Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake
A vibrant and flavorful cake that combines tart cranberries with zesty orange, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 cup sugar Regular granulated sugar.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Can be replaced by coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries Can use frozen cranberries, thawed and drained.
- ½ cup orange juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Zest of fresh oranges enhances flavor.
- 2 large eggs Can substitute with flaxseed meal for vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure it's fresh for proper rising.
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by measuring out all your ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mixing
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, orange juice, and zest to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling
- Once baked, let the cake cool for a while before removing from the pan.
Notes
Best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top.