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Pumpkin Cranberry Cake With Orange Drizzle
CakeMedium

Pumpkin Cranberry Cake With Orange Drizzle

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Pumpkin Cranberry Cake With Orange Drizzle is my absolute go-to dessert the moment the weather starts to cool down. There’s just something about that comforting blend of spices that makes me feel instantly cozy, and this recipe nails it every single time. I honestly crave this cake all year, but autumn just makes it perfect. What I adore about this cake is the amazing balance of sweet pumpkin and that bright, tart burst of cranberry. It’s not overly heavy like some fall desserts, and the texture is perfectly moist. The drizzle, made with fresh orange juice, cuts through the warmth of the spices with a citrusy zing—trust me, you need that drizzle! It elevates the whole experience from good to fantastic. If you’re worried about it tasting too tricky, don't be. My biggest tip is to make sure your pumpkin puree is fully drained; nobody wants a soggy bottom! A little extra time removing any excess moisture ensures that lovely, tender crumb we are aiming for. I truly hope you give this a try soon. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough for company. Let me know how it turns out for you; I always love hearing about your baking adventures!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Servings
8-10
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

3

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

4

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; gently fold in cranberries.

5

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

6

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7

Let the cake cool completely.

8

For the orange drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

9

Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cake.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store this Pumpkin Cranberry Cake and keep it fresh?

This Pumpkin Cranberry Cake can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, especially with the orange drizzle, wrap it well and refrigerate for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature briefly before serving for the best texture.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour in this recipe, and what is the best alternative?

While all-purpose flour is specified, you can often substitute it with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best structural integrity, as the texture relies on the flour's binding agents.

What is the best way to ensure my Pumpkin Cranberry Cake bakes evenly at 350°F?

To ensure even baking in your 9-inch round or loaf pan at 350°F (175°C), avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of the 50-minute cook time. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.