Can I make this cranberry orange layer cake recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this easy cranberry orange layer cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted before serving, maintaining flavor and moisture.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. A dried cranberry orange cake works well—soak dried cranberries briefly for a texture similar to fresh.

What makes this the best cranberry orange layer cake?

Balanced sweetness, fresh citrus, and sour cream create a moist crumb comparable to a cranberry orange cake Taste of Home favorite.

Can I turn this into an old fashioned cranberry orange layer cake?

Yes, reduce frosting sweetness and focus on zest and cranberries for a classic, nostalgic version.

Cranberry Orange Layer Cake Recipe – Easy & Moist Dessert 2026

Name: Cranberry Orange Layer Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon flour (to toss cranberries); 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh cranberries (optional garnish); Orange slices or curls (optional garnish); Sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)

Description

A bright, festive cranberry orange layer cake bursting with citrus flavor and tart cranberries. Soft, moist cake layers infused with fresh orange zest are stacked with a creamy orange-kissed frosting—perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a bakery-style showstopper.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch two-layer cake):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries
1 tablespoon flour (to toss cranberries)

For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cranberries
Orange slices or curls
Sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, mixing until just combined.

Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour and gently fold into the batter.

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Level cake layers if needed.

Place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top.

Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 4: Decorate

Garnish with fresh or sugared cranberries and orange slices for a festive finish.

Notes

Flavor Boost: Use freshly zested oranges—this makes a big difference.
Dried Cranberries: Soak in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before using.
Make Ahead: Bake layers a day in advance; frost before serving.
Extra Moist: Sour cream is key for tender layers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Layer Cake
Method: Baked / Layered
Cuisine: American