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Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream is a festive and flavorful dessert that combines moist layers infused with fresh orange zest and juice, a tangy cranberry filling, and a silky orange-flavored buttercream frosting. Perfect for holidays and special occasions, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a vibrant citrus aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Cranberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Citrus Buttercream

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pans and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution in the batter.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air, contributing to a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification. Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely in the pans.
  7. Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  8. Make Citrus Buttercream: Beat the unsalted butter until creamy in a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top, followed by a spoonful of the cranberry filling. Repeat with remaining cake layers. Frost the entire outside of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the top with fresh cranberries and extra orange zest for a festive presentation. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Fresh cranberries are preferred for filling but frozen can be used if thawed.
  • For extra moisture, you can brush the cake layers lightly with orange juice before assembling.
  • The cake should be stored in the refrigerator if not serving immediately, and allowed to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of orange zest in the buttercream for a stronger or milder citrus flavor.

Keywords: cranberry orange cake, citrus layer cake, holiday cake, orange buttercream, cranberry filling, festive dessert

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/cranberry-orange-layer-cake-with-citrus-buttercream-recipe/