If there’s one dessert that I could eat any time of the year, it’s this Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling. After making this Orange Cake With Cranberry Filling Recipe myself last weekend, I knew I had to share how beautifully the tangy cranberry filling complements the citrusy sweetness of the orange cake.
The moist and fluffy texture, combined with the vibrant pop of tart cranberries, makes this cake not only a treat for the tastebuds but also a feast for the eyes. The process was surprisingly straightforward, and the result? An absolute showstopper that had everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Whether you’re looking to impress a group or simply indulge in a homemade dessert, this cake checks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try a slice, it’ll become a staple for any celebration or cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cake stands out for all the right reasons. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it too.
It’s Easy to Make
Despite its impressive looks, this recipe is simple to prepare. You don’t need fancy skills or equipment. By following a few basic steps, you’ll be able to create a fluffy orange cake and luscious cranberry filling with ease, making it perfect even for beginners.
The Flavor Combination is Divine
Citrus and berries are a match made in heaven. The zesty orange flavor pairs beautifully with the vibrant tartness of the cranberries, creating a dessert that is rich, balanced, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday celebration, or a casual family treat, this cake fits any occasion. It’s elegant enough to be a centerpiece on special days yet simple and comforting for everyday enjoyment.
Highly Customizable
This recipe is versatile! You can tweak the flavors, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or even change the decoration. From sugar-free and dairy-free options to adding nuts or using different fruits, it allows room for creativity.
Cooking Time
Here’s the time you’ll need to prepare and bake this cake:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
To make this delicious treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized fresh oranges (juice and zest)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- ½ cup water (for filling)
Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are some great alternatives and add-ins to try:
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Lower-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute or natural sweetener in both the cake and cranberry filling.
- Citrus Twist: Replace oranges with lemons or limes for a tart variation.
- Add Texture: Mix in chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added crunch.
Equipment You Need
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Hand Mixer or Whisk: To blend butter and sugar until creamy.
- Cake Pans: To bake the cake layers evenly.
- Saucepan: For cooking the cranberry filling.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the filling and cake batter.
How to Make Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling?
Let’s dive into a sweet and zesty delight—here’s how to make a delicious Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling!
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter 🍊
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your cake pans. Then, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in one bowl. Cream the butter and sugar in another until fluffy, and beat in the eggs one at a time. Add orange juice and zest, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Filling 🍒
Place cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture turns thick like jam. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake 🎂
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Once your cakes are golden brown and pass the toothpick test, allow them to cool completely. Spread a generous layer of cranberry filling over one cake layer, then stack the other on top.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve 🌟
Sprinkle the top with orange zest or fresh cranberries for a festive touch. You can dust it with powdered sugar for added flair. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cool the Filling: Make sure the cranberry filling is completely cooled before layering it between the cakes.
How to Serve Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling?
This cake shines when served as a centerpiece dessert. Garnish the top with a drizzle of orange glaze or whipped cream for added elegance. Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of tea for the ultimate treat. If you’re preparing it for a party, small individual slices look wonderful on decorative plates.
Nutritional Information
Each slice (approx.) contains the following:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 14g
It’s a flavorful indulgence without being overwhelming!
Make Ahead and Storage
Making this cake ahead is a breeze and ensures you’re stress-free on the day of serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers (unassembled) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and thaw at room temperature when ready to use.
With a little planning, you’ll have a fresh dessert ready to impress anytime!
Mastering this Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling recipe is a wonderfully rewarding experience. The combination of zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors will brighten any occasion, leaving you with happy guests and a very satisfied sweet tooth 😊. Give it a try and enjoy one of the most delightful cakes you’ll ever make!
For more info and a visual guide, this video has it all:
Orange Cake With Cranberry Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized fresh oranges juice and zest
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar for filling
- ½ cup water for filling
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your cake pans. Then, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in one bowl. Cream the butter and sugar in another until fluffy, and beat in the eggs one at a time. Add orange juice and zest, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Place cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture turns thick like jam. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Once your cakes are golden brown and pass the toothpick test, allow them to cool completely. Spread a generous layer of cranberry filling over one cake layer, then stack the other on top.
- Sprinkle the top with orange zest or fresh cranberries for a festive touch. You can dust it with powdered sugar for added flair. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cool the Filling: Make sure the cranberry filling is completely cooled before layering it between the cakes.
