Delightful Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe

Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is like a holiday party in your mouth, a vibrant explosion of tart sweetness and citrusy brightness that can make even the Grinch break into a jig. Just imagine slicing into this moist cake, the rich aroma of cranberries melding with the zesty orange glaze wafting through your kitchen like a hug from Grandma. You can practically taste the joy radiating from every crumb, making it a perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering—or even for that Tuesday night when you need a little pick-me-up.

Growing up, I had a neighbor who made the best cranberry cake. Her secret? A sprinkle of love and an orange glaze that could rival sunshine itself. Every time I stepped into her kitchen, I felt like I was entering Willy Wonka’s factory—only instead of chocolate rivers, there were cranberry lakes and orange tree orchards everywhere! Now, as an adult, I’ve tried to channel that same magical experience with my own version of Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze. Trust me; once you bake this beauty, you’ll be ready to throw confetti into the air!

Ingredients for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is your cake’s backbone, providing structure and texture. Make sure to sift it for lightness.
• Granulated Sugar: The sweet magic that balances out the tartness of cranberries and adds moisture to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Essential for making your cake rise and giving it that airy feel we all crave.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and helps everything come together beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming; it adds richness and moisture to your cake.
• Eggs: These bind all ingredients together while helping your cake achieve perfect fluffiness.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh will give you that tart zing; frozen works just as well if you’re in a pinch.
• Orange Zest: A burst of citrusy goodness that elevates every bite and pairs perfectly with cranberries.

For the Orange Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: The base for your glaze that gives it that silky smooth texture we all love drizzling over desserts.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds both sweetness and tang to the glaze—essential for achieving that bright flavor!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab an appropriate-sized baking pan (9×13 inches works great) and grease it lightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until combined. This is where you’ll set the foundation for your amazing cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs

In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition—this ensures those eggs get incorporated properly!

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk (or orange juice if you’re feeling adventurous). Stir in cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Your Glaze

While your cake cools slightly, prepare the orange glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake before serving—it’s like icing on the proverbial cake!

Transfer slices onto plates and relish every bite of this delightful Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the dry ingredients. Prepare the cranberry mixture next, then cream the butter and sugar before combining everything. Bake until golden brown, and drizzle the orange glaze as soon as it cools slightly for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add toasted nuts for extra crunch. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter, or use lemon instead of orange for a different citrus twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cranberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of holiday gatherings when my aunt would serve this delightful cranberry cake. Everyone would fight over the last slice, and I learned that good food truly does bring people together!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

To make a delicious Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. For the orange glaze, gather powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice. These ingredients combine to create a moist cake bursting with tart cranberry flavor and a sweet citrusy glaze that perfectly complements it.

How long does it take to bake Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

Baking the Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cake pan. Always perform the toothpick test; insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh for this recipe?

While fresh cranberries are preferred for their tartness and moisture content in Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze, you can use dried cranberries as a substitute. Just remember to soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter. This step will help plump them up and enhance their flavor, ensuring your cake remains moist and delicious.

How should I store leftover Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze?

Store any leftover Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. To maintain its freshness, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them in the fridge. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just make sure it’s well wrapped.

Conclusion for Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze:

In summary, this delightful Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is an excellent choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a moist cake that bursts with flavor. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether enjoyed fresh or saved for later, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table!

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Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cranberry Cake with Orange Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a sweet citrus glaze, making it perfect for any festive occasion or cozy gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk or orange juice. Stir in cranberries and orange zest until evenly combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter. - If desired, replace cranberries with blueberries for a different flavor twist.