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Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

A delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, this visually stunning Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake features a charming cranberry sauce swirl.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries These bright, juicy berries provide a burst of tangy flavor.
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice The zesty sweetness of oranges adds depth.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar To sweeten the sauce.
For the Bundt Cake
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour The base for a soft and tender crumb.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder For the perfect rise.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances all the flavors.
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar This includes the sugar for the cake itself.
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter Creamy richness for the cake.
  • 4 large eggs Binding ingredients together for unity.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds warm, comforting notes.
  • ¾ cup sour cream For moistness and a subtle tang.
  • ½ cup milk Ensures a tender crumb.
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice Extra citrus goodness.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest A fragrant touch for flavor.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries For the sauce swirl.
  • 1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar For the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors in the glaze.
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice Adjust for glaze consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. First, place all the cranberries, orange juice, and half a cup of sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with baking spray.
  3. In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of flour with the fresh cranberries used for the batter (not the sauce) and stir gently to coat.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
Mixing the Batter
  1. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and remaining granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl's sides to ensure everything is well combined. Add the orange zest and mix.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside.
  4. Starting with the dry mixture, add about one-third to the butter mixture and beat until just combined. Then, mix in half of the sour cream mixture and blend well. Repeat this process, finishing with the dry ingredients.
  5. Gently fold in the floured cranberries.
Layering and Baking
  1. Pour two-thirds of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the batter and layer the remaining batter on top.
  2. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before inverting it onto your serving platter.
Glazing
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until a smooth glaze forms.

Notes

For an even more moist cake, wrap it in plastic wrap while it cools completely. For gluten-free, use a suitable blend of flour.