Spiced Cranberry Orange Upsidedown Cake

Spiced Cranberry & Orange Upside Down Cake: A Festive Treat

Ever stare into your fridge after Christmas dinner and think, "What else can I do with these cranberries?" Me too! This Cranberry Upside Down Cake Is the answer.

It’s got that perfect sweet tart vibe going on, with warm spices and zesty orange notes that just scream festive baking.

What's the Story Behind Upside Down Cake?

Upside down cakes have been around for ages. They're a clever way to get a fruit topping baked right into the cake! Our take? A Cranberry Orange Cake , is a twist on the traditional.

This recipe is a medium challenge, taking about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish. You'll get about 8-10 servings, perfect for sharing... or not!

Why You'll Love This Upside Down Cake Recipe

Cranberries aren't just for sauce. They’re packed with antioxidants! This Winter Dessert Recipes is a delightful way to enjoy a healthier treat, especially after all those Christmas biscuits.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for those Holiday Cake Recipes ! The vibrant colors and comforting flavors make it a notable Christmas Cake Ideas , and the Dessert Aux Fruits will make you feel like a star baker!

Ready to get started? Let's dive into the spiced Cranberry Upside Down Cake ingredients for the best Upside Down Cake ever.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Bake!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make This Cranberry Upside Down Cake Is amazing. Don't worry; it's all pretty straightforward. We are making the best Upside Down Cake Recipe today!

Main Players: Ingredients for Our Dessert Aux Fruits

First, the caramelized cranberry topping. You'll need 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter. Make sure it is the good stuff, because cheap butter does not caramelize the same.

Then, 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar. Cinnamon? 1 teaspoon . Ginger? 1/2 teaspoon . Cloves? 1/4 teaspoon . Important! Get 12 ounces (340g) of cranberries.

Fresh or frozen, both are ok. Last, you need the zest of 1 orange for that extra zing. I love how orange boosts the flavor in a Cranberry Orange Cake .

Now, for the cake batter. Grab 1 3/4 cups (210g) of all-purpose flour. Got baking powder? You'll need 2 teaspoons .

And 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Next, 1/2 cup (113g) of softened butter. Then 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar. You will also need 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Finally, 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk, and 1/4 cup (60ml) of orange juice.

Seasoning Secrets: Spicing Up Our Holiday Cake Recipes

Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are key. These are essential for that warm, festive vibe. I have been making this cake since I was a kid.

If you are looking for Christmas Cake Ideas , it is great. The orange zest adds a lovely brightness. Don't skip it! If you are feeling adventurous, try a pinch of nutmeg.

For the caramel, a splash of maple syrup intensifies the flavor.

Gear Up: The Equipment You Need

You will need a 9 inch round cake pan. Parchment paper is vital for easy release. Trust me on this! A stand mixer or hand mixer.

I prefer my KitchenAid, but a hand mixer works great. A rubber spatula to scrape the bowl. And a wire rack for cooling.

You'll also need a small saucepan for the caramel. Nothing too fancy!

This Easy Cake Recipe is perfect for winter. The Upside Down Cake style makes it so pretty. This Winter Dessert Recipes could easily become your new favorite dessert.

Spiced Cranberry & Orange Upside Down Cake: A Winter Dessert Masterpiece

Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for This Cranberry Upside Down Cake Is about to become your new fave! Seriously, forget boring old Christmas cake ideas.

This Cranberry Upside Down Cake ? Next level. It’s festive, fruity, and surprisingly easy. Trust me, even if you’re a bit of a disaster in the kitchen, you can nail this Upside Down Cake Recipe .

Let's get started.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place is key. First, gather your ingredients. We're talking 1/2 cup (1 stick) (113g) unsalted butter , 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar , spices, 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries , and the orange zest.

This cake needs a great foundation. Measure everything before you start and things will be so much easier.

From Fumble to Fabulous: step-by-step to Baking Bliss

1. Pan Prep is Paramount: Grease a 9 inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. You don't want any cake sticking to the pan!.
2. Caramelize the Cranberries: Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) (113g) unsalted butter in a saucepan. Stir in the 1 cup (200g) brown sugar and spices. Cook until dissolved. Pour into the pan and arrange the cranberries evenly.
3. Mix That Batter: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream the softened butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, and 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice . Combine wet and dry.
4. Assemble with Love: Pour the batter over the cranberries, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 50 minutes . The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool and Invert: Let cool for 10- 15 minutes before inverting.

