Cozy and Bright Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake for the Perfect Morning Treat

If you’re craving a cozy yet refreshing morning bake, this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is pure comfort on a plate. Tart cranberries burst with flavor, while fresh orange zest adds a sunny sweetness that feels like winter mornings wrapped in a warm blanket. The tender crumb, buttery texture, and vibrant pops of color make it a showstopper for brunch, holidays, or an afternoon coffee break.

This easy, moist cake doubles as both breakfast and dessert, much like a good old-fashioned coffee cake—but with a tangy twist. Whether you’re planning a Christmas brunch, looking for a cozy weekend bake, or love bright fruit flavors, this cranberry orange cake is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

If you enjoy soft breakfast bakes, you’ll also love these chocolate chip pumpkin pancakes or our seasonal mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl for your next cozy morning.

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What Is Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake?

A Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is a tender, buttery cake baked with tangy cranberries and flavored with fresh orange zest and juice. Think of it as part coffee cake, part sweet bread, and part dessert—all in one irresistible slice. It’s perfect for mornings when you want something a little special without too much effort.

This recipe is similar in spirit to a traditional cranberry orange coffee cake, but the addition of buttermilk gives it a soft, moist texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll be in breakfast heaven.

If you’re a fan of fruit-based bakes, check out the warm and inviting apple crisp with oatmeal or our peach cobbler cheesecake bars for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

There are so many reasons this cake earns rave reviews:

• Bursting with flavor – The combination of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest is perfection.
• Soft and moist – Buttermilk gives the crumb a tender texture that stays fresh for days.
• Easy to make – You can mix everything in one bowl—no complicated steps required.
• Versatile – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light holiday dessert.

If you adore this style of comforting breakfast sweet, you’ll also enjoy these pumpkin protein muffins or the dreamy strawberry protein pancakes for more fruity morning flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Orange Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Zest and juice of one orange
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating cranberries)
• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling on top

If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

For a similar style of simple, flavorful baking, try our sourdough blueberry lemon quick bread—it’s another fruit-filled breakfast beauty!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this cranberry orange breakfast cake, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• 9-inch round or square baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane or zester
• Cooling rack

These same tools will also come in handy for other cozy bakes like our pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes or cream cheese pumpkin bread.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: Add the orange zest, orange juice, and buttermilk. Stir until combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Prepare the cranberries: Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
6. Pour and bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

If you love cakes with a balance of sweetness and tang, you might also enjoy our strawberry cloud cake—light, fruity, and absolutely stunning.

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Tips for Baking the Perfect Cranberry Coffee Cake

• Always cream your butter and sugar thoroughly for a soft, airy crumb.
• Don’t overmix after adding flour; this can make the cake dense.
• Use fresh cranberries when possible for the brightest flavor and color.
• Dust cranberries lightly with flour to prevent sinking.
• Let the cake cool before slicing for clean, beautiful pieces.

For another flawless brunch bake, try the irresistibly moist cream cheese swirled cinnamon pumpkin butter bread.

Variations: How to Customize Your Cranberry Orange Cake

• Add a glaze: Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for a sweet drizzle.
• Add crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Use other fruits: Swap cranberries for raspberries or blueberries in summer.
• Make it festive: Add white chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon.

If you love easy tweaks like these, try baking our pumpkin truffles—a fun and festive twist on a classic dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip greasing and flouring your pan—it prevents sticking.
• Avoid overbaking; check early to keep the cake moist.
• Never thaw frozen cranberries before using—they’ll bleed color into the batter.

Looking for another fail-proof bake? Our apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips is just as simple and delightful.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Serve this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with a light glaze, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It looks lovely on a cake stand for holiday brunches. Pair it with a warm mug of pumpkin spice cold brew or a glass of lavender lemonade for a balanced, refreshing pairing.

You can also serve smaller slices alongside savory items like cottage cheese egg salad or make-ahead breakfast bowls.

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

If you love make-ahead recipes, try the hearty freezer breakfast sandwiches for your next busy morning.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake

Enjoy this cake with:

• A cup of tea or coffee
• Fresh fruit salad
• Pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes for a protein-packed pairing
• Apple fritter donuts for a bakery-style brunch spread

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes! Add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It stays moist for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I replace buttermilk? You can use a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan? Yes, just increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and check for doneness.

Can I use dried cranberries? Fresh or frozen is best, but dried can work if you soak them first in warm orange juice for 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake is bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect bake for cozy mornings, festive brunches, or anytime you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The tart cranberries and zesty orange come together in a harmony of sweetness and tang that’s pure magic.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more comforting breakfast cakes, easy desserts, and seasonal favorites.

And don’t forget to try other fruit-forward bakes like our blueberry cream cheese bars or pumpkin cinnamon rolls for even more cozy sweetness.

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