Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 17 October 2025

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Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

Bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, the Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is the perfect way to start your day. With its delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, this cake captures the essence of a sunny morning, making it a fantastic addition to your breakfast table or brunch gathering. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also brings a pop of color that adds cheer to any occasion.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time. The combination of fresh or frozen cranberries with the refreshing notes of orange creates a harmonious flavor profile. Serve it warm with a smear of butter, or enjoy it plain—either way, it’s sure to make your mornings a little brighter.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
These tart berries bring a burst of flavor and a delightful contrast to the sweet cake. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them in directly for a cool surprise in each bite.
1 cup all-purpose flour
The backbone of any cake, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure and texture, allowing the cake to rise and maintain its form while still being soft and moist.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Sweetness is key for balancing the tartness of the cranberries. Sugar not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the cake’s moisture and tenderness.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and depth, lending a beautiful flavor to your cake while also aiding in the creation of a tender crumb.

1/2 cup orange juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice brings vibrant acidity that complements the cranberries beautifully. It also adds moisture to the batter, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
1 tsp baking powder
This leavening agent helps the cake rise, yielding a light and fluffy texture rather than a dense bite.
1/2 tsp baking soda
Baking soda works in tandem with the acidic orange juice, ensuring the cake rises properly and has the desired lightness.

1/4 tsp salt
A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavors in the cake, ensuring that the sweetness isn’t overpowering and balancing the tart cranberries.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla adds depth and warmth to the cake, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
1 egg
The egg acts as a binder, helping give structure to the cake while also contributing to its richness.

Zest of 1 orange
Zest provides a concentrated burst of orange flavor that ties the cake together, enhancing the overall citrusy essence.

Directions & Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Preheating the oven ensures that the cake bakes evenly and rises properly from the moment you place it inside. Greasing and flouring the pan prevents sticking, allowing for a beautiful release when the cake is done.
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Creaming the butter with sugar incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture in your cake. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Stir in the orange zest.
- Adding the wet ingredients in this step helps to further combine flavors and ensures that the cake maintains moisture. Incorporating fresh orange zest at this stage amplifies the citrus aroma throughout the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combining the dry ingredients separately allows for even distribution of the leavening agents. This step ensures that your cake rises uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Mixing the two together carefully ensures that you don’t overwork the batter, which can lead to a dense cake. Gently folding is the key to keeping it light and airy.
Fold in the cranberries gently.
- This step is vital for keeping the cranberries intact rather than mashing them into the batter. Gently folding ensures that each piece is evenly distributed, so every slice includes that tart burst of flavor.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Spreading the batter evenly ensures consistent baking and even texture throughout the cake. It allows for a uniform rise and nice browning on the surface.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Checking with a toothpick is the classic method to determine doneness. If it comes out clean without any wet batter sticking, your cake is perfectly baked.
Let cool before serving.
- Allowing the cake to cool not only makes it easier to slice but also helps in setting the flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience.

The Joy of Breakfast Cake

Breakfast cakes are a delightful way to enjoy morning meals without the fuss of traditional desserts. The Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake strikes a perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. It’s not overly sweet, yet it feels like a treat—a true testament to the joys of breakfast baking!

Perfect Pairings

This breakfast cake pairs beautifully with a range of beverages. A cup of coffee or a warm herbal tea complements the citrus notes perfectly, making each bite even more enjoyable. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside Greek yogurt topped with honey and walnuts.

Storing Your Cake

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your cake is simple. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to a month. Be sure to slice it into individual portions for easy thawing later on!

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon for orange?
Yes, you can substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange in this recipe. It will impart a different but delightful citrus flavor.

What if my cake is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, you may have added too much flour. Try adding a tablespoon of orange juice gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better results.

What if my cake is overcooked?
If the cake turns out dry from overcooking, try serving it with a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice to add moisture and flavor back into it.

Can I use dried cranberries instead?
While fresh or frozen cranberries are recommended, you can use dried cranberries. They will be sweeter, so consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance flavors.

How can I make this recipe bigger?
To scale this recipe, you can multiply the quantities of each ingredient by your desired factor. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust baking time depending on the size of your pan.

Conclusion

The Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is a delightful way to add a touch of joy to your morning routine. Its vibrant flavors and tender crumb come together to create a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or treating yourself to a quiet breakfast, this cake will undoubtedly brighten your day. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome, and share it with loved ones for a true breakfast experience!

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

Ingredients

Directions & Preparation

The Joy of Breakfast Cake

Perfect Pairings

Storing Your Cake

FAQs

Conclusion