There are some desserts that don’t just sit on the holiday table — they become part of the tradition. Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake is one of those unforgettable recipes. With its bright citrus aroma, jewel-toned cranberries, and tender buttery crumb, this cake captures everything we love about the winter season in one beautiful slice.

This cake is bold without being heavy, festive without being fussy, and elegant without requiring complicated techniques. It’s the kind of dessert that feels just as at home on a Christmas morning brunch spread as it does served after a candlelit holiday dinner. The pairing of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest is timeless, offering balance, brightness, and that unmistakable holiday flavor profile people crave once the weather turns cold.

Unlike overly sweet frosted cakes, Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake relies on natural flavors and texture. Fresh cranberries burst as they bake, creating pockets of tangy contrast against a moist orange-infused batter. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light orange glaze is all it needs to shine.

This recipe is intentionally designed to be approachable, dependable, and adaptable — perfect for busy home bakers who still want something special. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply baking for the joy of it, this cake delivers consistent results and serious holiday charm.

Why Cranberry and Orange Are a Perfect Holiday Pair

Cranberries have long been associated with winter celebrations, especially in North America, where they peak in freshness during the colder months. Their naturally sharp acidity makes them ideal for desserts that need balance. Orange, on the other hand, brings warmth, sweetness, and fragrance — a natural counterpoint that softens cranberry’s bite.

Together, they create a flavor combination that feels festive, fresh, and nostalgic all at once. The orange zest perfumes the batter while fresh juice adds moisture and brightness. The cranberries remain slightly tart even after baking, ensuring every bite is layered and interesting.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
¾ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup milk
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract until fragrant.
In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice and milk.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the liquid mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake

Use fresh cranberries whenever possible. Frozen cranberries can work, but they should not be thawed before folding into the batter.

Zest before juicing. Always zest your oranges first — it’s much easier and yields better results.

Don’t overmix the batter. Overworking the flour can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.

Room-temperature ingredients matter. Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature to ensure smooth blending.

Delicious Variations to Try

Orange Glaze Finish: Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Almond Accent: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty note.
Bundt Cake Version: Bake in a greased bundt pan for a more dramatic presentation.
Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake slightly warm with whipped cream for dessert, or pair it with coffee or spiced tea for brunch. It also travels beautifully, making it an excellent option for holiday gifting or potlucks.

Cultural & Seasonal Context

Citrus desserts have historically been associated with winter celebrations because oranges were once considered rare and special during colder months. Cranberries, harvested in autumn and early winter, naturally became part of festive baking traditions. This cake brings those seasonal elements together in a way that feels both classic and modern.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This cake can be baked up to two days in advance and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature. It also freezes well for up to two months — simply thaw overnight and dust with sugar before serving.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Cake

A moist, festive holiday cake made with fresh cranberries and bright orange flavor, perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes