Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with bright, tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake combines the warmth of buttery cake layers with refreshing fruit notes, plus that dreamy cream cheese frosting that just ties it all together perfectly. Whether it’s for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Fresh citrus and berries give it a vibrant personality, while the creamy frosting adds just the right touch. When you shop, look for ripe oranges and fresh cranberries, and don’t skip tempering your eggs and butter for a smoother batter.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the cake’s soft, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: To give the cake a nice, light rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: I always use it at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated from a large orange, it adds an amazing citrus aroma.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the tang of the fruit.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs make the batter smooth and fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the citrus flavors.
• Milk: Also room temperature to avoid curdling and keep batter smooth.
• Fresh orange juice: The star liquid ingredient for that juicy orange punch.
• Fresh cranberries: Tossed in flour to prevent sinking, they bring delightful bursts of tartness.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened for the rich frosting base.
• Powdered sugar: For silky smooth frosting sweetness.
• Fresh cranberries, orange slices, thyme sprigs: For garnishing and extra flair if you like.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I encourage you to make it your own by adding your favorite touches or adapting it for diets. I’ve tried a few variations that turned out great, and I’d love to share them with you.

• Make it gluten-free: I swapped the flour with a gluten-free blend once, and the cake still came out moist and fluffy—just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum.
• Swap fresh cranberries for dried: If fresh aren’t in season, dried cranberries work too—though I reduce added sugar slightly since dried ones are sweeter.
• Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts give a lovely crunch that pairs nicely with the cream cheese frosting and fruit.
• For a vegan version: I haven’t tried this yet, but you can experiment with plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese alternatives.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

First off, get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), and grease and flour your cake pans so your cake comes out effortlessly. I always like to line the pans with parchment paper too—it just makes removing the cake so much easier and neater. While your oven heats up, bring your eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature; this helps your batter come together smoothly, which makes a difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Coat Cranberries

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. While you separate another small handful to toss your fresh cranberries with one tablespoon of flour; this little trick helps keep them from sinking to the bottom during baking. I discovered this when I noticed my berries piling up at the base of a previous cake—definitely a game changer!

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Orange Zest

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the sugar and one tablespoon of fresh orange zest until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step really wakes up the orange oils and infuses the batter with that bright, fragrant flavor you’ll love. Scrape down the sides of your bowl often so everything blends evenly.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This slow addition helps the batter maintain the perfect consistency and prevents it from curdling. When I first tried rushing this step, my cake wasn’t as tender, so trust me on this one!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk with orange juice, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix on low speed just until everything comes together—don’t overmix or your cake could turn out dense. Fold in the floured cranberries gently with a spatula to spread them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I keep an eye on mine starting at 28 minutes because ovens can vary. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely — this makes them easier to frost without crumbling.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, orange zest, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. I love whipping the frosting for at least 5 minutes because it becomes light and silky, making it perfect for spreading and piping. The frosting has just the right tang to balance the sweet cake and tart cranberry bites.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting. For a little extra wow factor, I like to garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a few thyme sprigs — it looks so festive and adds a beautiful fresh aroma. You’ll find your guests can’t stop admiring this beauty before it’s even cut!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a handful of fresh cranberries and thinly sliced orange rounds on top—that pop of color is just stunning. Sometimes I add thyme sprigs for an herbal twist that pairs surprisingly well with the citrus. These garnishes not only look gorgeous but also add fresh bursts of flavor when eaten with each slice.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this cake with a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey with its citrus notes or a mild green tea works beautifully. For brunch, some fresh fruit salad or lightly whipped cream complements the cranberries without competing with the cake’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this cake for a holiday or party, try serving it as a layered mini cake on pretty cake stands or in cupcake form with piped cream cheese frosting tops and a single cranberry garnish. I once made it as a bundt cake, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, and it was a hit for a cozy winter gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the leftovers in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cake keeps well for up to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen as it sits—though I recommend bringing slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! I like to freeze individual unfrosted layers wrapped in plastic and foil; when I’m ready to serve, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, then frost fresh. You can also freeze a fully frosted cake, but let it thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s texture.

Reheating

If you want your cake soft and fresh-tasting after chilling, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. I don’t recommend microwaving the frosted cake, but if you like warm cake without frosting, remove frosting and zap a slice for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and creamy—plus it feels special but isn’t complicated to make. Every time I bake it, friends and family go crazy for the fresh flavors and tender crumb. I’m so excited for you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s just as rewarding to bake as it is delicious to eat. Trust me, once you make it, this cake will quickly become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

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