Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a moist, flavorful cake that is perfect for festive gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Kiwiwell brought you a comprehensive recipe, tips for baking, and variations to make this cake your own.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
To create this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup (255g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup (224ml) vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup (115ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons (12g) orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (210g) fresh cranberries, roughly chopped and lightly tossed in flour
For the Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (12g) orange zest
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the buttermilk, sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Orange Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. For an extra festive touch, consider garnishing with sugared cranberries or small slices of fresh orange.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries provide a burst of flavor; however, if unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used—just do not thaw them before adding.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
You can customize this cake in several ways:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Chocolate Twist: Add white chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet contrast against the tart cranberries.
- Mini Bundts: Use a mini bundt pan to create individual servings that are perfect for parties or gifts.
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a stunning dessert that brings together festive flavors in a moist and delicious package. Whether served at holiday gatherings or enjoyed as an everyday treat, this cake is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and share it with friends and family for a delightful taste of seasonal cheer!
