Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake (Print Version)

A tender, citrusy morning bake with vibrant orange zest and tart cranberries, ideal for a cozy start to your day.

# 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

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup milk
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Flavorings & Add-ins

09 - Zest of 1 large orange
10 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

→ For Serving

11 - Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tender crumb practically melts in your mouth while those tart cranberry bursts wake up every single bite
  • It comes together faster than you can brew a full pot of coffee but tastes like something from a fancy bakery case
02 -
  • Overmixing after adding flour makes tough cake, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and prevent that curdled batter look that panics everyone
03 -
  • Rub your orange zest into the sugar before mixing anything else to infuse every granule with citrus essence
  • Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking to the bottom
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