Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful holiday dessert combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange. Moist sour cream batter is baked to perfection in a bundt pan that’s coated with sugar and cranberries for a beautiful caramelized crust. Finished with a simple orange glaze, this cake is perfect for festive gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet and tangy treat.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- Juice of one orange
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (divided)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the pan)
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons water, milk, or orange juice
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a bundt pan with cooking spray, then evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar on the bottom. Add 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries on top of the sugar layer to create a caramelized fruit crust during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture becomes light and lemon-colored, about 4 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air for a fluffy texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure each egg is fully incorporated into the batter.
- Add Orange Flavor and Sour Cream: Stir in the fresh orange juice and zest, followed by the sour cream, blending everything well. The sour cream adds moisture and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the remaining 1 1/4 cups of fresh cranberries evenly into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before adding the icing.
- Prepare and Add Icing: Mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, milk, or orange juice until you achieve a drizzle consistency. Spread this glaze evenly over the cooled cake and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen can alter moisture content.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- The sugar and cranberries on the pan’s bottom create a beautiful caramelized topping after baking.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted to your preference—use more liquid to thin, or more powdered sugar to thicken.
- Ensure the cake is adequately cooled before icing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake, holiday cake, citrus cake, sour cream cake, bundt cake recipe