Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake – Bright, Zesty, and Perfectly Sweet

This Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is the ultimate blend of tart and sweet. Fresh cranberries bring a juicy burst of flavor, while orange zest and juice add a refreshing citrusy brightness. Baked into a moist, tender loaf, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee. Finished with a simple orange glaze, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Refreshing: Cranberry tartness pairs beautifully with zesty orange.
Moist & Tender: A perfectly soft crumb with just the right amount of sweetness.
Festive & Versatile: Ideal for the holidays, but delicious any time of year.
Simple to Make: A quick loaf cake that looks bakery-worthy.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour)

For the Glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, yogurt, orange juice, and zest.

4. Combine & Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.

5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Glaze
Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with orange glaze once cooled, if desired.

7. Slice & Serve
Cut into slices and enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a festive dessert.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Toss Cranberries in Flour: Prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
• Don’t Overmix: Keeps the loaf tender and moist.
• Use Fresh Orange Juice: Enhances the natural citrus flavor.
• Festive Touch: Add a sprinkle of orange zest or sugared cranberries on top for presentation.

Why This Recipe Works

The tart cranberries balance the sweetness of the loaf, while orange zest and juice add bright, fresh flavor. Greek yogurt ensures the cake stays moist and soft, and the glaze ties everything together with a citrusy finish.

Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is a bakery-style delight that’s as festive as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy mornings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf cake is bursting with flavor in every slice. Whether you enjoy it glazed or plain, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.