Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake Recipe For Moist, Delicious Treats

Welcome to a delightful baking journey with our Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake Recipe, a perfect treat that combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the tart pop of cranberries. This loaf cake is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, wrapped in a moist, tender crumb that’s great for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a beautiful cake with a fragrant citrus aroma that fills your kitchen. Plus, the splash of color from the cranberries makes it visually appealing and festive, great for any season.

Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it’s also a wonderful way to bring a bit of sunshine to your table. The balance of natural sweetness and tartness makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

So, tie on your apron, and let’s bake this irresistible Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake that will soon become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make it stand out from your regular loaf cakes. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Fresh and vibrant flavors: The fresh orange zest and juice bring a bright citrus punch, while the cranberries add a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
• Moist and tender crumb: Thanks to the use of sour cream and oil, the cake stays moist for days.
• Simple and quick: No complicated techniques or rare ingredients—just pantry staples with fresh fruits.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and can be easily adapted to vegan or gluten-free versions.
• Beautiful presentation: The cranberries create pops of red throughout the loaf, making it visually inviting and festive.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Zest of 2 medium oranges
• ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane or fine grater for zesting oranges
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable oil, sour cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve once cooled. Enjoy the fresh citrus and cranberry flavors in every bite!

Tips & Variations

For extra orange flavor, you can drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled loaf.

• Using frozen cranberries: Keep them frozen until ready to mix in to prevent the batter from turning pink.
• Vegan version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and swap oil for melted coconut oil.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and add an extra 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
• Nut-free: Simply leave out the nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunch.
• Make it festive: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate on top after baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or vegan spread for a comforting breakfast treat.
• Pair with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream and a sprinkle of extra orange zest for dessert.
• For a festive touch, add a side of fresh berries or a simple fruit compote.

Looking for other tasty treats? Check out our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or try a refreshing Chocolate Smoothie Bowl Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Ideas.

Conclusion

Our Orange Cranberry Loaf Cake is a delightful and versatile recipe that brings together the fresh zing of oranges and the tartness of cranberries into a moist, tender loaf. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something sweet but not overly rich, making it a perfect snack or a light dessert.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this loaf cake is accessible to bakers of all levels. Plus, the vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a wonderful choice for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to festive gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with our suggested variations to tailor the loaf to your dietary needs or preferences. And if you’re interested in more plant-based or vegetarian recipes, explore our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or dive into flavorful ideas like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Happy baking and enjoy every scrumptious slice!

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