DESSERTS

Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Cake: A Delightful Treat

by basmer

29 de December de 2025

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Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar cake is an indulgent treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and the zestiness of oranges. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a delightful afternoon snack. With its beautiful colors and rich flavors, it will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

This delicious cake offers numerous benefits that make it a favorite among dessert lovers. First, the combination of flavors creates a delightful contrast between sweet and tart, making every bite enjoyable. Secondly, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, including fresh cranberries and oranges, which add a burst of freshness. The use of brown sugar adds depth to the flavor profile, creating a moist texture that’s hard to resist. You can easily adapt this cake into various forms, such as a Cranberry Orange Dessert Topping or a Cranberry Orange Compote with Brown Sugar. Additionally, it’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe, ensuring that everyone can indulge without hesitation. Lastly, this cake is not just a dessert; it can also serve as a festive centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

Gather these items:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (whole)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Stir in the orange juice and zest into the butter mixture until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries using a spatula; avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s color.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Experiment with adding a Brown Sugar Infused Cranberry Orange syrup for extra sweetness.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

There are many delightful ways to enjoy this cake. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. You can also create a Sweet Cranberry Orange Sauce to drizzle on top, enhancing the flavor profile. For a more festive touch, dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it warm again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients, especially fresh cranberries and ripe oranges. The balance between the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of brown sugar is essential to achieve the best flavor.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for a delightful dessert.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. This can lead to a dense cake. Also, make sure not to skip the creaming step, as it adds air and helps the cake rise.

Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Cake: A Delightful Treat - Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar - additional detail

Variations of Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar You Can Try

There are several creative variations to explore. You can create a Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Glaze to drizzle over the top for an extra flavor boost. Another option is to add nuts for a crunchy texture or swap cranberries for blueberries for a different twist. You could also use a Cranberry Citrus Brown Sugar blend to enhance the citrus flavor.

For more information on the benefits of cranberries, check out this Healthline article.

For a delicious twist, try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for breakfast!

Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our latest recipes!

For a festive drink, consider making a Cranberry Mimosa to pair with your cake.

Lastly, if you want to explore more about baking with brown sugar, visit this Baking Cherry guide.

Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Cake: A Delightful Treat

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Cake, where tart cranberries meet sweet brown sugar and zesty oranges—perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (whole)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the orange juice and zest into the butter mixture until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries using a spatula; avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s color.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.