This Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake is a moist and tender dessert that combines the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and orange zest. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of the year.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1¼ cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved or coarsely chopped

Glaze

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan (such as a Bundt pan).

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, freshly grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, ground flax seeds, and cornstarch until well combined.

3. Add Sugar and Vanilla
   Whisk in the white sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix well.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
   Sift in half of the all-purpose flour, along with the baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir until combined. Sift in the remaining flour and stir until smooth.

5. Fold in Cranberries
   Gently fold in the halved or coarsely chopped cranberries.

6. Transfer to Pan
   Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

8. Cool
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and cool completely for about 2 hours.

9. Prepare the Glaze
   In a bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, fresh orange juice, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.

10. Glaze the Cake
    Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 431
• Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 62mg
• Sodium: 243mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Total Sugars: 37g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 81mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Potassium: 68mg

The History and Popularity of Bundt Cakes

Bundt cakes have a long and rich history, tracing back to European baking traditions. The name “Bundt” itself is derived from the German word Bundkuchen, meaning a cake for gatherings. These cakes gained widespread popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, thanks to Nordic Ware’s introduction of the Bundt pan in the 1950s.

Unlike traditional cakes, Bundt cakes do not adhere to a specific recipe but are rather defined by their unique ring shape, achieved through the use of a fluted tube pan. This shape allows for even baking and creates a beautiful design that requires minimal decoration.

Over the years, Bundt cakes have been adapted to feature various flavors, from rich chocolate and classic vanilla to more seasonal varieties such as pumpkin spice and citrus-infused cakes. The Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake is one such variation that has become a favorite for its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.

What Makes Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake Special?

The Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake stands out from other cakes because of its:

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of fresh orange juice and zest complements the tartness of cranberries, creating a well-rounded taste experience.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to ingredients like applesauce and coconut oil, the cake remains incredibly soft and moist.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The beautiful deep-red cranberries scattered throughout the golden-orange cake make it visually appealing.
• Versatility: This cake is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert for holiday gatherings.

Variations to Try

The base recipe for this cake is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

1. Nutty Delight
Adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts enhances the texture and adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Simply fold them into the batter along with the cranberries for a nutty twist.

2. Chocolate Infusion
For those who love chocolate, adding white or dark chocolate chips to the batter can provide a rich contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.

3. Spice it Up
Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add depth to the cake’s flavor, making it even more suited for fall and winter seasons.

4. Citrus Blend
If you want to amplify the citrusy notes, consider incorporating lemon or lime zest along with the orange zest for an extra zesty punch.

5. Gluten-Free Version
For those with dietary restrictions, replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend allows you to enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.

Tips for the Perfect Bundt Cake

Baking a Bundt cake might seem straightforward, but there are a few key tips that can make all the difference in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:

1. Properly Grease the Pan
Bundt cakes are known for their intricate designs, which means they can sometimes stick to the pan. To prevent this, thoroughly grease the pan with butter or non-stick baking spray and lightly dust it with flour.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients
The flavors of this cake heavily rely on fresh orange zest and juice. Always opt for freshly squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought versions to enhance the natural citrus flavor.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

4. Let it Cool Before Removing
Allowing the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack helps prevent breakage and ensures a clean release from the pan.

5. Adjust the Glaze Consistency
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar. The perfect glaze should drizzle smoothly over the cake without being too thin or too thick.

Serving Suggestions

The Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Drizzle extra glaze or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for an elegant presentation.

Why This Cake is Perfect for the Holidays

Cranberries and oranges are synonymous with winter and the holiday season, making this cake a festive favorite. The combination of bright, zesty flavors and the warm, comforting texture of the cake makes it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal celebrations.

Additionally, its ability to be made in advance makes it a stress-free dessert option when hosting family and friends. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the cake even more delicious the next day!

Storage and Shelf Life

This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

For extended storage, you can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and glaze it before serving.

Conclusion

The Orange-Cranberry Bundt Cake is a dessert that offers the perfect harmony of flavors, making it a delightful addition to any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress.