Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake (Printable)

A tender cake bursting with orange zest and tart cranberries, ideal for a cozy, citrus-infused morning or brunch. Simple to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Flavorings & Add-ins

09 - Zest of 1 large orange
10 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

→ For Serving

11 - Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in orange zest and chopped cranberries gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
08 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired. Slice and enjoy.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The tender crumb practically melts in your mouth while those cranberry bursts keep every bite interesting
  • It comes together faster than you can brew a pot of coffee but tastes like you spent all morning fussing over it
02 -
  • Overmixing will make your cake tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • Frozen cranberries work perfectly but may need an extra minute or two in the oven
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and create a better texture
  • Zest your orange before you juice it, and avoid the white pith which can taste bitter
Return