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Cranberry Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Cake combines tart fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavors into a moist, tender cake perfect for any festive occasion. The cake is infused with orange juice and zest, enhanced by a rich sour cream base, and crowned with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect creamy tang and sweetness balance.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 3/4 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Canola Oil
  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (preferably full-fat)
  • 1–2 teaspoons Orange Zest
  • 1 1/2 cups Fresh Cranberries (cut in half)

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 cup Butter (softened)
  • 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the granulated sugar ensuring everything is well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, fresh orange juice, eggs, sour cream, and orange zest until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Add Cranberries: Carefully fold in the halved fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the orange zest and fresh orange juice. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the orange cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh cranberries and cut them in half to release their flavor and prevent sinking.
  • You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil if preferred.
  • If fresh orange juice is not available, freshly squeezed juice is recommended over bottled for vibrant flavor.
  • The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For an extra decorative touch, garnish the frosted cake with whole cranberries or orange slices.

Keywords: cranberry orange cake, cranberry cake, orange cream cheese frosting, holiday cake, moist cranberry cake

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/cranberry-orange-cake-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/