Description
A festive and flavorful Bundt cake featuring tart cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon for cranberries
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tbsp orange zest (from 2 large oranges)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
For the Orange Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ¾ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Step 7: Gently fold the floured cranberries into the cake batter.
Step 8: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and Grand Marnier (if using) until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more orange juice for a thinner glaze.
Step 11: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Serve immediately or store.
Notes
Ensure all cold ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother, more emulsified batter. For best results, use fresh oranges for zest and juice. If your Bundt pan is dark-colored, you might need to reduce the baking time slightly as dark pans conduct heat more intensely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg