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Cranberry Orange Cake – Gluten Free

Cranberry Orange Cake is an easy and very tasty dessert recipe. This gluten free cake is a perfect blend of sweet orange flavouring and tart cranberries.

Top off your cake with some Boiled Cranberry Orange Frosting for a more decadent treat! 

Make your own icing or use a tub of icing from the grocery store to top off your baking success.

This cake recipe yields 12 – 16 servings depending on the size you cut for your occasion.

Cranberry Orange Cake is a light, moist cake that will make it hard to believe that it is gluten free.

Everyone will enjoy a nice slice of this  flavourful cake.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin making Cranberry Orange Cake I dumped some shortening and eggs into a mixing bowl.

Then I used an electric hand mixer to beat the shortening and eggs until they were well combined.

Next I added in almond milk and some orange extract. 

I used the electric hand mixer again to blend in the milk and orange extract on low speed.

Then it was time to add the dry ingredients.

I measured in Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, ganulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, orange zest and a bit of salt.

Then I turned the electric hand mixer to low speed until all the dry ingredients were incorporated.  

To finish the batter I turned the mixer to medium speed and beat the batter for about 1 minute.

Next I folded in some craisins.

After the batter was mixed I greased a 9″ x 13″ baking pan.

Then I spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.

I placed the baking pan into a preheated 350F oven for about 30 – 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center came out clean.

After removing the Cranberry Orange Cake from the oven, I allowed it to cool completely in the pan. 

When it was time to decorate the cake I used Boiled Cranberry Orange Frosting.  You can decorate to suit your occasion and taste. 

After frosting, I cut the cake into serving size pieces. The size will vary depending on you situation.

Each piece of cake is loaded with orange flavouring and dried cranberries.

We usually top our cake with Boiled Cranberry Orange Frosting but you could use plain vanilla frosting or a topping of your choosing. 

However you choose to top this dessert recipe you will enjoy the delicious and eye pleasing outcome!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Here Are More Cakes You Will Love…

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Cranberry Orange Cake:

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 tsp orange extract
  • 2 1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • zest of an orange
  • 1 cup craisins
    After Baking:
  • Frosting of choice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan.
  3. With electric hand mixer beat the shortening and eggs together until combined.
  4. Add the almond milk and orange extract. Beat on low speed to combine.
  5. Add the Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange zest.
  6. Beat on low speed until combined and then on medium speed for about 1 minute.
  7. Fold in the craisins.
  8. Spread the batter out evenly in the prepared pan.
  9. Place the baking pan in the preheated 350F oven for 30 – 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan completely.
  11. Decorate as desired.  We love it with Boiled Cranberry Orange Frosting.
  12. Serve and Enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with cranberry orange cake?

Cranberry Orange Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with Cranberry Orange Cake:

  1. Whipped Cream:
    • A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy element to the cake. You can sweeten the whipped cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla for extra flavor.
  2. Vanilla Ice Cream:
    • Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
  3. Custard or Crème Anglaise:
    • A rich and velvety custard sauce can complement the flavors of the cake. Consider making a vanilla or orange-flavored custard.
  4. Greek Yogurt:
    • A scoop of Greek yogurt can add a tangy and creamy component. You can sweeten the yogurt with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
  5. Fresh Berries:
    • Garnish the cake with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries will balance the sweetness of the cake.
  6. Caramel Sauce:
    • Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cake can add a rich and indulgent flavor.
  7. Citrus Glaze:
    • Make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle it over the cake for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  8. Chopped Nuts:
    • Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the cake or serve them on the side for added crunch.
  9. Chocolate Ganache:
    • If you enjoy chocolate, a drizzle of chocolate ganache can add a luxurious touch to the dessert.
  10. Coffee or Tea:
    • Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage can enhance the overall experience.

Consider your personal preferences and those of your guests when choosing accompaniments. Feel free to mix and match to create a dessert spread that suits your taste and the occasion.

How do I store cranberry orange cake?

Storing cranberry orange cake properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Room Temperature:
    • If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
    • Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  2. Refrigeration:
    • If you want to extend the shelf life of the cake, you can refrigerate it.
    • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
    • Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for extra protection.
  3. Avoid Moisture:
    • Moisture can affect the texture of the cake. Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before storing it, as condensation can form inside the storage container if the cake is still warm.

Remember that the specific storage instructions may vary slightly depending on the recipe you used, so it’s a good idea to check any notes or recommendations from the recipe author. Additionally, use your judgment to assess the freshness of the cake before serving, and discard it if there are any signs of spoilage.

Can I freeze cranberry orange cake?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange cake. Freezing can be a convenient way to preserve the freshness of baked goods for an extended period. Here’s a general guide on how to freeze cranberry orange cake:

  1. Cool the Cake: Allow the cranberry orange cake to cool completely before attempting to freeze it. If the cake is still warm, it may develop ice crystals and lose moisture during the freezing process.
  2. Wrap Well: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to cover it completely to prevent freezer burn and to maintain the moisture within the cake.
  3. Additional Protection: If you want extra protection against freezer burn, you can place the wrapped cake in a sealable plastic freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
  4. Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the package with the date and type of cake. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
  5. Freeze Quickly: Place the wrapped and sealed cake in the freezer as soon as possible. The faster the cake freezes, the better it will maintain its texture and flavor.
  6. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Thawing in the refrigerator helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
  7. Serve at Room Temperature: Once the cake has thawed, you can bring it to room temperature before serving. This can be done by leaving it on the counter for a few hours.

Keep in mind that while freezing can help preserve the quality of the cake, there might be a slight change in texture after thawing. Some cakes may become a bit denser or moister, but the flavor should remain intact.

Always use your best judgment when assessing the quality of the cake after thawing, and enjoy your cranberry orange cake at its best!

Yield: 12 - 16

Cranberry Orange Cake - Gluten Free

Cranberry Orange Cake is an easy and very tasty dessert recipe. This gluten free cake is a perfect blend of sweet orange flavouring and tart cranberries.

Cranberry Orange Cake is an easy and very tasty dessert recipe. This gluten free cake is a perfect blend of sweet orange flavouring and tart cranberries.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 tsp orange extract
  • 2 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • zest of an orange
  • 1 cup craisins
  • After Baking:
  • Frosting of choice

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. Grease a 9" x 13" baking pan.
    3. With electric hand mixer beat the shortening and eggs together until combined.
    4. Add the almond milk and orange extract. Beat on low speed to combine.
    5. Add the Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and orange zest.
    6. Beat on low speed until combined and then on medium speed for about 1 minute.
    7. Fold in the craisins.
    8. Spread the batter out evenly in the prepared pan.
    9. Place the baking pan in the preheated 350F oven for 30 - 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    10. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan completely.
    11. Decorate as desired.  We love it with Boiled Cranberry Orange Frosting.
    12. Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 297mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 1gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g

 

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