Delicious Fluffy Cranberry Orange Cake Easy Zesty Recipe

There’s something truly magical about waking up to a house that smells like a blend of citrus and warm spices. It’s like an early morning hug! I remember one cozy December morning, the sun pivoting lazily through the kitchen window while I whipped up something new for brunch—a Fluffy Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake that instantly became my family’s winter favorite. With each slice, you’re greeted not only with a burst of zesty orange but also the lovely tartness of cranberries. It’s sweet, it’s fluffy, and it’s the perfect way to start a chilly day!

So, grab your apron, and let’s make this delightful breakfast cake that’s not just easy, but also a treat for your taste buds. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on adding this gem to your morning routine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy mornings!
• Bright flavors that celebrate the joy of citrus and cranberries.
• Tender, fluffy cake that feels indulgent but is light enough for breakfast.
• Great for holiday gatherings, brunches, or just because you deserve a treat!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the mixing bowl, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll find everything you need right here!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (do NOT use melted butter; we want that light texture!)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for an extra tang)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if using frozen)
• Zest of 1 large orange (be generous with this for that zing!)
• Juice of 1 large orange (about ⅓ to ½ cup)
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Tip: Fresh cranberries have that tart punch, but dried cranberries work too; just soak them in warm water for a bit to plump them up!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’re all set with our ingredients, let’s get this cake in the oven!

1. Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will ensure all those leavening agents are evenly distributed!
3. Beat the butter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. It should look light and fluffy—this is the foundation for our luscious cake.
4. Add eggs and flavors: Add the eggs to the butter one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until everything is well blended.
5. Incorporate dry with wet: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mix, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry—this helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to crush them. You want those little bursts of tartness throughout the cake!
7. Pour and bake: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing, if you like.

Remember, the aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen—so be ready to share!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun twists you can try while keeping the essence of this Fluffy Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake intact!

• Spices: Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor boost.
• Nutty touch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Berry overload: Swap half of the cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for an exciting flavor medley.
• Make it a loaf: For a pretty presentation, pour the batter into two loaf pans and bake for about the same time. Perfect for gifting!

These little tweaks allow you to personalize the recipe! I love hearing how people make this cake their own, so don’t hesitate to get creative.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Imagine sinking your fork into that fluffy cake, the tart cranberries bursting against the sweet orange background. You could serve it as a delightful centerpiece for brunch, or pair it with some yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast. It also makes for a lovely afternoon snack, especially when you’re cozied up with a good book!

Feeling fancy? Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of orange zest for a little touch of elegance. Ah, perfection!

Storage Tips

Now, if you somehow have leftovers (doubtful, but just in case!), here’s how to keep your cake fresh and delicious:

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries will work perfectly fine without thawing them. Just toss them right into the batter!

Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can! A 1:1 gluten-free flour mix should work well. Just make sure it has xanthan gum if needed—this helps with the texture!

What if I don’t have orange juice?

No worries! You can substitute with apple juice or even a splash of milk combined with a bit more zest for flavor. The essence of the cake will still shine!

How can I tell when my cake is done baking?

The best test is the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes and check again!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited about making this Fluffy Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake as I am! It truly is a slice of sunshine and joy on a plate. Let me know in the comments how your cake turns out and if you discovered any fun variations. Happy baking, and may your mornings be filled with warmth and deliciousness!

Delicious Fluffy Cranberry Orange Cake Easy Zesty Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Bake a fluffy cranberry orange cake Enjoy this easy sweet and zesty recipe for a delightful breakfast treat thats perfect for any occasion

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

Juice of 1 large orange

Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

Add the eggs to the butter one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, alternating with the milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the cranberries.

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 200 calories
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 32 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 2 grams

Keywords: breakfast cake, cranberry orange cake, holiday dessert, easy cake recipe