Cranberry Orange Spice Cake
A moist, flavorful spice cake bursting with cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the beaten egg.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and powdered cloves.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring well.
- Stir in the cranberry orange relish until evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before creaming it with the sugar. You can substitute half of the raisins with dried cranberries for added tartness. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. Adjust the spices according to your preference, and feel free to add a splash of orange juice for extra zest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cranberries or orange zest. This cake also makes a great addition to holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside Wild Berry Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry orange spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Orange Spice Cake contains roughly 300 calories, with 3g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1635mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry orange relish?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to add sugar and some orange zest to mimic the sweet and tart flavor of the relish. Consider simmering the fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice to create a similar consistency and taste.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, try adding a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water brushed over the slices to moisten them. Alternatively, serve it with a fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cranberry orange spice cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the baking soda, are certified gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).