What’s an easy cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe?

The easiest version of this cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe uses basic pantry ingredients—flour, sugar, butter, eggs, orange zest, and fresh cranberries. Mix everything in one bowl, fold in the berries, and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. It’s quick, bright, and perfect for brunch.

Can I make a cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe with sour cream?

Absolutely. Replacing half the yogurt or buttermilk with sour cream adds a rich, creamy texture. Sour cream’s fat content enhances the crumb and helps the cake stay moist even after cooling.

How do I make a healthy cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe?

For a lighter version, use whole-wheat pastry flour for half of the flour, replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup, and swap butter for Greek yogurt. You can even use almond or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.

What makes the best cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe?

The best cake combines tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a soft, tender crumb. Using real citrus juice and zest—not extract—gives the best flavor. Avoid over-mixing the batter for that perfect bakery-style texture.

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe: 5 Easy Steps To The Best Morning Treat

Name: Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe – The Perfect Morning Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange); ¼ cup fresh orange juice; ½ cup buttermilk or yogurt (or sour cream for richer texture); 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional)

Description

A soft, citrusy, and lightly tart breakfast cake that combines fresh cranberries and orange zest for the perfect morning treat. Moist, fluffy, and easy to make, this Cranberry Orange Breakfast Cake Recipe is ideal for brunches, holidays, or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
¼ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup buttermilk or yogurt (or sour cream for richer texture)
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Batter: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth. Fold in cranberries.
Bake: Spread batter evenly in the pan, sprinkle sugar on top, and bake for 35–45 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

For dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt and coconut oil instead of butter.

Add a simple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp orange juice for extra shine.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 285
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 130 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: cranberry orange breakfast cake recipe, cranberry orange cake, breakfast cake, orange cranberry brunch recipe, easy breakfast cake