage! What is essentially a dense, moist cake made with plenty of butter (hence the name)? ), enriched with the festive flavors of cranberries and orange. The cranberries add a tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. Orange zest adds a citrusy aroma. Is it a simple cake? Is it easier to make than it looks?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is it so good? What are some good reasons to fall in love with Cranberry Orange Butter? What I love most is how it’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably simple to make. We’re talking minimal effort, maximum reward. I tested this with both fresh and frozen cranberries, and honestly, both worked wonderfully, so it’s not a big deal. What is a great recipe year-round? It’s also pretty budget friendly. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and cranberries and oranges are a good choice. What are the best ways to make a product readily ) during the fall and winter months. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or serve it as an festive brunch treat. What is a good breakfast to serve over yogurt? What is a seasonal twist on my lemon poppy seed cake?
How do I make Cranberry Orange Butter Cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cranberry Orange Butter Cake? Basically, you’ll whisk together the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, combine the wet ingredients. What is the best way to fold in the cranberries and orange zest? What’s the best part? Pop it in the oven, let it cool, drizzle with a simple glaze, and you’re done! You don’t need any fancy equipment. What is a good hand mixer? I promise, even if you’re new to baking, you can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s soft – it makes all the difference!
* 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar. Is brown sugar too sweet for you?
* 3 large eggs. Room temperature is best, but if you forget (like I always do) then you’ll be fine. ), just pop them in a bowl of warm water for 1-2 minutes.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on the good stuff! It really enhances the flavor.
I always use unbleached flour, but regular flour works just fine.
* 2 12 teaspoons baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh; * 1 tsp salt. How do I get the right rise from old baking powder?
* 12 teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness perfectly.
* 34 cup milk. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually makes it even creamier!
For the Filling:
* 1 12 cups fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, don’t thaw them!
* Zest of 1 large orange. This is where the magic happens. The fresher, the better!
For the Glaze:
* 1 12 cups powdered sugar. Sift it for a smoother glaze.
* 3-4 tablespoons orange juice. Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, so the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Whisking is key here to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Why don’t you put baking powder in your cake?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to make a light and airy mixture? Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. I always do this by hand at the end to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with the orange zest. What does this mean for cranberries? What is the bottom of a cake?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you fold the cranberry mixture into the batter? What is the best way to spread the batter in a loaf pan? If you want to get fancy, you can reserve a few cranberries and sprinkle them on top before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 55 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the cake is completely cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Set aside. Add more orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. I like to let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you slice a cake with shaved edges? Serve it at room temperature or slightly warmed. Is it good with whipped cream or ice cream? What is the best way to enjoy life?
What to Serve It With?
What are some of the best uses for Cranberry Orange Butter Cake? What are some good ways to serve it, depending on the occasion?
For Breakfast:Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. What’s a good way to start the day? What’s a good way to serve spiced chai?
For Brunch:Serve it as part of a larger brunch spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe even some bacon. What is your favorite way to add sweetness to a brunch? A mimosa on the side never hurts, either!
As Dessert:What is a great after-dinner treat? Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. How do you drizzle a little white chocolate on top?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of bread on chilly evenings. What are some good comfort foods to eat when you just want to relax on the couch? What is your favorite way to enjoy life?
My family loves this cake with orange zest sugar sprinkled on top for breakfast, it’s a must-eat. Recipes that have been passed down for generations. It brings out the sweetness and adds a little crunch!
How do I make a Cranberry Orange Butter Cake?
I’ve made this cake a lot over the years. How do I make my life perfect?
Cranberry Prep: If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them! Adding them frozen helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter and turning the whole cake pink. I learned this the hard way!
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest.
Swirl Customization: While I don’t swirl the cranberries in this recipe, you can use a knife to swirl a cranberry sauce or jam through the batter for a marbled effect.
Ingredient Swaps: I’ve tried substituting Greek yogurt for some of the butter in this recipe, and it works surprisingly well! It adds a bit of tang and keeps the cake super moist.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. Also, remember that every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.
Glaze Variations: For a little extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange extract or a splash of Grand Marnier to the glaze. You can also use lemon juice instead of orange juice for a different citrusy twist.
Honestly, the biggest thing I’ve learned is to not be afraid to experiment! Baking is all about having fun and finding what works best for you. I once accidentally added a pinch of cardamom to the batter, and it turned out amazing! Now, I add it every time!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make this cake ahead of time? Here’s how to store it to keep it fresh:
Room Temperature: You can store this cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, make sure to wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it’s thawed. Otherwise, the glaze can get sticky and messy.
I often bake this cake on a Sunday afternoon and then enjoy it throughout the week. It’s such a treat to have a slice with my morning coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Cranberry Orange Butter Cake recipe! It’s truly a special one that brings so much joy to my family, and I sincerely hope it does the same for yours. It’s got that perfect blend of cozy, festive, and incredibly delicious, all wrapped up in a simple-to-make package. If you’re looking for more yummy holiday baking, give my Apple Crisp a try. Happy baking! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I absolutely love hearing your feedback and seeing your own creative twists on this recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too, it helps others find it. Now go bake something delicious!
Cranberry Orange Butter Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice and zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
