If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances bright citrus notes with tart bursts of cranberry, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe. This cake is a moist, tender masterpiece where sweet orange and sharp cranberries come together in every bite. The slight tang of sour cream and the luscious cream cheese glaze take this dessert to the next level, making it an absolute showstopper that’s ideal for everything from holiday celebrations to cozy afternoon treats. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a definite favorite to keep bookmarked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round cake with one thick brown layer sits on a white cake stand with small raised dots around the edge. The cake is covered by a smooth thick white icing that drips down the sides in uneven streams. Small yellow sprinkles are scattered on top of the icing. In the background, there are orange slices and a wooden bowl of red cranberries on a white marbled surface. The scene looks bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the zest of fresh orange giving a citrus pop, to the frozen cranberries adding festive color and tartness, these components come together seamlessly to craft something truly special.

1 cup butter (softened, plus more for the pan): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist with a tender crumb.
3 cups flour (plus more for the pan): The structure base that ensures the cake holds together just right.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become airy.
1 tsp baking powder: Complements the soda to create perfect lightness.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and tartness.
1 – 99 gram box of vanilla pudding mix: A secret ingredient that boosts moistness and adds subtle vanilla flavor and softness.
1 ¾ cups sugar: Sweetens the cake to highlight the citrus and berries without overpowering.
1 Tbsp orange liquor: Adds depth and intensifies the orange essence beautifully.
1/3 cup juice from an orange: Fresh and brightens up the entire flavor profile.
Zest of one orange: Bursts of flavorful oils that give the cake that unmistakable orange aroma.
5 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the cake firm yet tender.
1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and makes the cake incredibly moist and soft.
2 cups frozen cranberries: Little bursts of tartness and vibrant color throughout.
4 oz. cream cheese: The base for the luxurious glaze that tops the cake.
2 cups icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar, powdered sugar): Sweet and smooth, perfect for the glaze consistency.
2-3 tbsp. milk: Adjusts glaze thickness for that perfect drizzle.
1 tsp. vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the citrus in the glaze.
Zest of one orange for garnish (optional): For that extra pop of color and a flavorful finishing touch.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it’s at the perfect baking temperature by the time your batter is ready. Next, melt a tablespoon or two of butter and generously brush your Bundt pan. Then, sprinkle flour over the buttered surface, tapping out the excess. This simple step prevents sticking and helps your beautiful cake release perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. This combination ensures that your cake will have tender structure, delightful flavor, and that zesty hint throughout every slice.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This creaming step is essential for creating a light texture and helps to dissolve the sugar evenly for a smooth batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Liquids

Add the eggs one at a time, fully mixing after each addition. This careful process helps the batter to develop properly without curdling. Then stir in your fresh orange juice and orange liquor, infusing the batter with those bright, citrusy notes that define this recipe.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Sour Cream

To keep the batter tender, gently fold in the dry flour mixture and sour cream in three parts, starting and ending with the flour. Begin with about one third of the flour mixture, followed by half the sour cream, then another third of flour, the remaining sour cream, and finally the last bit of flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Carefully fold in the frozen cranberries so that they’re evenly distributed without breaking up too much, preserving their fresh tartness and preventing color bleeding into the batter.

Step 7: Baking Time

Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will smell heavenly as it bakes, filling your kitchen with citrus and sweet berry aromas.

Step 8: Cooling and Glazing

After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes so it firms up slightly. Then invert it onto a rack to cool completely. Once cool, prepare your cream cheese glaze by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Pour the glaze over the cake and sprinkle with additional orange zest for a stunning finishing touch.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

The image shows a single-layer bundt cake with a golden brown color and a soft, slightly textured surface. The cake is topped with thick white glaze that drips unevenly over the edges, creating a shiny contrast against the cake’s warm tone. Small yellow sprinkles are scattered lightly on top of the glaze, adding a pop of color. The cake sits on a white plate with a beaded edge detail, placed on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred but appears to have wooden kitchen utensils in a white container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top of the cream cheese glaze gives the cake a lively burst of color and fragrance. You could also add a few whole fresh cranberries or edible flowers for an elegant presentation that invites guests to dive right in.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a refreshing counterbalance, a simple mixed berry compote or a citrusy salad with mint can elevate the experience further.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, slice the cake into thick wedges and plate them with a drizzle of orange-infused honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also layer slices with mascarpone and fresh berries for an impressive dessert parfait that highlights all the flavors of the cake in a new way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the cream cheese glaze fresh and prevents the cake from drying out, so every slice tastes just as moist as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake either before or after glazing. If freezing prior to glazing, wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare and apply the glaze fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and the glaze creamy. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work well but may release a little more juice, so handle the batter gently to avoid turning it pink. Frozen cranberries are convenient and maintain a nice firmness during baking.

Is it necessary to use orange liquor?

The orange liquor adds a lovely depth and complexity to the citrus flavor, but you can substitute with an equal amount of orange juice or a teaspoon of orange extract if preferred.

Can I make this Bundt cake gluten-free?

This recipe relies on regular flour for structure, but you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the cranberries with a light dusting of flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay suspended evenly throughout the cake.

Can I double this recipe for a larger Bundt pan?

Definitely! If you have a larger Bundt pan, simply double the ingredients and monitor baking time closely, as larger cakes tend to bake slower. Use a tester to check doneness regularly after 75 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and celebratory about making this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between fruity brightness and cozy richness, ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day that calls for a little indulgence, this cake promises happiness with every bite. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your cherished go-to recipes as well.