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Cranberry Pound Cake

A deliciously sweet and tart cake, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations, bursting with fresh cranberries and aromatic orange zest.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2.5 cups flour The foundation of your cake, offering a soft and fluffy texture.
  • 1.25 tsp baking powder This helps the cake rise, creating a light, airy crumb.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup softened butter Provides a rich, creamy base that adds moisture.
  • 1.25 cups sugar Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on top for a delightful crust.
  • 4 eggs Essential for binding the ingredients together, ensuring a tender cake.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Adds a bright citrus note, infusing the cake with freshness.
  • 2 tbsp orange juice Provides moisture and tang, lifting the flavors.
Fruit
  • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries Rinsed and dried, these juicy gems contribute a burst of tartness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 to 5 minutes).
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the orange zest and juice until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Final Steps
  1. Coat the cranberries with a little flour in a small bowl to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top, and bake in the preheated oven for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients or increasing the sugar by a quarter cup for a sweeter cake. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.