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–+ servings
Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake

Enjoy the delightful Cranberry Orange Cake, a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, ideal for any holiday gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Swap with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder Acts as a leavening agent.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter At room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Fresh zest is best.
  • 1 cups Granulated Sugar Sugar alternative can be used.
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature eggs mix better.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use a quality extract.
  • 0.5 cups Milk Plant-based milk can replace it.
  • 0.5 cups Fresh Orange Juice Fresh-squeezed juice is ideal.
  • 1.5 cups Cranberries Frozen can be used, coat in flour.
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Ensure it's softened.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Enhances the frosting's flavor.
For Garnish
  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Orange Slices
  • Thyme Sprigs

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • parchment paper
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Baking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Cream together 0.5 cups of unsalted butter and the zest of one orange until fluffy.
  4. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, then add 2 eggs one at a time and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately mix in the flour mixture and 0.5 cups of milk and 0.5 cups of orange juice.
  6. Fold 1.5 cups of cranberries into the batter.
  7. Distribute the batter evenly into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  8. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  9. Beat 8 ounces of cream cheese and zest until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
  10. Assemble the cake by layering and frosting with cream cheese frosting.
  11. Chill for 20 minutes, then frost the final layer.
  12. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and thyme sprigs before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better results. Freeze layers for make-ahead convenience.

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