Cranberry Orange Pound Cake – Moist, Easy & Bursting with Fresh Flavor

Cranberry Orange Pound Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of celebration served on a plate. Picture this: a brightly lit kitchen, the fragrant aroma of oranges and fresh cranberries wafting through the air as this delightful cake bakes in the oven. I remember when I first baked this cake, it was during a chilly fall evening, and I was searching for something sweet yet refreshing to lift my spirits. The explosion of citrus and tart cranberry flavors made my home feel warm and inviting. Join me in creating this wholesome yet simple recipe that’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Looking for more festive treats? Explore my collection of the 10 best Christmas desserts to bake this season.

Origins of the Cranberry Orange Pound Cake

The elegant combination of cranberry and orange has a rich history, often stemming from the traditional uses of seasonal fruits. Pound cakes, on the other hand, have their roots in Europe, tracing back to the early 18th century. Originally, a pound cake was made with a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, giving it a dense yet delightful texture. The addition of fruits into this classic cake style, such as cranberries and oranges, transformed it into a seasonal favorite in America.

The punchy flavors of cranberry, which was once seen as a festive holiday fruit, blend seamlessly with the zesty freshness of oranges, elevating this cake to a year-round treat. Many enjoy it during Thanksgiving and Christmas, yet I find it equally refreshing in the summer. If you’re looking for a sweet success story, this blueberry cheesecake is another fabulous way to use seasonal fruits!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating a delicious Cranberry Orange Pound Cake comes down to a few key elements, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful. Let’s break down why this recipe works so well.

Perfect Ratios of Ingredients

The balance of flour to butter and sugar yields a perfectly moist cake that isn’t overly dense, thanks to the light factor brought by baking powder and baking soda. This combination helps the cake rise beautifully, allowing for an airy texture.

Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference

Using fresh cranberries and real orange juice creates a vibrant taste that processed ingredients simply cannot replicate. The zest of the orange gives an irresistible aroma while enhancing the cake’s flavor profile with its fragrant oils.

Easy to Make

Despite the fancy name, preparing this cake is incredibly easy! With just a few mixing bowls and a loaf pan, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Many of my friends have successfully made this cake, even those who consider themselves novice bakers. You can launch a family baking tradition with it! For the health-conscious, knowing your ingredients elevates this cake beyond just a dessert to something that’s memorable.

Step-by-Step Instructions + Tips

Let’s dive into the details for making this delightful Cranberry Orange Pound Cake! Follow along for easy-to-understand tips that will help you nail it every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Cranberry Orange Pound Cake:

Mixing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prepare for the batter. This will help the cake release easily once baked. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create the dry mixture. 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the batter for a lighter cake. 4. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well-mixed before adding the next. 5. Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and zest until combined. This fragrant mixture brings gorgeous flavor to your cake!

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so be gentle! 7. Fold in the fresh cranberries, being careful not to crush them. Simply mix until they are evenly distributed. 8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. 9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check toward the end to avoid drying it out. 10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touch: Glaze It!

11. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and free of lumps. You want a drizzling consistency, so adjust with more juice or sugar as needed. 12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it run down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Variations & Serving Ideas

This Cranberry Orange Pound Cake is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous customization options. Get creative with your flavors and presentations!

Mix It Up With Different Fruits

Try substituting cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a different twist. The flavors will offer new experiences while maintaining the light pound cake structure. Check out this banana bread recipe for another fruity option!

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can further enhance the experience byadding a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Picture this classic combo melting into each slice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. You could also try a flavored ice cream such as orange or cranberry to highlight the cake’s flavors.

Presentation Matters

For a bit of flair, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, or garnish it with fresh cranberries and orange slices. It will add visual appeal and sophistication to this simple pound cake. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or at a casual gathering, adding these finishing touches makes all the difference!

Final Thoughts

Making a Cranberry Orange Pound Cake is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories and sharing a piece of happiness with loved ones. The combination of the sweet, tart cranberries, alongside the refreshing scent of orange, provides a joyful experience that is hard to resist. This recipe is straightforward yet packs wonderful flavors, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

As much as I enjoy baking it, I love sharing this cake with friends and family even more. So why not bring a loaf to your next gathering or bake one to savor at home? For more sweet inspirations, check out my other easy-to-follow recipes like pumpkin chocolate chip protein bars. Don’t forget, you can follow me on Pinterest to stay updated with all new recipes!

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A moist and flavorful cake combining the tartness of cranberries with the zest of fresh oranges, perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice
• Zest of 1 Orange
• 1 cup Fresh Cranberries
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Orange Juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and zest until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
7. Fold in fresh cranberries.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

This cake can be served with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of sweetness. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with cranberries and orange slices for presentation.

• Author: Sarah Mitchell
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg