Ingredients:
For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (cut in half if large)
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1/2 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
• In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Cranberries:
• Gently fold in the cranberries using a spatula.
7. Bake the Cake:
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar if needed. Stir in orange zest if using.
10. Glaze the Cake:
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
Tips:
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the batter before baking.
• Use dried cranberries if fresh or frozen aren’t available—soak them in orange juice for extra moisture.
Enjoy your cranberry orange cake—it’s bursting with fruity flavors and holiday charm!