A Citrus-Kissed Holiday Classic!

Kitchies! Let’s talk about that magical time of year when fresh cranberries are bursting with tartness, oranges are at their juiciest, and the smell of something sweet baking in the oven instantly makes your kitchen feel like home. This Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake is the kind of cake that embodies all the flavors of the season—bright citrus, bursts of tart cranberries, and a rich, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth.

But here’s what makes it truly special—it’s effortlessly beautiful. The Bundt pan does all the work, creating a gorgeous cake that looks bakery-worthy with minimal effort. Drizzle it with a tangy-sweet orange glaze, and you’ve got a stunning dessert that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy afternoons with coffee.

One bite, and you’ll see why this cake is a keeper. The fresh orange zest and juice add a citrusy brightness, while the cranberries balance the sweetness with a tart pop of flavor. It’s a cake that tastes like sunshine, even on the coldest days.

The Secret to This Cake’s Magic

Want to know why this cake is an absolute must-bake? Here’s why:

✅ Super moist and buttery – Thanks to sour cream and orange juice
✅ Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of tartness
✅ Showstopping, yet simple – Looks fancy, but is easy to make
✅ Great for any occasion – Holidays, brunch, gifting, or an afternoon treat
✅ Freezer-friendly – Make it ahead and enjoy later

A Family Favorite

The first time I made this cake, I planned for it to last a few days. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. My husband—who insists he doesn’t have a sweet tooth—kept sneaking slices. My kids? They practically inhaled it, picking out the cranberries first because they “needed to save the best part for last.” Now, this cake is a non-negotiable holiday tradition in our house,and I guarantee it will be in yours too.

Why This Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake is the Best

The Secret is in the Details

Fresh oranges & zest give this cake a bright citrus flavor that’s unmatched.
Real cranberries add a tart, juicy contrast to the sweet, buttery crumb.
Sour cream makes the texture incredibly tender and moist.
A simple glaze ties everything together with a sweet-tangy finish.

Cuisine: American

Ingredients 🛒

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake 🍊

Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add the Orange Juice & Sour Cream

Mix in half of the flour mixture, followed by the orange juice and sour cream. Finish with the remaining flour, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the cake and let set before slicing.

Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and tartness. If using frozen, don’t thaw them first!
Grease your Bundt pan well to prevent sticking—nothing’s worse than a cake that won’t release.
Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the pan to avoid breaking.
For extra orange flavor, brush the warm cake with a little extra orange juice before glazing.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap cranberries for blueberries for a summery version.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Make it extra festive with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of glaze.
Turn it into cupcakes! Bake in muffin tins for 20-25 minutes.

Make a Healthier Version

Want to lighten it up? Try these swaps:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.
Reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups for a less sweet cake.
Use whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich version.

And There You Have It!

A gorgeous Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays, a brunch, or just because you need a little citrusy sunshine in your life, this cake will never disappoint. Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to hear how it turns out! And don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite dessert recipes.

Relevant Categories:

Desserts, Holiday Baking, Cakes, Brunch

Tags:

#BundtCake #HolidayBaking #CranberryOrange #ChristmasDesserts #EasyBaking

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! But soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes to rehydrate.

2. What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

You can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan (adjust baking time to 40-45 minutes).

3. How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the cake tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, yogurt, and milk substitutes!

This Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake is pure comfort in every bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your Bundt pan and get baking! 🍊✨