Moist Orange Cranberry Cake Recipe with Zesty Glaze

This orange cranberry cake is light, buttery, and filled with tart cranberries and bright citrus. It’s quick to prepare and makes a lovely dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry And Orange Cake

I developed this cake when I wanted the comfort of a fruit tart without the effort of a crust. Inspired by classic fruit tortes, I substituted cranberries and fresh orange for a festive, wintery twist. The result is a tender, buttery cake with crisp pops of cranberry and the lift of orange zest.

It’s an easy recipe that’s forgiving and reliably delicious, so it’s perfect for holiday entertaining or an everyday treat. Highlights include:

• Balanced sweet and tart flavors
• Ready in about an hour
• No crust or special equipment required
• Simple, elegant, and crowd-pleasing

Information And Substitutions

• Flour — Use all-purpose for a tender crumb; a 1:1 gluten-free blend works well as a swap.
• Butter — Adds richness and moisture; use vegan butter if needed.
• Sugar — Granulated sugar balances tart cranberries; light brown sugar adds a warmer note.
• Eggs — Use large eggs at room temperature to bind and add structure.
• Orange juice — Keeps the cake moist and enhances orange flavor. Substitute lemon juice for a brighter tang or a splash of orange liqueur for depth.
• Orange zest — Adds bright aroma; zest before juicing the fruit.
• Cranberries — Fresh or frozen work equally well; no need to thaw frozen berries.
• Baking powder — Ensures a light rise.
• Salt — Essential to balance sweetness.
• Cinnamon — Warms the flavor and pairs nicely with cranberry.
• Extra sugar (topping) — Sprinkled with cinnamon for a delicate crust.

How To Make This Recipe For Cranberry Cake

Step 1 — Prep the pan.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8-inch round pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2 — Cream butter and sugar.

Beat the softened butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3 — Add eggs and dry ingredients.

Mix in the eggs until smooth. Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until just combined. The batter will be sticky — that’s normal.

Step 4 — Assemble the cake.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Scatter the cranberries across the top and drizzle with a little fresh orange juice.

Step 5 — Add the topping.

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the cranberries. Lightly mist the top with cooking spray to help the topping brown.

Step 6 — Bake and cool.

Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips For Making This Orange And Cranberry Cake

• Don’t overmix the batter. Mix only until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
• Spread the batter evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the thick batter before adding cranberries.
• Use fresh orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice brightens the flavor more than bottled juice.
• Swap the fruit. Blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples are great alternatives.
• Add texture. Stir in chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra crunch or sweetness.
• Let it cool. Allow the cake to set before removing from the pan to keep the top intact.
• Make ahead. Flavors deepen overnight, so this cake stores well and often improves the next day.
• Prep ahead. Zest and juice the orange and measure dry ingredients to speed assembly.
• Storage. Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for 4–5 days, or freeze wrapped up to 2 months.

What To Serve With Cranberry Coffee Cake

Serve this cake alongside warm beverages and seasonal sides to create a cozy spread. It pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, salads with autumn fruits or nuts, or simply with coffee and tea for a holiday brunch.

Other Cake Recipes To Try

Hosting Thanksgiving?

Make hosting less stressful with simple planning and easy recipes. Preparing dishes in advance and choosing forgiving recipes like this cake can take the pressure off while still delivering delicious results.