Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream

When the fresh scent of citrus mingles with the sweet-tartness of cranberries, magic happens. Welcome to the world of Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream — a dessert that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! Each layer of this decadent cake is a symphony of flavors, bringing a refreshing balance to your family gatherings or cozy winter evenings. Fun fact: cranberries are not just stunningly beautiful, but they also pack a nutritional punch! Layered with a zesty citrus buttercream, this cake will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s straightforward to make and promises to impress both family and friends alike, just like our popular Vanilla Bean Cake recipe.

Imagine serving this beauty at your table: it’s not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes, showcasing how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dessert. Trust me, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and this cake might just seal the deal!

What is Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream?

So, what’s the deal with the name Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream? Is it a cake that only a pastry chef can whip up? Not at all! It’s a delightful dessert composed of fluffy layers infused with zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors. Just imagine biting into a slice, where each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness and brightness. Fun story: during my first attempt at making this cake, I accidentally used pure orange extract instead of zest! I still remember the look on my family’s faces as they devoured it — they claimed it was the best “mistake” I ever made. So, don your apron and let’s get baking; this cake is sure to make your loved ones smile!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream

This Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream is more than just a dessert; it’s a highlight of any gathering. The soft, moist layers complemented by the creamy, zesty buttercream will make your taste buds dance with joy. Cooking at home not only provides a cost-saving benefit — say goodbye to overpriced bakery cakes — but it also offers the chance for creativity. Top it off with some fresh cranberries or orange zest for an added pop of flavor and visual appeal. Comparing to a classic chocolate cake, this zesty alternative is refreshing and unique, guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Ready to get started?

How to Make Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream

Quick Overview

Making the Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream is a breeze! Its delightful combination of flavors creates a cake that’s light, moist, and utterly satisfying. What’s more, this cake takes about 45 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake, making it perfect for a spontaneous family gathering or a cozy dessert night.

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful cake:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• For the Citrus Buttercream:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • Pinch of salt

This cake is not only delicious but halal-friendly, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the buttermilk and orange zest until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries gently.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. For the citrus buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest, mixing well until light and fluffy.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides with the buttercream.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream

• For an extra citrusy flavor, consider using lemon zest in addition to the orange zest.
• If you find the batter too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the desired consistency.
• Don’t skip on chilling the butter before whipping it for the frosting; it helps to achieve that fluffy texture.
• Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; dried cranberries simply won’t deliver the same delightful tartness in each bite.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To retain the scrumptiousness of your Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream:

• Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, wrap the cake layers separately in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To serve, allow it to come to room temperature before enjoying, or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back some of the original softness.

There you have it — a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Layer Cake

A delightful dessert that combines fluffy layers infused with zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors, topped with a creamy citrus buttercream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 large orange Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

For the Citrus Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 large orange Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 pinch salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the buttermilk and orange zest until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries gently.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Buttercream

1. For the citrus buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest, mixing well until light and fluffy.

Assembly

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides with the buttercream.

Notes

For an extra citrusy flavor, consider using lemon zest in addition to the orange zest. If the batter is too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the desired consistency. Don’t skip chilling the butter before whipping it for the frosting; it helps to achieve that fluffy texture. Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; dried cranberries will not deliver the same delightful tartness.