Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

12 servings
This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a moist and tender dessert bursting with fragrant orange zest and studded with fresh cranberries. Topped with a sweet, tangy orange glaze and sugared cranberries, this elegant yet easy cake is perfect for any holiday gathering. The recipe requires no mixer, making it accessible for all skill levels while delivering impressive results.

Ingredients

  • milk
    ½ c
  • lemon juice
    2 tsp
  • egg
    1 large
  • canola or vegetable oil
    ½ c
  • granulated sugar
    ½ c
  • light brown sugar

    packed

    ½ c
  • orange zest

    from about 1 large orange

    1 tbsp
  • squeezed orange juice

    from about 1 large orange

    ⅓ c
  • vanilla extract
    2 tsp
  • all-purpose flour
    2 ¼ c
  • baking soda
    1 tsp
  • baking powder
    ½ tsp
  • salt (or
    ½ tsp
  • fresh cranberries
    2 c
  • confectioners’ sugar

    sifted

    2 c
  • About 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • water
    ¼ c
  • granulated sugar
    ¾ c
  • fresh cranberries
    1 ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    In a mixing bowl, combine the milk (or buttermilk if using), lemon juice (omit if using buttermilk), large egg, canola or vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated to create a flavorful and moist base for the cake batter.

  2. 2

    Stir in the orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. These ingredients enhance the cake with bright citrus notes and rich vanilla aroma, ensuring a delicious depth of flavor.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents lumps, contributing to a light, airy crumb.

  4. 4

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Then fold in the 2 cups of fresh cranberries evenly throughout the batter, imparting bursts of tartness in every bite.

  5. 5

    Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

  6. 6

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake on the center rack for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

  7. 7

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the glaze from melting and keeps the cake’s texture perfect.

  8. 8

    In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely to create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries until they are coated. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack to dry and become slightly crystallized, about 30 minutes.

  9. 9

    In a bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar with about 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary.

  10. 10

    Drizzle the orange glaze over the completely cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Decorate the top with the sugared cranberries for a festive, elegant finish that adds texture and cheerful color.

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

12 servings417 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in Our Easy Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake for a Festive Treat

Looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make? Our Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is the answer! This stunning Festive Cake perfectly captures the flavors of the season, blending bright, fragrant orange zest with the delightful tartness of fresh cranberries. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity – no mixer required! You'll achieve a beautifully moist and tender cake with minimal effort, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.

Every bite of this Orange Bundt Cake offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy. The cake itself is infused with orange juice and zest, creating an aromatic base that complements the juicy burst of cranberries throughout. It's then crowned with a vibrant orange glaze that drizzles down its elegant fluted edges, and adorned with sparkling sugared cranberries for an extra touch of festive charm. This isn't just a dessert; it's a centerpiece.

Tips for a Perfect Bundt:

  • Greasing is Key: Always thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan to ensure easy release. Don't skip the nooks and crannies!
  • Don't Overmix: Gently fold in the cranberries to keep them intact and prevent overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough cake.
  • Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients, especially when making this for a Christmas gathering.

Serve slices of this delightful Easy Bundt Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as the grand finale to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It's sure to impress your guests and become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions