Quick Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe: A Zesty Sweet Treat

Tucked between winter’s chill and holiday cheer, this cranberry orange bundt cake whispers comfort with every slice.

Orange zest dances through tender crumb, bringing bright citrus notes that sing.

Tart cranberries burst like little jewels throughout the cake, creating unexpected pockets of tangy delight.

Soft and moist, this dessert balances sweet and sharp flavors in perfect harmony.

Rich without being heavy, the cake feels like a warm embrace on a cold afternoon.

Delicate crackled edges promise a textural adventure that captures both rustic charm and elegant simplicity.

You’ll want to brew some tea and savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

FAQs On Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• What makes this cake uniquely flavorful?

The combination of fresh cranberries and bright orange zest creates a perfect balance of tart and sweet, giving the cake a vibrant, refreshing taste that sets it apart from traditional bundt cakes.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly in the recipe without thawing. Just toss them in a bit of flour to prevent sinking and ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake.

• How do I know if my bundt cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

• Why is it important to grease and flour the bundt pan so carefully?

Bundt pans have intricate designs that can cause cakes to stick. Thorough greasing and flouring ensures the cake will release smoothly, maintaining its beautiful shape and detailed pattern when unmolded.

Why Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe Is Bursting With Flavor

• Bake with Seasonal Delight: This cranberry orange bundt cake captures the vibrant flavors of winter, using fresh cranberries and zesty orange to create a festive dessert that brings holiday cheer to your table.
• Effortless Baking Triumph: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and standard kitchen tools, making it an approachable yet impressive dessert that looks professionally made.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this cake in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches that will wow everyone with minimal effort.
• Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Suitable for multiple occasions from Christmas parties to winter birthdays, this bundt cake serves as a beautiful and delicious centerpiece that feels both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients Needed For Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, provides structure and tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Sour Cream, Vegetable Oil: Ensure moisture and create a tender, soft cake texture.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and colorful texture throughout the cake.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Provides bright, citrusy notes that complement the cranberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.

• Powdered Sugar: Perfect for creating a light, sweet glaze to drizzle over the cake.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the cake.

How To Bake Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Generously grease the entire interior of a bundt pan, making sure to coat every curve and crevice. Dust the greased surface with flour, tapping out any excess to create a non-stick surface that will help your cake release perfectly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re thoroughly blended and any lumps are broken up.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and pale yellow, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest
• Orange juice

Mix until each addition is fully integrated and the batter looks smooth and consistent.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.

Step 7: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 8: Transfer to Bundt Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Prepare Orange Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the completely cooled cake for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.

Tips That Help With Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Coat the bundt pan with non-stick baking spray or butter and flour, ensuring every crevice is covered to guarantee a smooth cake release.
• Zest with Precision: Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor intensity, carefully scraping only the bright orange outer layer to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
• Cranberry Coating Trick: Lightly dust cranberries with flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking, distributing evenly throughout the cake.
• Moisture Maintenance: Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting, which helps prevent breaking and maintains the cake's delicate structure.
• Glaze Gently: Drizzle orange glaze while the cake is slightly warm to help it absorb more flavor and create a beautiful, glossy finish that complements the tart cranberries.

Smart Storage For Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• Wrap the cooled bundt cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it on a cake stand or covered container.
• Refrigerate for extended preservation, which can stretch the cake's life to 5-7 days – just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
• For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions in airtight freezer bags, where the cake will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Perfect Pairings For Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• Enhance Citrus Flavors with Beverage Pairing: Serve the cranberry orange bundt cake alongside a crisp, chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling white wine, which will complement the cake's bright citrus notes and cut through its rich sweetness.
• Create a Breakfast Delight: Pair this cake with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, its bergamot undertones beautifully matching the orange zest and providing a sophisticated morning treat.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Top a slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of orange sorbet to intensify the cake's fruity profile and add a luxurious, creamy contrast.
• Perfect Afternoon Companion: Enjoy the cake with a light, fresh-brewed orange-infused green tea that echoes the cake's citrusy essence and provides a refreshing counterpoint to its dense texture.

Twists To Try On Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

• Lemon Zest Cranberry Cake: Replace orange zest with fresh lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the cranberries and adds a citrusy punch.
• Almond Cranberry Bundt: Incorporate 1/2 cup ground almonds into the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch and rich texture.
• Spiced Winter Cranberry Cake: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to create a warm, cozy winter-inspired dessert with deep, comforting flavors.
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the bundt cake batter before baking for a rich, creamy element that contrasts with the tart cranberries.

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Moist and zesty cranberry orange bundt cake combines tangy fruit with sweet citrus in a perfectly balanced dessert. Winter gatherings become magical with this delightful cake that promises warmth and comfort in each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

Dry Components:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to coat cranberries)

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from ½ oranges)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare a bundt pan by generously coating the interior with butter and dusting with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent cake from adhering to the surface.
2. Sift together dry ingredients, creating a uniform mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt that will provide a smooth, consistent texture for the cake.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, which helps incorporate air and create a tender crumb.
4. Gradually introduce eggs into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, emulsified base.
5. Fold in orange zest and vanilla extract, allowing the citrus notes to distribute evenly throughout the batter and enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing and maintaining the cake’s delicate structure.
7. Carefully fold fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking or crushing the fruit.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface for uniform baking.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to complete cooling.
11. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the completely cooled cake for a final touch of sweetness and citrus flavor.

Notes

• Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch in every bite.
• Zest oranges right before mixing to capture maximum essential oils and brighten the cake’s citrusy profile.
• Sift dry ingredients together to eliminate potential flour lumps and ensure a smoother, more consistent cake texture.
• Fold cranberries gently into batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance throughout the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 362
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg