Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Spice Cake with Citrus Cream Cheese is a simple and delicious dessert that brings together warm spices, tart cranberries, and zesty orange. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a moist, flavorful cake. If you enjoy cranberry and orange combinations, you might also like this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe for another easy treat.

Ingredients

This moist, tender cake bursts with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries, topped with a creamy orange frosting and sparkling sugared cranberries for a festive holiday treat.

• 2 cups all purpose flour (260 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (from one large orange)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one large orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole cranberries (tossed in 1 teaspoon flour)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) for frosting
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice for frosting
• 1 teaspoon orange zest for frosting
• ½ cup sugar (divided) for sugared cranberries
• ¼ cup water
• ¾ cup whole cranberries for sugared cranberries
• ½ teaspoon orange zest for sugared cranberries

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients and measure them accurately before you begin cooking. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents scrambling mid-recipe.

For best results, use room-temperature ingredients like eggs and butter unless specified otherwise.

Step 2 — Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). An accurate oven temperature is crucial for proper cooking and browning.

Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature if your oven runs hot or cold.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step evenly distributes leavening agents for a uniform rise.

Sifting the dry ingredients can help achieve a lighter, fluffier texture in your final product.

Step 4 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, which helps with leavening.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification.

Step 5 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

If using add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.

Step 6 — Portion the Batter

Scoop the batter evenly into your prepared pan or onto a baking sheet. Using a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop ensures uniform size and even baking.

Leave adequate space between portions to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time, usually 20–25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect rising.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows the structure to set and prevents breaking.

Cooling completely is essential before frosting or storing to maintain texture.

Step 9 — Serve and Store

Once fully cooled, slice and serve. For best freshness, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze baked goods for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.

Nutritional Information

Calories	…
Protein	…
Carbohydrates	…
Fat	…
Fiber	…
Sodium	…

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein with a mild, savory flavor that absorbs seasonings well.
• Lentils or mashed black beans — Plant-based protein with an earthy, hearty taste and great texture.
• Cauliflower rice or quinoa — Lower-carb base with a neutral flavor that pairs well with sauces and spices.
• Nutritional yeast or cashew cream — Dairy-free options offering a cheesy, nutty flavor for creamy dishes.
• Tamari or coconut aminos — Gluten-free, lower-sodium alternatives to soy sauce with a rich umami taste.
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash — Fresh, low-carb pasta substitutes with a light, slightly sweet flavor.
• Avocado oil or olive oil — Heart-healthy fats with a smooth, buttery or fruity note for cooking and dressings.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Serve over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings with friends.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Plate alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a vibrant, balanced presentation.
• Ideal for meal prep—portion into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

These serving ideas help transform your dish into a memorable meal suitable for various occasions and preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid steaming food.
• Mistake: Not preheating your cooking surface. Fix: Always preheat pans and ovens for even cooking and better texture.
• Mistake: Underseasoning food. Fix: Season in layers throughout the cooking process, not just at the end.
• Mistake: Using the wrong oil for high-heat cooking. Fix: Choose oils with a high smoke point, like avocado or refined peanut oil.
• Mistake: Constantly stirring or flipping food. Fix: Let food develop a crust by leaving it undisturbed for a few minutes.
• Mistake: Not tasting as you go. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning at various stages to build a balanced flavor profile.
• Mistake: Substituting ingredients without considering their properties. Fix: Understand the role of each ingredient before making a swap.
• Mistake: Overmixing batters and doughs. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid toughness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Keep in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Heat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Always cool food to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion

This cranberry orange spice cake with citrus cream cheese is a festive, flavorful dessert perfect for any celebration. If you love this flavor combination, try our Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe or Cranberry Apple Stuffing. We hope you enjoy making it—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving to enjoy the best texture.

What are some common substitutions for ingredients?

You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have available. For example, use a different type of oil or a similar vegetable. This flexibility makes the recipe very adaptable to your pantry.

How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?

This recipe is quite versatile for various diets. You can omit or replace certain components to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in sodium. Always check labels to ensure your substitutions align with your dietary needs.