Name: Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; Zest from 1 large orange; ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large

If you’re craving a tender, zesty treat that’s bright enough to start your morning with a smile—but also special enough to double as dessert—this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Bursting with juicy cranberries and vibrant orange flavor, each bite is moist, fragrant, and perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven with coffee or serving slices at a festive brunch, you’ll love how easy and comforting this colorful cake really is!

Spinach Florentine Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe lies in how each simple ingredient brings out bold, fresh flavors. These pantry staples combine for a cake that’s soft, citrusy, and studded with tart cranberries—absolutely irresistible!

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake, keeping it fluffy yet substantial.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise for that lovely, tender crumb.
Baking soda: Adds extra lift and reacts with the yogurt and orange juice for a moist texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the citrus flavors.
Granulated sugar: Creamed with butter to create a soft, delicately sweet base.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Makes the cake ultra-moist and slightly tangy—don’t skip this!
Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the crumb with rich buttery flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its light, fluffy texture.
Zest from 1 large orange: Packs every bite with fragrant, all-natural citrus aroma.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds an extra punch of brightness and tenderizes the crumb.
Fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large: The star of the show—juicy, tart, and beautifully jewel-toned!

How to Make Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by getting your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Meanwhile, grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish—or make things even easier by lining it with parchment paper. This tiny bit of prep ensures your cake pops out perfectly every time (no sticking, no mess!) and the edges get just the right golden touch.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients (Except Sugar)

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taking this brief moment to combine your dry ingredients evenly sets you up for the most consistent, tender crumb once everything comes together later. Set aside and feel a tiny burst of pride—the foundation is set!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes, but don’t rush this step: it’s the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The butter should turn a pale yellow and look super creamy—the scent alone will have you swooning!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Next comes the good stuff: orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. This combo infuses every bite with sunshine-bright flavor and aroma, making the Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold in the dry mixture, alternating with Greek yogurt. Start and end with the flour mixture—it keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing. Once you’ve achieved a mostly mixed (but still slightly lumpy) batter, stop. Overmixing makes for tough cake, and you want this one soft as a cloud!

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold the cranberries into your batter. If some are especially large, halve them first for better distribution. You want little pops of tart, juicy cranberry in every slice, so make sure they’re evenly spread throughout—this is the finishing touch for the Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe.

Step 7: Pour Batter into the Pan

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. It may look a touch thick, but that’s exactly what yields a moist, substantial crumb. Take a moment to admire all those jewel-like cranberries peeking out at you—they’ll be even more gorgeous once baked!

Step 8: Bake

Slide your cake into the hot oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering citrus aroma—stand by, because everyone at home will soon be wandering in to see what’s baking!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack. This helps set the crumb and brings it to the perfect temperature for slicing. Whether you enjoy your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe warm or at room temp, it’s going to be a hit!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a delicate drizzle of orange glaze, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For extra color and zing, scatter a few fresh orange zest threads or a handful of extra cranberries across the top—there’s no such thing as too much sparkle!

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a hot mug of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a pot of fragrant tea. Pair it with a bowl of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a handful of toasted nuts if you want a little protein boost on the side. For brunch parties, offer it with a spread of scrambled eggs or breakfast sausages for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe into triangles for a cafe-style presentation, or use a biscuit cutter for fun mini rounds perfect for brunch buffets. Hosting a holiday breakfast? Serve the cake atop a platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices spun throughout for a truly festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days—just be sure to store it in an airtight container to lock in moisture. In the fridge, it’ll last up to five days, and the flavor somehow gets even better as the citrus and cranberry meld together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe! Once completely cooled, wrap slices or the whole cake well in plastic and foil, then tuck it in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter—easy as can be.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to that just-baked state, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them into a low oven for a few minutes. The aroma will come back to life, and each bite will taste almost as fresh as the first day!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can swap in dried cranberries in a pinch—just soak them in a little warm water or orange juice for 10-15 minutes first to plump them up. Keep in mind the cake will be a touch sweeter and less tart.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?

No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of plain regular yogurt or even buttermilk. The key is to preserve that creamy, tangy moisture in your Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time—start checking at 40-45 minutes and use the toothpick test to be sure it’s done.

Is this cake gluten-free friendly?

You can make it gluten-free by substituting your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check all your other ingredient labels just to be safe.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The edges will turn golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the top is golden but the middle still seems wobbly, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s something joyful about pulling a Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe from your oven and sharing it with the people you love. Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a cozy dessert, it always feels a little bit special. So give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!