Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake for Cozy Mornings

There's something magical about cozy mornings, especially when they start with a slice of Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake. I remember one chilly Saturday when my son, Jake, woke up early and insisted on helping me bake. The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of oranges and tart cranberries, and we both knew we were in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors.
• Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
• Easy to make and even easier to enjoy with family and friends.

Pure Comfort

This cake brings warmth to your mornings, making every bite feel like a hug. The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing flavor that dances on your taste buds, while the buttermilk keeps it moist and fluffy.

What You Need

• 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) – Sifted for lightness.
• 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – Leavening agent for fluffiness.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Make sure it’s at room temperature.
• 2 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better mixing.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup buttermilk (120 ml) – Can substitute with yogurt or milk with vinegar.
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp orange zest – Freshly grated for the best flavor.
• 1 cup 1 cup fresh cranberries (100 g) – Frozen cranberries can be used; just don’t thaw.
• to taste Powdered sugar for dusting – Optional for a sweet finish.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can bake it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your cake will slide out easily once baked.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The mixture should be well combined and look fluffy, which is a good sign that your cake will rise beautifully.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter, mixing well after each addition. The batter should look smooth and creamy, which means it’s time to add the buttermilk and orange zest.
5. Gently fold in the buttermilk and orange zest into the butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Now, fold in the fresh cranberries. The bright red berries will add a lovely pop of color and tartness to your cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
9. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

Make It Perfect

• For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Mix It Up

• Substitute cranberries with blueberries for a different berry flavor.
• Add a cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert option.

Perfect Partners

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve alongside yogurt or whipped cream for a delightful brunch.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is sure to become a family favorite. With its bright flavors and cozy vibes, it’s perfect for those lazy mornings. So, gather your loved ones, bake this cake, and enjoy every delightful bite together.

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake for Cozy Mornings

A moist and fluffy breakfast cake combining tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, perfect for cozy mornings or an afternoon snack. Made with buttermilk for tenderness, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that brighten your day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Oven
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup all-purpose flour Sifted for lightness
• 1 cup granulated sugar You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor
• 1 tsp baking powder Leavening agent for fluffiness
• 0.5 tsp baking soda Helps the cake rise
• 0.25 tsp salt Enhances the flavors
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened, room temperature
• 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing
• 0.5 cup buttermilk Can substitute with yogurt or milk with vinegar
• 1 tbsp orange zest Freshly grated for the best flavor
• 1 cup fresh cranberries Frozen cranberries can be used; just don’t thaw
• to taste powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
• In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time to the butter, mixing well after each addition.
• Fold the buttermilk and orange zest into the butter mixture until just combined.
• Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Keyword Breakfast cake, Buttermilk, cozy, Cranberry, Orange, sweet