Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with bright, zesty orange flavor and sweet-tart cranberries all wrapped up in a tender, moist cake, you’re in for a treat. This Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake, especially around the holidays or for a special weekend brunch. The cream cheese frosting is silky and tangy, perfectly complementing the fruity layers, and I promise you’ll find this cake irresistible from the very first bite. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your cake turns out fabulous every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake uses simple pantry staples you probably already have, plus fresh oranges and cranberries that really elevate the flavor. Using fresh, room temperature ingredients will give you the best results, and a touch of orange zest throughout keeps the flavor vibrant.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your cake; I like to use unbleached for a nice crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps your cake rise just right without being too dense.
• Salt: Always important to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Orange zest: This is where the magic happens—fresh zest brings a wonderful aroma and flavor punch.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the citrus.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs build structure and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the flavors.
• Milk: Use whole milk at room temperature to keep the crumb tender.
• Fresh orange juice: Fresh-squeezed, never bottled, for the brightest taste I’ve found.
• Cranberries: Tossed in a little flour so they don’t sink to the bottom and you get a nice even distribution.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting; softened fully for that lush, creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess, giving you a smooth finish.
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices: Optional garnishes that make your cake look extra special.
• Thyme sprigs: A little unexpected herb for garnish that pairs beautifully with citrus, if you’re feeling fancy!

Variations

I love how versatile this Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is. You can tweak it based on what you have or your personal taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment a little—you might find a version you love even more!

• Nutty twist: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a satisfying crunch—I’ve done this for a cozy fall gathering and my family went crazy for it.
• Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just double-check your baking powder is gluten-free. It’s surprisingly good!
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with vegan butter, use flax eggs in place of real eggs, and swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese. It’s a bit of a project but totally doable.
• Spice addition: Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice note that complements the cranberries beautifully in winter months.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and zest your oranges

Start by washing your oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt since you’ll be zesting them. Use a fine grater or microplane to zest one large orange and set aside. Then juice the orange—fresh squeezed juice is a game-changer here. I always find that zesting first prevents any unwanted bitterness from creeping into your cake batter. Trust me, this simple step brightens everything up!

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients together

In a medium bowl, whisk your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and a tablespoon of flour reserved for the cranberries. This is where I learned a little trick: tossing cranberries in flour before folding into the batter prevents them from sinking to the pan’s bottom—a classic baking challenge you’ll want to avoid.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar with orange zest

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and orange zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is critical because it incorporates air for a lighter cake, so don’t rush it! You’ll notice a lovely aroma starting to fill your kitchen—that’s the orange oil working its magic.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs should be at room temperature to mix evenly without curdling. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix to combine. This gives the cake its rich body and keeps it from being dry.

Step 5: Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquids

Now, with your mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture with the milk and orange juice. Start and finish with flour. This alternating process keeps the batter smooth and light. Blend each addition just until incorporated; over-mixing can make the cake tough, and I’ve definitely learned to watch this closely!

Step 6: Fold in cranberries gently

Using a spatula, fold the floured cranberries into the batter slowly to keep the berries intact. Their color will brighten the cake beautifully and bring that lovely tart pop in every bite.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely—this is key before frosting or the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide off.

Step 8: Make the cream cheese frosting

Beat together room temperature unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, and orange zest until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until your frosting reaches your desired sweetness and thickness. Beat in vanilla extract last. This frosting is rich but light, and the hint of orange zest ties it all together perfectly.

Step 9: Frost and decorate

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an extra-special touch, garnish with fresh cranberries, thin orange slices, and a few thyme sprigs if you like that fresh, herbal note. I love how it looks—it’s almost too pretty to eat (but not quite!).

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like using fresh cranberries and thinly sliced orange rounds to garnish this cake—they add a lovely pop of color and a delightful fresh fragrance. Sometimes, I add sprigs of fresh thyme for a subtle herbal touch that keeps things interesting visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This cake is the perfect companion to a warm cup of spiced chai or fresh coffee. For brunch, I often serve it alongside a light fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait with honey and granola to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special celebrations, I’ve layered this cake with a little extra frosting between layers and topped it with sugared cranberries for sparkle. You can even cut individual mini cakes and decorate each one for a fancy look that wows guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake covered tightly in the fridge—it keeps the frosting firm and the cake moist for about 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When I want a treat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy as if freshly baked.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a slice, I recommend a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the cake without melting the frosting too much, preserving that lovely creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe quickly became my go-to whenever I want to impress without stress. Its flavor combo always gets rave reviews, and I love sharing it with friends who keep asking for the recipe. Whether it’s for a holiday dessert or just a weekend indulgence, give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with cozy, citrusy warmth and your table with smiles!

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