Pro Tips for Your Perfect Cake

Here is a key tip: don't overmix! The batter should be just combined to keep the cake tender. A good Upside Down Cake must be moist.

Want to make it ahead? You can prep the cranberry topping a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge.

This cranberry orange cake tastes best the same day but it stays good for up to 3 days at room temperature.

I once tried skipping the parchment paper, and oh my gosh, the cake was a disaster! Huge mess. Don't be like me.

This Holiday Cake Recipes a game changer! I love this Dessert Aux Fruits . This Easy Cake Recipe always wins me points.

For a simple and heartwarming Winter Dessert Recipes , look no further. I hope that you liked my Christmas Cake Ideas.

Alright, so you've got the basic recipe for This Cranberry Upside Down Cake Is down. But let's chat about some extra bits, yeah? It's all about making this Upside Down Cake your own !

Recipe Notes

How to Serve This Festive Baking Recipe

Honestly, presentation is half the battle, innit? Think about it. For plating, a dusting of icing sugar can really make it look extra special.

A sprig of rosemary adds a nice festive touch too!

As for sides, vanilla ice cream is a classic. It just works, you know? Or try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream .

Seriously, it's lush! And don't forget the drinks! A hot cup of tea or even a sparkling wine goes down a treat with this Winter Dessert Recipes .

Storing Your Holiday Cake

Right, so you've made this amazing Cranberry Orange Cake . What's next? If you have any leftovers and that's a big if —here's the lowdown on storing.

For the fridge, wrap it tightly in cling film or put it in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3 days.

Freezing? Go for it! Just wrap it well. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a low oven will do the trick.

Don't let it dry out, though!

Dessert Aux Fruits: Variations on a Theme

Fancy mixing things up? You could swap the cranberries for apples. Apple Spice Upside Down Cake is a winner, especially with a bit of allspice.

Or, how about a mixed berry version? Raspberries and blueberries would be fab!

gluten-free? No worries! Use a gluten-free flour blend. dairy-free? Easy peasy. Just swap out the butter and milk for dairy-free alternatives. Easy Cake Recipe adaptations for everyone!

The Basics of Cranberry Upside Down Cake Nutrition

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food. But, hey, it's Christmas! Roughly speaking, each slice has about 350-400 calories. Not too bad, eh?

Cranberries are full of antioxidants, though, so that's a bonus! Just remember, enjoy it in moderation. Everything in moderation, even moderation, as Oscar Wilde quipped!

So there you have it! All the extra bits to make your Cranberry Upside Down Cake truly spectacular. Give it a go, have some fun, and don't worry too much about being perfect.

That's what baking should be all about, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

"This Cranberry Upside Down Cake Is" sticking to the pan! What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded sticking! First, make sure you've greased your pan thoroughly and that the parchment paper is well fitted. Letting the cake cool for exactly 10-15 minutes before inverting is key too hot, and the caramel is too liquid; too cold, and it sets like concrete.

If all else fails, gently run a thin knife around the edge before inverting, like easing off a tricky parking maneuver!

Can I use frozen cranberries for This Cranberry Upside Down Cake?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the caramel topping. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on The Great British Baking Show!

How do I store leftover Cranberry Upside Down Cake?

Leftover cake is a treasure! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor. A quick zap in the microwave, and it's good as new!

Is there a way to make this Spiced Cranberry & Orange Upside Down Cake ahead of time?

You can definitely get a head start! You can prepare the caramelized cranberry topping a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge. However, I recommend baking the cake the same day you plan to serve it for optimal freshness. Nobody likes a stale cake at a party, and frankly, it's bad form!

What kind of variations can I try with this cake?

Get creative! For an apple spice version, swap the cranberries for chopped apples and add allspice. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and dairy-free, opt for vegan butter sticks 1:1.

You can also experiment with different spices or add nuts to the batter for extra crunch; the possibilities are endless! Think of it as your baking blank canvas.

How can I prevent the cake from getting too soggy?

Nobody wants a soggy cake, like a day-old chip! Make sure to measure the flour correctly (spoon and level is best) to avoid a dense batter that absorbs too much moisture. Also, be sure the cranberries are well drained if using frozen.

Finally, don't overbake the cake; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.