Festive Orange Cranberry Cake
Prep Time:
25 Minutes
Cook Time:
30 Minutes
Serves:
8 Servings
Level:
Intermediate
About the Recipe
This Festive Spiced Cranberry Orange Cake is a perfect centerpiece for any holiday celebration. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries, this moist and fluffy cake is infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy seasonal touch. The rich, tangy orange cream cheese frosting adds a luscious balance, while a garnish of sugared cranberries and orange zest makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with a warm drink by the fire, this cake brings a taste of festive cheer to every bite!
Tips & Variations
• Make it extra moist: Brush each cake layer with a light orange syrup (equal parts orange juice and sugar simmered until slightly thickened).
• Make it nutty: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Turn it into cupcakes: Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Garnish with sugared cranberries, orange zest curls, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch!