Best Festive Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe for Cozy Holidays

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something truly special about the combination of tart cranberries and bright, zesty orange in a cake that instantly lifts your spirits. One chilly afternoon, craving a festive treat that felt both comforting and fresh, I whipped up this Festive Cranberry Orange Cake. The moment it baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with a joyful aroma that brought a smile to everyone’s face. What I love most is how easy this cake is to make—perfect for holiday gatherings or simply brightening up an ordinary day. Its moist texture, balanced sweetness, and burst of citrus flavor make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re a home cook wanting to impress friends or a seasoned chef looking for a seasonal twist, this recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season.

Why choose this Festive Cranberry Orange Cake?

Bold flavors: Tart cranberries and zesty orange create a bright, refreshing taste. Effortless prep: Simple steps make it accessible for all skill levels. Moist texture: Each bite is tender and perfectly balanced. Versatile celebration: Ideal for holiday parties or cozy weekend treats. Crowd favorite: Consistently impresses guests with its festive charm.

Festive Cranberry Orange Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure while keeping the crumb tender and light.
Granulated sugar – Adds balanced sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
Baking powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
Salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness naturally.
Zest of one orange – Infuses a bright, zesty aroma that defines this Festive Cranberry Orange Cake.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
Butter, softened – Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist while adding subtle tanginess.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out flavors with warm, sweet notes.

For the Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries – Bring tart bursts of flavor that brighten every bite.
Orange juice – Helps macerate the cranberries, softening their texture and amplifying the citrus zing.

For the Glaze (Optional)

Powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze delicately without overpowering.
Fresh orange juice – Creates a shiny, tangy glaze that ties the whole cake together.

Enjoy gathering these simple yet vibrant ingredients that make this Festive Cranberry Orange Cake a standout treat for your holiday table!

How to Make Festive Cranberry Orange Cake

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch pan thoroughly, ensuring even heat distribution and easy release for a perfect golden crust.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and aerated for a tender, light crumb.
Cream Butter & Eggs: Beat softened butter until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing fully before each addition for a rich, smooth batter.
Add Zest & Vanilla: Stir in fresh orange zest and vanilla extract until fragrant, giving the batter a bright, citrusy aroma that promises holiday cheer in every bite.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in cold buttermilk, mixing gently until the batter is smooth, silky, and pours effortlessly off a spoon with ease.

For the Cranberries:

Macerate Cranberries: Toss fresh or thawed frozen cranberries with orange juice, then let sit 5 minutes to soften and intensify their bright, tart zing.
Fold into Batter: Carefully fold the macerated cranberries into the batter, ensuring each scoop has bursts of red for a joyful, festive look.
Bake the Cake: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

For the Glaze:

Whisk Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth, adjusting juice to achieve a glossy, pourable glaze.
Glaze & Cool: Place the cake on a wire rack and drizzle the glaze evenly over its warm surface, letting it set for 10 minutes to retain a glossy finish before slicing.

Optional: Garnish with fresh orange slices and sugared cranberries.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Festive Cranberry Orange Cake

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will customize your cake and make it uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a worry-free, delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of buttermilk for a rich, dairy-free version that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Spiced Variation: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warming spice that elevates the holiday spirit.
Cranberry-Orange Jam: Swirl a layer of homemade or store-bought cranberry-orange jam into the batter before baking for extra flavor and a colorful surprise in each slice.
Lemon Zest: Swap the orange zest with lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the cake while introducing a tangy element.
Orange Liqueur: Enhance the flavor by adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur or extract into the batter for a sophisticated touch that takes your cake to the next level.
Fruity Additions: Mix in a cup of diced apples or pears for added moisture and texture, giving a sweet and fruity surprise amidst the vibrant cranberries.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and let the flavors sing with every delightful variation you make!

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Cranberry Orange Cake options are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the dry ingredients and combining them with the wet ingredients (but be sure to fold in the cranberries just before baking to keep them fresh). Store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake as directed. For the glaze, you can whisk it together the night before, refrigerating it until you’re ready to drizzle on top. This way, you’ll have a delicious cake with minimal last-minute effort, perfect for delightful holiday gatherings!

Expert Tips for Festive Cranberry Orange Cake

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to create a smooth, well-emulsified batter for a tender crumb.
Gently Fold Cranberries: Carefully fold in the macerated cranberries to avoid breaking them and turning the batter pink instead of keeping those vibrant red bursts.
Check Doneness Early: Begin testing your cake at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can dry out this moist Festive Cranberry Orange Cake.
Zest Before Juicing: Grate the orange zest before juicing to capture the zest’s oils and keep your cake bursting with fresh citrus aroma.
Optional Glaze Application: Drizzle glaze over the warm cake—not hot—to avoid melting it away and losing that beautiful shiny finish.

Storage Tips for Festive Cranberry Orange Cake

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

Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of the cake in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in an oven set to 300°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive the cake’s delightful moisture and flavor.

What to Serve with Festive Cranberry Orange Cake?

Imagine delightful accompaniments that enhance the joyful spirit of this cake, creating a vibrant spread.

Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it complements the cake’s richness while adding a sweet and creamy touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, making each bite decadent and indulgent.
Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges, grapefruits, and mint brightens the flavors, providing a light contrast to the moist cake.
Hot Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey resonates with the cake’s citrus notes, offering a cozy experience perfect for gatherings.
Cheese Platter: Mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a savory balance, enhancing the cake’s sweetness while adding texture.
Sparkling Water with Lime: The effervescence cleanses the palate, refreshing your taste buds in between bites of cake.

For a truly festive occasion, consider combining a few of these delightful options to create a memorable spread that your guests will cherish.

Festive Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my cranberries are fresh and good for this cake?
Look for firm, plump cranberries with a deep red color and no dark spots all over. Fresh cranberries should feel heavy for their size and make a loud pop when squeezed gently. Avoid any that are shriveled or soft, as they’ll affect the tart burst your cake relies on.

What’s the best way to store leftover Festive Cranberry Orange Cake?
Absolutely keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain that moist, tender crumb. If you want the cake to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temp before serving, so it’s as delightful as when freshly baked!

Can I freeze Festive Cranberry Orange Cake, and how should I do it?
Very! Freezing is a great option to keep that festive goodness for up to 3 months. Here’s how I do it: Slice the cooled cake into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in the microwave or oven to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

What should I do if my cake turns out dense or dry?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the cake is overbaked. To avoid this, mix ingredients just until combined and start checking for doneness at 45 minutes. If you do notice dryness, try serving slices warm with a drizzle of extra orange juice or a dollop of whipped cream to boost moisture and flavor.

Is this cake safe for pets or people with allergies?
This Festive Cranberry Orange Cake contains common allergens like eggs, dairy, and gluten, so it’s best to keep it away from pets and anyone with these sensitivities. For guests with allergies, you might consider gluten-free flour or egg substitutes—though the texture will differ, the zest and cranberries still shine through beautifully!