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:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
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½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
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½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
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1 tbsp flour (to toss cranberries)
For the Optional Orange Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp orange juice (adjust for consistency)
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½ tsp orange zest (optional, for extra punch)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Mix in orange zest, orange juice, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine & Fold
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix just until combined — do not overmix.
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Toss cranberries with 1 tbsp flour (to prevent sinking) and gently fold them into the batter.
5. Bake
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Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add Orange Glaze (Optional but Delicious)
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Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and pourable.
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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