Elevate your dessert experience with the delightful harmony of tart cranberries and zesty orange in our Cranberry Orange Cake. This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion. With a burst of citrusy goodness and the bright pop of cranberries, this cake is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Orange Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup orange juice
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Orange Zest:
- Fold in the orange zest, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
For the Cranberry Orange Topping:
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix well.
- Top the Cake:
- Spread the cranberry mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the Orange Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle Glaze:
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional orange zest for a decorative touch.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve and savor the delightful combination of citrusy sweetness.
Cranberry Orange Cake is a dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange, so indulge your senses with its vibrant flavors. This cake is a delightful way to celebrate the harmonious union of citrus and berries, with a moist and tender crumb. Enjoy a slice with those you care about and bask in the happiness this delightful creation brings. 🍊🍰🍒✨