If you’re looking for a cake that bursts with vibrant flavor and festive charm, the Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dessert combines the bright, tangy zing of fresh cranberries and zesty orange with the rich warmth of an amaretto glaze. Each bite offers a soft, moist crumb punctuated by bursts of cranberry and a smooth, luscious finish, making it perfect for holidays or any special occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with something that feels both homemade and sophisticated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many fresh cranberries that have been sliced in half and placed on a white marbled surface. The cranberries have a shiny, deep red outer skin and a lighter pinkish-white inside with visible seeds. The pieces are spread closely together, creating a dense layer of mixed whole and halved berries with smooth, glossy textures and some slightly uneven edges from slicing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe leans on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and texture. The combination brings a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and that nutty hint from the amaretto glaze you won’t want to miss.

Unsalted butter: Both softened for batter and for greasing the pan, it adds richness and moisture.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Essential for structure and a tender crumb without gluten.
Sour cream: Contributes a slight tang and keeps the cake exceptionally moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla and almond extracts: The vanilla rounds out the flavors, while the almond extract complements the amaretto glaze.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors subtly.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully.
Fresh cranberries: Chopped to spread their tartness evenly throughout the batter.
Powdered sugar: For dusting cranberries before mixing and for the glaze to create that sweet, silky finish.
Orange zest and orange juice: These bring that bright, citrusy vibrancy that wakes up the entire cake.
Amaretto liqueur: Infuses the glaze with an irresistible almond note that pairs perfectly with citrus and cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly using 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Be sure to get the butter into all the pan’s crevices so the cake will release beautifully. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, tilting and tapping the pan to coat the butter evenly; this step prevents sticking and adds a subtle texture to the crust.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining softened butter together with the sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Whip it on high speed until it’s light and fluffy—around 2 minutes. Then, add the eggs two at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition until just combined. Next, lower the mixer speed and gradually add the gluten-free flour and baking powder, mixing only until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.

Step 3: Fold in Cranberries and Citrus

In a small bowl, toss the chopped cranberries with powdered sugar—this sweet coating prevents the berries from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Gently fold the sugared cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice into your batter. The citrus and berries are the stars here, lending fresh bursts of flavor throughout the cake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 5 minutes. You want to see a golden top that’s just beginning to crack, and the cake should feel firm with no jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack placed over a sheet pan to catch drips. Let it cool completely. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with amaretto and orange juice until smooth—it should be thick but pourable. Drizzle the glaze slowly over the cooled cake in any pattern you like and let it set for about 10 minutes. The glaze adds that signature sweetness and a lovely hint of almond that rounds out the bright citrus and tart berries.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe

A single slice of cake sits on a white plate with a green rim, showing two main layers. The inside is light yellow with visible pieces of red fruit scattered throughout the soft texture. The outer crust is golden brown and slightly rough. A thin layer of white frosting or glaze is seen near the top edge of the slice, with a small drizzle on the crust. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is another plate holding the rest of the cake, slightly blurred. A pink cloth and a silver fork are also faintly visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up this already vibrant cake, a few fresh cranberries and some additional orange zest sprinkled over the glaze add freshness and beauty. A few slivered almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar also complement the texture and visual appeal wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For brunch or tea time, serve it alongside a cup of hot herbal tea or lightly roasted coffee to enhance the citrus and almond notes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand to create a warm, inviting vibe. You could also slice the cake into smaller, elegant squares for a party platter, drizzling extra glaze on each piece just before serving—fabulous for gatherings and celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve freshness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cake—it will keep moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, though it might firm up a little.

Freezing

The cake freezes beautifully whether whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To refresh a slice, warm it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This will bring back the moistness and soften the glaze just enough to enjoy that freshly made feeling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries deliver the best texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen cranberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well, then toss with powdered sugar to avoid extra moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.

Is it possible to make this cake without amaretto?

Yes! You can skip the amaretto and simply use additional orange juice in the glaze. The cake will still be delicious, though the nutty warmth from the liqueur adds a wonderful depth that’s worth trying when you can.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This exact Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe calls for gluten-free all-purpose flour designed to substitute one-to-one for regular flour, so it’s perfect for gluten-free baking without compromise on texture or taste.

What is the best way to chop cranberries for this cake?

Roughly chopping cranberries helps distribute their tart bursts evenly throughout the cake. Use a sharp knife and cut into halves or quarters depending on size. This ensures no overly large pieces dominate but you still enjoy their juicy pockets.

Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredient amounts, and bake in two Bundt pans or larger pans with adjusted baking times (test with a toothpick). This recipe scales well and is fantastic for larger crowds.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Cranberry Orange Cake with Amaretto Glaze Recipe. It’s a magical combination of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors wrapped in a tender crumb. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays or a sweetheart gathering, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see the smiles it brings to your table.