Cranberry orange bundt cake is a celebration of winter flavors — bright, tangy, and beautifully balanced. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of orange zest and juice, creating a cake that’s both refreshing and comforting. With its golden crumb and glossy glaze, this cake makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
The Essence of Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
This cake combines the best of seasonal ingredients: juicy cranberries and fragrant oranges. The bundt shape gives it an elegant presentation, while the dense yet tender crumb ensures every bite is moist and flavorful. The orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s a dessert that feels festive yet simple — perfect for Christmas brunch, Thanksgiving dessert, or cozy winter afternoons.
Why Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Is So Special
Cranberry orange bundt cake strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The cranberries add bursts of flavor and color, while the orange zest and juice infuse the cake with brightness. The glaze ties everything together, adding a delicate sweetness that complements the fruit.
It’s also a versatile cake — easy to make, easy to serve, and perfect for gifting. Its flavor improves after a day, making it ideal for make-ahead holiday baking.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart cranberries.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
Sour cream or yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds tang.
Orange zest and juice: Infuse the cake with bright citrus flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and stay light.
Cranberries: Add tartness, color, and texture.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, adding sweetness and shine.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) fresh orange juice
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (2 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating cranberries)
For the orange glaze:
- 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Preparation
1. Prepare the cake batter
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Mix in orange juice and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
2. Bake the cake
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the orange glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Adjust consistency as needed — thicker for drizzling, thinner for pouring.
- Stir in orange zest if desired.
4. Glaze and serve
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries, orange slices, or zest curls for a festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
- Grease the pan well: Ensures the cake releases cleanly.
- Use fresh orange juice: For the best flavor and aroma.
- Don’t overmix: Keeps the crumb tender.
- Coat cranberries in flour: Prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Cool completely before glazing: Prevents the glaze from melting off.
Variations to Try
Cranberry Orange Almond Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Cranberry Lemon Bundt Cake
Replace orange juice and zest with lemon for a tangier version.
Spiced Cranberry Orange Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Glazed Cranberry Orange Loaf
Bake the batter in two loaf pans for a giftable version.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry orange bundt cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve it with coffee, tea, or mulled wine for a cozy winter treat.
For a festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar or top with sugared cranberries and orange zest. It’s a beautiful addition to any holiday table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
The cake can also be frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 320–360 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sugar: 30 g
The History and Inspiration Behind Cranberry Orange Cake
Cranberries and oranges have long been paired in winter baking, especially in North America, where both fruits are seasonal staples. The tartness of cranberries complements the sweetness of citrus, creating a flavor combination that feels fresh and festive.
Bundt cakes, popularized in the mid-20th century, became a holiday favorite for their elegant shape and easy preparation. The cranberry orange bundt cake brings these traditions together in one timeless dessert.
The Texture and Flavor Profile
The perfect cranberry orange bundt cake is moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. The cranberries provide tart pops of color and taste, while the orange zest and juice add brightness. The glaze adds a sweet, citrusy finish that ties everything together.
Each bite is a balance of tangy, sweet, and buttery — a refreshing yet comforting dessert that feels like winter sunshine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cake sticking to the pan: Grease and flour thoroughly, and let the cake cool slightly before unmolding.
Cranberries sinking: Coat them in flour before folding into the batter.
Cake too dry: Overbaking or too little liquid can cause dryness. Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze too thin: Add more powdered sugar to thicken.
Chef’s Tips for Professional Results
- Weigh ingredients: Ensures consistent texture and flavor.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Promotes even mixing.
- Tap the pan before baking: Removes air bubbles for a smooth surface.
- Cool completely before glazing: Keeps the glaze glossy and even.
- Decorate simply: Let the natural beauty of the bundt shape shine.
Pairing Ideas
- With Beverages: Pair with coffee, Earl Grey tea, or sparkling wine.
- With Desserts: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- With Fruit: Fresh orange slices or sugared cranberries enhance the presentation.
The Joy of Baking Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
Baking a cranberry orange bundt cake fills the kitchen with the scent of citrus and butter — a fragrance that feels like the holidays. The process is simple yet rewarding, and the result is a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s a dessert that brings brightness to winter days and joy to every table. Whether baked for family, friends, or festive gatherings, this cake is a celebration of flavor, color, and the simple pleasure of homemade baking.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange bundt cake is a holiday classic — moist, flavorful, and full of seasonal charm. With its vibrant cranberries, zesty orange notes, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that captures the spirit of winter in every slice.
Whether served at brunch, gifted to loved ones, or enjoyed with a warm drink by the fire, this cake is a timeless favorite. Bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
