Description
The Cranberry Orange Tea Cake is a type of quick bread, combining the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries with the bright citrusy notes of orange. This moist, buttery cake is perfect for tea time or as a light dessert. It’s characterized by a delicate crumb and the lively flavors of the fruit, which make each slice a treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
1 tbsp flour (to toss cranberries)
For the Optional Orange Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp orange juice (adjust for consistency)
½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra punch)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in orange zest, orange juice, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine & Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix just until combined — do not overmix.
Toss cranberries with 1 tbsp flour (to prevent sinking) and gently fold them into the batter.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add Orange Glaze (Optional but Delicious)
Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle over cooled cake and let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For extra flavor, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cake once it has cooled, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Tea Cake