Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This delightful baked good offers a tender, moist crumb infused with bright citrus and bursts of tart cranberries. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, combining dry ingredients with a rich wet mixture of creamed butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Fresh orange zest and chopped cranberries are gently folded in before baking to golden perfection.

Ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch, enjoy it plain or dusted with powdered sugar. For added texture, incorporate chopped walnuts. It also pairs wonderfully with whipped cream. This versatile bake stores well, making it an excellent option to prepare in advance for a stress-free morning indulgence.

Updated on Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:41:19 GMT
Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake with a moist, tender crumb, speckled with vibrant orange zest and tart cranberry pieces, dusted with powdered sugar. Save
Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake with a moist, tender crumb, speckled with vibrant orange zest and tart cranberry pieces, dusted with powdered sugar. | bakozy.com

Start your morning with a burst of bright citrus and tart berries. This Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake features a tender crumb flecked with vivid orange zest and juicy cranberry pieces, offering a cozy and refreshing start to any day.

Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake with a moist, tender crumb, speckled with vibrant orange zest and tart cranberry pieces, dusted with powdered sugar. Save
Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake with a moist, tender crumb, speckled with vibrant orange zest and tart cranberry pieces, dusted with powdered sugar. | bakozy.com

This easy-to-make American classic takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or festive brunch gatherings. The combination of sweet vanilla and zesty orange creates a sophisticated flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6
Fold in orange zest and chopped cranberries gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 7
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
Step 8
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired. Slice and enjoy.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a tender crumb, be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are incorporated. This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute the cranberries with blueberries or raspberries depending on your preference. For an extra layer of texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Serve a slice of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or thick Greek yogurt for added richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a beautiful, finished look.

Cooling slice of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake on a wire rack, showcasing fluffy interior with juicy cranberries and bright citrus zest throughout. Save
Cooling slice of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake on a wire rack, showcasing fluffy interior with juicy cranberries and bright citrus zest throughout. | bakozy.com

With its vibrant colors and balanced sweet-tart profile, this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as a prepared treat, it brings a touch of brightness to every breakfast table.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to prepare?

The active preparation time for this baked good is quite short, just 15 minutes. The majority of the time is spent baking, which takes about 40-45 minutes.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can absolutely use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply fold them into the batter as directed.

Are there any substitutions for cranberries?

Certainly! If cranberries aren't your preference or aren't available, blueberries or raspberries make excellent substitutes. Use the same quantity as you would for cranberries.

How should I store leftovers?

Once cooled, this item stores very well. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and tender crumb.

Can I add other ingredients for texture?

Yes, for an added layer of texture and flavor, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries. This provides a delightful crunch.

What is the best way to serve this?

It's wonderful on its own, perhaps lightly dusted with powdered sugar. For a richer experience, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of Greek yogurt.

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

A tender, citrus-infused bake with tart cranberries and bright orange zest. A comforting way to brighten any morning. Easy to make.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
45 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup milk
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavorings & Add-ins

01 Zest of 1 large orange
02 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

For Serving

01 Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Phase 03

Cream the Butter: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Phase 04

Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth.

Phase 05

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Phase 06

Fold in Flavorings: Fold in orange zest and chopped cranberries gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.

Phase 07

Pour and Spread Batter: Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.

Phase 08

Bake the Cake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Phase 09

Cool the Cake: Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Phase 10

Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired. Slice and enjoy.

Tools needed

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter, milk), and eggs.
  • Check all ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Proteins: 5 g