Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is a delightful and flavorful way to start your day. This moist cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 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
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
For the Orange Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
Timing
Preparing Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze (Optional)
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough orange juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Drizzle Over Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with additional orange zest if desired.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake into wedges and serve. Enjoy the wonderful combination of cranberry and orange flavors!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Tips for Customization
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Use Other Berries: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful cake that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the brightness of orange. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use dried cranberries. If using dried, consider reducing the sugar slightly since they are sweeter.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The sweet and tart flavors are kid-friendly, making it a great choice for family breakfasts or snacks.
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- • 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
- • Zest of 1 orange
- • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- For the Orange Glaze (optional):
- • 1 cup powdered sugar
- • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- • Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough orange juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with additional orange zest if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the cake into wedges and serve. Enjoy the wonderful combination of cranberry and orange flavors!
