I first had the idea for this cake after thinking about how often cranberries end up being used only as a topping or mixed into a sauce. I wanted to give them a bigger role in a simple homemade loaf, and orange seemed like the obvious match.

Once the fresh orange juice and zest went into the batter, the whole cake started to come together around that sweet and tart combination. The finished loaf has soft slices with little pieces of tart cranberry throughout and a fresh orange flavor that comes through without being too strong.

The cinnamon and nutmeg sit quietly in the background and give the batter a little extra depth. If you enjoy fruit-based baking, Orange Cranberry Muffins and Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are two more to try.

Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe

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This cranberry orange cake combines fresh orange juice and zest with chopped cranberries and a lightly spiced batter. Baked in a loaf pan, the cake has a soft texture with tart cranberry pieces and fresh citrus flavor in every slice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 Slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1½ cups fresh cranberries coarsely chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup butter softened
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Hand Mixer
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus zester or fine grater
• Loaf pan
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Add the softened butter to a large mixing bowl.
   
2. Add the granulated sugar to the butter.
   
3. Add the plain yogurt.
   
4. Add the freshly grated orange zest.
   
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
   
6. Pour in the fresh orange juice, egg and beat everything together until smooth and creamy.
   
7. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
8. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
   
9. Fold in the coarsely chopped fresh cranberries until evenly distributed through the batter.
   
10. Transfer the batter to a prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    
12. Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan.
    
13. Slice and serve.
    

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSodium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28g

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The mix of tart cranberries and fresh orange gives this loaf a flavor combination that is easy to come back to throughout the year. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg stay in the background, while the fruit remains the main focus of each slice. It is a straightforward cake to make when you want something different from a plain loaf but still want to keep the ingredients and method simple.

Vamsi

I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.