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Orange Cranberry Cake with

Orange Cranberry Cake with a Crackly Sugar Shell


  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Orange Cranberry Cake balances a moist, tender crumb with a delightful texture, perfect for holidays and spring brunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cup Granulated Sugar, divided (1 cup for batter, ¼ cup for top)
  • 1 Orange, zested
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 ¼ tsp Baking Powder
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ½ cup Sour Cream, full-fat recommended
  • 2 cups Fresh Cranberries, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with non-stick spray. (Optional: line the bottom with parchment paper).
  2. In a large bowl, whip the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in the orange juice and orange zest. (Batter may look curdled; this is normal).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, alternating between them (dry, wet, dry). Mix just until combined.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar evenly over the entire surface.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes. The top should be crackly and lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the cake completely in the pan before serving to allow the sugar crust to crisp up.

Notes

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
  • Can substitute half of the butter with oil for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Orange Cranberry Cake, Easy Recipe, Holiday Cake