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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug with a zesty twist, the Cranberry Orange Cake with Bright Citrus Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is tender and moist thanks to fluffy Greek yogurt and a splash of oil, bursting with fresh, tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest throughout. The crowning glory is a shiny, tangy orange glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and citrus punch to make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it at a special holiday gathering or just want to brighten your afternoon tea, this cake always brings smiles and a little sparkle to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a pale yellow batter as the base layer, smooth and thick in texture, with a cluster of fresh, shiny red cranberries scattered on top, creating a bright, glossy contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Cranberry Orange Cake with Bright Citrus Glaze Recipe is delightfully straightforward because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, texture, and that gorgeous holiday-worthy look.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while blending beautifully with orange zest for a fragrant kick.
Orange zest: Provides the bright citrus flavor that gives this cake its unforgettable personality.
Whole milk Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness, creating a soft crumb and slight tang.
Oil (avocado, canola, vegetable, or olive): Keeps the cake rich and moist without overpowering flavors.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while giving structure and fluffiness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor by adding warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and lightness.
Baking powder: Allows the cake to rise perfectly, creating a delicate texture.
Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and citrus flavors.
Fresh cranberries: Bursting with tart juiciness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.
Confectioner’s sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet orange glaze.
Fresh orange juice: Adds a natural citrus tang to the glaze for that bright finish.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the glaze for richness and silky texture.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake with Bright Citrus Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. Give the parchment a light spray as well to ensure a smooth release when your cake is ready.

Step 2: Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub them together until your kitchen fills with that wonderful citrus aroma. This step really unlocks the bright, zesty flavors that will shine through the cake.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the room temperature Greek yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar and zest mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy—this will help the cake stay tender and moist.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift or spoon the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold these together with a spatula, being careful not to overmix—you want just enough blending for a delicate crumb that still rises beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in Fresh Cranberries

Now the magic happens. Fold in the fresh cranberries gently so they stay whole and evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding bursts of tartness with each bite.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Orange Glaze

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, flip it right-side up, and let it cool completely. While the cake cools, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, fresh orange juice, melted butter, and a pinch of orange zest in a bowl until smooth and pourable.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the bright citrus glaze generously over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature so it forms a glossy, tangy layer that complements the soft cake and tart cranberries perfectly.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake with Bright Citrus Glaze Recipe

A slice of round cake is held above the rest of the cake by a metal spatula. The cake has two layers: a thick yellow sponge with bright red berries scattered inside, and a light glossy glaze on top that drips down the sides. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with a whole uncut portion beside the slice. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist, while the glaze has a smooth, shiny finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make the presentation pop, sprinkle a few fresh cranberries or a little extra orange zest on top of the glaze just before serving. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness that complements the citrus beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—both balance the tartness of cranberries with creamy sweetness. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee rounds out this delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve slices on pretty plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted around the edges. You can also plate it alongside citrus segments or make mini individual cakes in muffin tins for an adorable party treat. It’s equally stunning served on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it covered so the moist texture and bright citrus flavor don’t dry out or fade.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen cake stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing if needed.

Reheating

If you enjoy your cake a little warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the glaze slightly and enhances the aroma of fresh orange and cranberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding them into the batter. This prevents extra moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

What kind of oil works best for this cake?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil are perfect as they don’t overpower the cake’s delicate citrus flavor. Avocado oil or light olive oil can work too if you don’t mind a subtle richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but the flavor will still shine.

How thick should the orange glaze be?

The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny—think of a consistency that drizzles off a spoon without immediately disappearing. Adjust by adding a little more sugar or juice as needed.

Is this cake suitable for celebrations like Christmas or Easter?

Definitely! Its festive colors and bright citrus notes make it an excellent choice for holiday tables or any special occasion when you want a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Cranberry Orange Cake with Bright Citrus Glaze Recipe enough for anyone seeking a dessert that’s simple yet stunning, with flavors that are fresh, bright, and totally satisfying. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon treat or a show-stopping finale for your dinner party, this cake promises smiles, compliments, and maybe even a second slice or two. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love how easy it is to bring a little sunshine and cheer into your kitchen!

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