Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful baked treat that perfectly captures the essence of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. With its bright orange flavor and tart bursts of cranberries, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. The tender crumb, combined with a sweet cinnamon swirl, makes every slice not only beautiful but also irresistibly delicious.
Gather Your Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Ingredients
To whip up this scrumptious cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 375 g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 10 g baking powder
- 7 g salt
- 340 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 200 g packed light or dark brown sugar
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 120 g full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 10 ml pure vanilla extract
- 120 ml milk, at room temperature
- 60 ml fresh orange juice
- 250 g fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
- 130 g packed light or dark brown sugar (for the swirl)
- 5 g ground cinnamon (for the swirl)
- 190 g confectioners’ sugar (for the icing)
- 45-60 ml fresh orange juice (for the icing)
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 25 cm Bundt pan thoroughly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and fresh orange zest until creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.
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Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then mix in the milk and fresh orange juice. Stir until just combined but be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the cranberries.
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Prepare the Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
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Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle the swirl mixture evenly over this layer, then cover with the remaining batter.
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Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 1 hour, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake just before serving.
The Best Way to Serve It
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. To elevate the experience, consider garnishing each slice with extra fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully with this cake’s rich flavors.
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and results in a better rise.
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Cranberry Options: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; just add them straight to the batter for delightful pockets of tartness.
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Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or swap some of the cranberries for dried cherries for a different flavor twist!
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
How do I store leftover cake?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for any gathering. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of this delightful cake with your loved ones!