Name: Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅓ cups whole wheat white flour (or whole wheat pastry flour); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 2 medium oranges); ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup coconut oil (softened); 1 cup coconut sugar (or dry sweetener of choice); 2 large eggs (room temperature); ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% fat preferred, 0% works too); ½ cup orange juice; ¼ cup milk (non-dairy preferred); ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla); ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional for stronger orange flavor); 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (roughly chopped after measuring); 1 cup confectioners sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your baking repertoire with a burst of fresh, tangy flavors, this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is a must-try. It’s a delightful balance of zesty orange and tart cranberries woven into a moist, tender cake that boasts a wholesome twist thanks to whole wheat flour and coconut sugar. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat, this cake delivers the perfect mix of vibrant color and mouthwatering taste, guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath holds several white bowls and containers arranged neatly. In the top left, a white bowl full of light brown flour sits beside a small glass jar filled with bright yellow juice. To the right, a white plate holds two halves of a bright yellow lemon, a small pile of lemon zest, and a white bowl filled with creamy, smooth white yogurt. Below the flour, a bowl of fresh, shiny dark red cranberries contrasts with a smaller white bowl of light brown sugar next to it. Towards the bottom right, two brown eggs rest close to a small bowl of light yellow oil and two black measuring spoons, one filled with a dark liquid. The scene is softly lit, showing vibrant colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe truly shine is how simple, well-chosen ingredients come together to create something wonderfully comforting and flavorful. Each component plays its role, from the fresh cranberries adding bursts of tanginess to the fragrant orange zest lifting the entire cake.

Whole wheat white flour (2 ⅓ cups): Adds hearty texture and a slight nuttiness while keeping the crumb tender.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cake its perfect rise and fluffiness.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps with leavening and adds a slight golden color.
Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the fruit beautifully.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon, optional): Provides aromatic depth without overpowering the main flavors.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Bursts of citrus oils bring freshness and brightness to the batter.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Delivers richness and a silky crumb texture.
Coconut oil (¼ cup, softened): Adds moisture and a subtle tropical note to the cake.
Coconut sugar (1 cup): A natural, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with tart cranberries.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together with a light, airy structure.
Plain Greek yogurt (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess for balance.
Orange juice (½ cup): Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds moisture.
Milk (¼ cup; non-dairy works great): Helps achieve the right batter consistency.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon): A subtle nutty aroma that complements the orange beautifully.
Orange extract (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who love an extra punch of orange flavor.
Fresh cranberries (1 ½ cups, roughly chopped): The star ingredient providing vibrant color and tart bursts in every bite.
Confectioners sugar (1 cup): For making the sweet, glossy glaze that finishes the cake perfectly.
Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Added to glaze to tie the flavors together.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. It’s crucial to generously grease your 10-15″ bundt pan with butter or coconut oil and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake comes out unscathed and picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and that fragrant orange zest. This blend sets the stage for a flavorful base, so mixing them well is key.

Step 3: Cream Fats and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream your softened butter, coconut oil, and coconut sugar on medium-high speed for about two minutes. This step is important because coconut sugar takes a bit more time to dissolve, but it brings a rich caramel note to your cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add in your eggs, Greek yogurt, orange juice, milk, almond extract, and, if you want that extra citrusy kick, orange extract. Mix on low to medium speed until everything is smoothly blended, creating a creamy batter that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed. Do this in batches to keep the batter thick and beautiful—not overworked but well combined.

Step 6: Layer Batter and Cranberries

Here comes the fun part! Spoon a layer of batter into your bundt pan, then sprinkle half of the chopped cranberries evenly over the top. Add the remaining batter to cover the berries, followed by the rest of your cranberries, and finish with one last layer of batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. After 20 minutes, loosely cover the cake with foil to prevent excessive browning. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Flip

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then place a rack or plate over the pan and carefully flip the cake out. Cooling a bit before glazing is essential for that perfect finish.

Step 9: Prepare and Pour the Glaze

Mix your confectioners sugar with two tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious glaze over your cooled cake, letting it drip enticingly down the sides. The leftover glaze can be spooned on top again for extra shine and sweetness.

Step 10: Slice and Enjoy

Once the glaze sets, about 15 minutes, slice your cake and prepare to wow your taste buds with every bite of this dazzling Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of light brown cake with visible red cranberries inside, placed on a white speckled plate. The cake has a rough texture and a light icing drizzle on top, with cranberries scattered around both on the cake and the plate. There are small yellow lemon wedges beside the cake and some crumbs on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cranberries dusted with a little powdered sugar, some extra orange zest sprinkled on top, or even a few mint leaves add freshness and a pop of color, making your cake as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee, a warm chai tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creamy sides help mellow the tartness and bring out the citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert table centerpiece, serve your cake on a beautiful cake stand surrounded by sprigs of rosemary or edible flowers. You can also slice the cake into individual mini servings in muffin liners for parties or combine it with a drizzle of chocolate for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness without drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. To save leftovers, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can freeze it whole or in slices for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300ºF) for 5 to 10 minutes to revive that just-baked softness and refresh the glaze’s shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine; just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture, which could affect the cake’s texture.

What can I substitute for the coconut sugar?

You can replace coconut sugar with brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even maple sugar if you want a similar sweetness profile, though it may slightly alter the flavor and moisture.

Is it necessary to use both almond and orange extract?

Not strictly. Almond extract adds a lovely depth, but if you prefer a stronger orange flavor, you can increase the orange extract and omit the almond. The cake is very forgiving!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour and ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 15-20 minutes at room temperature, forming a nice, slightly firm coating that adds sweetness and shine without being sticky.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake Recipe is such a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Its perfect harmony of tangy cranberries and bright orange, combined with wholesome ingredients, makes it a standout treat whether for everyday indulgence or special gatherings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see how it lights up your kitchen and your taste buds.