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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.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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.