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Cranberry Orange Cake

Moist Cranberry Orange Cake with Creamy Frosting Delight

This Cranberry Orange Cake combines tart cranberries with zesty orange, topped with a creamy frosting, making it perfect for any festive occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free option available
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder ensure fresh for best rise
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest fresh for maximum taste
  • 2 cups granulated sugar coconut sugar can be used
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can substitute almond extract
  • 1 cup milk whole or non-dairy alternative
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice fresh-squeezed is best
  • 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen, tossed in flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese full-fat for best texture
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • 8-inch Cake Pans
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer, cream butter and orange zest until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time and blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk with fresh orange juice, mixing gently until just combined.
  6. Toss cranberries in 1 tablespoon of flour and then fold them into the batter.
  7. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Beat butter and orange zest for frosting until creamy. Add cream cheese, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
  10. Assemble the cake, spreading frosting between layers and on top and sides.
  11. Decorate with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and thyme sprigs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and avoid overmixing to maintain light texture.

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