Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake

 

Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake: A Festive and Flavorful Treat

Introduction

Cranberry orange loaf cake is a delightful and festive treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweet, citrusy flavor of oranges. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, breakfast, or as a dessert. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe to create this delicious cranberry orange loaf cake.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious cranberry orange loaf cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of buttermilk
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 1 tablespoon of orange zest
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four small loaf pans or one large loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries.

Bake the Loaf Cake:

1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes (for small loaves) or 60-70 minutes (for a large loaf), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice and serve the cranberry orange loaf cake at room temperature.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips and Variations

• Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cakes. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the top.
• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Dried Cranberries: If you don’t have fresh or frozen cranberries, you can use dried cranberries. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.

Conclusion

Cranberry orange loaf cake is a festive and flavorful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious cranberry orange loaf cake that will brighten up your holiday season.