Best Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe for Festive Joy

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something utterly nostalgic about the aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with zesty orange peel, especially as the holidays approach. I stumbled upon this Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake recipe while searching for a festive treat that’s both bright and comforting—perfect for those cozy winter afternoons. What makes this cake truly special is its balance of tart and sweet, with the juicy cranberries bursting through tender crumb and the citrus notes lifting every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug, this cake promises to please. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make, so even after a busy day, you can have something festive and fresh waiting on your table.

Why choose Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake?

Festive Flavor Explosion: This cake beautifully blends tart cranberries with bright orange zest for a refreshing holiday treat. Easy to Make: Simple steps mean even busy bakers can whip it up quickly. Perfect Texture: Moist crumb with juicy burst—comfort in every bite. Versatile Serving: Great for breakfast, dessert, or gift-giving. Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to all ages, sure to spark festive joy!

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

All-purpose flour – Provides a tender base; sift for lighter crumb.
Granulated sugar – Balances tartness with sweetness perfectly.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness; softened for easy mixing.
Large eggs – Bind ingredients and contribute to structure.
Fresh orange zest – Delivers bright citrus notes vital to the Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake.
Fresh orange juice – Adds natural moisture and tangy flavor.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the citrus and cranberry flavors.

For the Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries – Provides that signature tart burst; no need to thaw if using frozen.
Orange marmalade (optional) – Brush over warm cake for a shiny glaze and extra orange zing.

For the Optional Glaze

Powdered sugar – Sweetens without overpowering; perfect for drizzling.
Fresh orange juice – Thins glaze naturally while boosting citrus flavor.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in middle. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan, then dust with flour or line with parchment paper for easy release.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until pale yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute per egg.
Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended and light in color.
Combine mixtures: alternate adding dry ingredients and fresh orange juice to the butter-sugar-egg bowl, beginning and ending with flour. Stir gently just until no streaks remain.
Fold in zest and cranberries by gently mixing fresh orange zest and whole cranberries into batter, ensuring even red bursts throughout for vibrant color and flavor in each moist bite.
Bake cake: transfer batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cake: allow it to rest in pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around edges and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

For the Glaze:

Whisk glaze: combine powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a bowl until smooth, thick but pourable, adding juice sparingly to reach desired consistency.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake, letting it pool and drip naturally down the sides for a glossy, citrus-kissed finish that brightens every slice.

Optional: Brush warm cake with orange marmalade for extra shine and tang.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cranberry Orange Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as instructed and store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Additionally, you can bake the cake up to 3 days ahead of your gathering; just cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring it stays moist. When you’re ready to serve, simply drizzle with the glaze and enjoy a delicious, festive treat that feels homemade and fresh, even on your busiest nights!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Fridge: Keep the cake covered or wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to a week. This helps preserve the moist texture and vibrant taste of your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices or the whole cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: To refresh the cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring a delightful experience with each bite.

What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake?

Indulging in this delightful cake is only the beginning—create a vibrant holiday feast full of warmth and cheer!

Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cake. It feels like a soft cloud on your tongue, making each bite extra special.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm cup of rich hot cocoa; its chocolatey depths balance the fruity brightness beautifully. Perfect for snowy winter days spent indoors!
Candied Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, these pecans provide a delightful textural contrast to the moist cake. A handful beside each slice will add an inviting crunch that guests will love.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting vanilla ice cream brings a cool sweetness that complements the cake’s citrus notes. The creamy richness will have everyone asking for seconds!
Cranberry Sauce: Enhance the tartness with a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce; its vibrant flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake, adding a festive touch.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider infuses your gathering with holiday spirit, creating cozy aromas that harmonize with the cake’s festive flavors. Perfect for sipping during a joyful winter evening.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses balances the cake’s sweetness while adding savory depth—create a beautiful cheese board for an elegant touch to your celebration.
Festive Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits such as pomegranates, oranges, and apples brightens the plate with color and freshness, perfectly offsetting the richness of the cake.

Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake

Feel free to play around with this festive recipe to match your preferences and pantry staples!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful cake everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative in place of unsalted butter, and consider unsweetened almond milk as an egg substitute.
Sweetness Boost: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper flavor and a hint of caramel.
Cranberry Twist: Add a mix of dried fruits like raisins or chopped figs for added sweetness and a unique texture that still sings holiday cheer.
Spice It Up: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter to infuse a cozy holiday aroma that warms the heart.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the moist cake.
Zesty Limoncello: For an adult twist, brush the cake with limoncello syrup instead of orange juice for a zesty citrus kick that amplifies festivity.
Fruity Variation: Swap cranberries for fresh raspberries or cherries for a different tangy treat, offering a delightful surprise in every slice.

Each variation brings a new layer of flavor and excitement to this beloved holiday cake, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every taste bud!

Expert Tips for Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and fresh orange zest to maximize that vibrant, tangy flavor essential to your Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir gently after adding flour to keep the cake tender and avoid a dense crumb. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Prep Your Pan Well: Grease and flour your springform pan or line it with parchment to ensure easy cake release without breaking the delicate edges.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center at 45 minutes; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
Glaze While Cool: Drizzle your orange glaze only once the cake is fully cooled to prevent it from melting into the crumb and losing that beautiful shine.
Customize with Marmalade: For an extra festive touch, brush warm cake with orange marmalade before glazing—it adds shine and an inviting citrus aroma.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberries work best for this cake?
Fresh cranberries are ideal for that perfect tart burst, but frozen cranberries work wonderfully too—no need to thaw them before folding into the batter.

How should I store leftover Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake?
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge wrapped tightly—it will stay moist and delicious for about a week.

Can I freeze Christmas Cranberry Orange Cake? How?
Absolutely! Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slices gently in the microwave or oven.

My cake turned out dry—what went wrong?
Dryness often comes from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Be sure to test with a toothpick at 45 minutes and remove the cake once it comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Also, mix the flour in gently; overmixing develops gluten and toughens the crumb.

Is this cake safe for pets or people with allergies?
This cake contains eggs, butter, and wheat flour, so it’s not suitable for pets or anyone with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies. For allergy-friendly versions, consider egg substitutes and gluten-free flour blends, but be mindful these changes may alter texture and flavor.