Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, then this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe is just the ticket! This cake combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges. It’s not only perfect for breakfast but also makes a lovely snack or dessert. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings during the holidays or simply want to treat yourself on a busy morning, this cake has you covered.

I absolutely love how easy this recipe is to whip up, and it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it’s moist and flavorful—what more could you ask for in a breakfast treat?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this cake in the oven and be on your way to enjoying a delicious breakfast.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will relish the sweet-tart flavors, making this a hit at any table.
• Perfect for meal prep: Bake it on the weekend, and enjoy slices throughout the week for an easy breakfast option.
• Versatile serving: Enjoy it warm out of the oven or let it cool for a lovely afternoon snack with tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is simple! You’ll find that these are wholesome staples that come together beautifully. Here’s what you will need:

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• Zest from 1 large orange
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make swaps to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Switch up the fruit: Try using blueberries or raspberries if cranberries aren’t your thing.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.
• Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cake an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cake rises perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture in your final cake. It should take about 3-5 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined—it’s important that everything is evenly incorporated so that each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stirring just until combined ensures your cake stays tender!

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in those gorgeous halved cranberries. This step adds pops of tartness throughout your cake—a delightful surprise when you take a bite!

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell while baking will drive everyone wild!

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Once baked, allow your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Letting it cool slightly makes slicing much easier. Enjoy warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to be loved!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make with a few simple tricks to elevate your baking game!

• Use fresh cranberries when possible: Fresh cranberries provide a bright, tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest is essential for infusing the cake with a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor. It enhances the overall taste and makes each bite feel more special.
• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s wise to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
• Experiment with toppings: Try drizzling some simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

Presenting your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your serving experience delightful.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Orange slices: Fresh orange slices placed on top or beside the cake add color and reinforce that lovely citrus note.
• Mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only enhance presentation but also introduce a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and tang that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberries.
• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, apples, and bananas provides a refreshing balance to the rich breakfast cake.
• Smoothie: A citrus-infused smoothie made with banana, spinach, and orange juice can complement your meal while adding a healthy twist.
• Nut butter toast: A slice of whole-grain bread topped with almond or sunflower seed butter offers an added protein boost alongside your sweet treat.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake will be not just delicious but also beautiful on any breakfast table! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week or serve it at gatherings without any fuss!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the cake completely and slice it into individual portions if desired.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For individual slices, unwrap and place on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• For reheating the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Warm for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful breakfast cake!

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just fold them in directly from frozen without thawing.

How can I make this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe healthier?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber or reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream is a great alternative, as well as unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free option.

Can I add nuts to this breakfast cake?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor profile of your cake.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake can last up to one week in the fridge and maintains its flavor well when frozen for several months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe a try! It’s such a wonderful treat that combines bright flavors with comforting textures. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, it’s bound to bring joy to your mornings. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and delicious aromas!