Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake: The Ultimate Festive Treat for the Holidays
A Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is undeniably the festive and bright baked treat your holiday season craves. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, the air filled with anticipation, and the aroma of this delightful loaf cake wafting through your home. Whether you’re hosting a joyous gathering for family and friends or simply savoring quiet moments in your coziest pajamas under the twinkling lights of the tree, this vibrant loaf cake is perfectly suited for dessert, a special brunch, or even a delightful breakfast the next day (if there are any leftovers!). Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it an instant holiday classic.
I am officially immersed in full-blown holiday mode, and it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The transformation of homes into glittering sanctuaries, the joyful tunes filling the air, and the irresistible scent of seasonal baking—it all contributes to an atmosphere of pure bliss. For me, this time of year signifies a vibrant shift, a moment to fully embrace the magic that surrounds us.
As many of you know, once autumn leaves begin to fall, I dive headfirst into holiday festivities. My days are filled with sipping creamy eggnog, often while admiring the twinkling lights of my beautifully decorated Christmas tree. I make it a point to watch every holiday movie classic, from heartwarming tales to laugh-out-loud comedies, and I seize every opportunity to marvel at festive Christmas light displays. Of course, Christmas music is a constant companion, setting the perfect mood for celebration and reflection.
This season always brings a reason to smile, and Lord knows I’ve needed that sense of joy and comfort this year, especially with all the recent changes to Kya’s health. Baking, for me, becomes a therapeutic and joyful escape, a way to channel love and warmth into something delicious to share.
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Embracing the Flavors of the Season: Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake
And so, here I am, officially kicking off the festive season with all the baked goodness encapsulated in this ginger cranberry orange loaf cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a symphony of seasonal flavors designed to delight your palate. The loaf boasts a wonderfully moist and rich texture, imbued with the comforting, warming citrus notes of fresh orange zest and juice. Then, as you bite into it, you’re greeted with bright, tangy bursts from the cranberries, perfectly balanced by the subtle yet distinct spicy kick of candied ginger. It’s a truly harmonious blend that screams “holiday!”
But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! The entire ginger cranberry orange loaf cake is generously crowned with a luxurious, sweet, and incredibly creamy orange cream cheese glaze. This glaze adds another layer of citrusy delight and a touch of decadence. To elevate its presentation and taste even further, it’s elegantly adorned with delicate candied orange slices, creating a visually stunning effect that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
When you present this masterpiece, expect a chorus of “oooh’s” and “ahhhhh’s.” It truly makes for a show-stopping centerpiece on any holiday table, inviting everyone to indulge in its comforting flavors. The combination of its festive appearance and irresistible taste ensures it will be a memorable part of your celebrations.
As you all know, I have a deep appreciation for kitchen tools that are not only highly functional and efficient but also possess a beautiful aesthetic. There’s something truly inspiring about working with quality tools that bring joy to the cooking and baking process. They transform everyday tasks into delightful experiences, making the creation of recipes like this ginger cranberry orange loaf cake even more enjoyable.
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The Charm of Wooden Utensils
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore the tactile experience of a wooden spoon in my hand. Whether I’m gently mixing delicate batter, scooping ingredients, or scraping down the sides of a bowl while baking, the warmth and natural feel of wood are simply unmatched. There’s a timeless quality to wooden utensils that connects you to the tradition of home baking, making every stirring and folding motion feel more intentional and satisfying.
What makes these particular wooden utensils even more special is their craftsmanship. Typically, you might find utensils with designs that are merely drawn or painted on, which can easily fade or wear off with repeated use and washing. However, these beautiful pieces are actually wood-burned, meaning the charming, intricate designs are permanently etched into the wood itself. This technique ensures that the cute, handmade aesthetic you see here will last for years to come, enduring countless baking adventures and becoming cherished tools in your kitchen.
A Glowing Review
– Kimberlee
Holiday Baking Gift Ideas
Do you have a passionate baker in your life that you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for? Look no further! Baking is a craft that requires both skill and the right tools, and thoughtful gifts can truly enhance their experience. Whether they’re a seasoned professional or just starting their journey, a well-chosen item can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve curated a special list: here’s my baking favorites gift guide! It’s packed with ideas for everything from essential equipment to delightful decorative items that will inspire their next culinary creation.
These gift ideas are not only practical but also great for small gifts and stocking stuffers, perfect for showing your appreciation to friends and family who love to whip up delicious treats. From unique spatulas to artisan baking mixes, there’s something for every type of baker, ensuring your gift will be both appreciated and well-used throughout the year.
Celebrating the Season: Giveaways and Joy
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
In case you missed it in my November newsletter or my other various teasers, this was the second successful year of the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways. We kicked it off right here with Day ONE, spreading cheer and excitement. I was SO happy to share some of my absolute favorite products with you all in the lead-up to Christmas, offering a fantastic chance to win and add a little extra festive cheer to your holiday season. While the specific giveaway mentioned here has concluded, the spirit of giving and celebrating amazing creators continues.
CreateAholics, as I mentioned above, is my best friend’s incredible shop over on Etsy. She and her boyfriend pour their creativity into crafting the most amazing handmade items. From the beautiful wood-burned utensils and coasters you’ve seen here to custom glassware, unique signs, and so much more, their attention to detail and passion for their craft shine through in every piece. In a past giveaway, I had the pleasure of offering a set of 6 holiday wood-burned coasters and a set of 4 festive wine glasses from their collection. The coasters were absolutely adorable, and the wine glasses came etched with some of my favorite holiday movie quotes! They truly embody the spirit of thoughtful, unique gifting.
While that particular giveaway is now a cherished memory, it highlights the wonderful opportunities to support small businesses and find unique, heartwarming gifts for your loved ones during the holiday season. Keep an eye out for future festive opportunities!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
To ensure your Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake comes out perfectly moist and flavorful every time, having the right kitchen tools can make a significant difference. Precision and ease in mixing are key, especially for a delicate batter like this. When you are whipping up this delightful recipe, make sure you have either the powerful and robust KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer or the versatile and convenient KitchenAid 7-Speed Digital Hand Mixer at your disposal. Both options will make the initial mixing steps incredibly easy and efficient, ensuring all your ingredients are perfectly incorporated without overworking the batter.
Beyond the mixing, the pan itself plays a crucial role in achieving that ideal loaf shape and even bake. That’s why I highly recommend this USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel 1 Pound Loaf Pan. It’s an exceptional piece of bakeware that offers superb quality without being overly pricey. The aluminized steel construction ensures even heat distribution, which is vital for a perfectly baked loaf cake, preventing burnt edges and raw centers. Plus, its non-stick properties mean your loaf will release effortlessly, preserving its beautiful form. You’ll find that loaves baked in this pan consistently come out perfect, making it a valuable addition to any baker’s kitchen.
Pin this Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake recipe for later!
Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake: The Recipe
Equipment
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KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
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7-Speed Hand Mixer
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Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 3 Tbsp canola oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 1/2 Tbsp grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup chopped cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour for tossing with cranberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange extract or orange blossom water for a delicate floral note
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency
- 1 navel orange for garnishing
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
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To prepare the loaf cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Carefully grease a 9x3x5 inch loaf pan with butter, ensuring all internal surfaces are covered. Then, lightly flour the pan, tapping out any excess flour to create a perfect non-stick surface. This step is crucial for an easy release and a beautifully shaped loaf.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed, which will help your loaf rise consistently.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using your hand mixer), add the melted and slightly cooled butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is important for the cake’s texture. Next, beat in the vanilla extract and large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Gently stir in the fresh orange juice, grated orange zest, and room temperature sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep the batter tender.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredient mixture. Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, so stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
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In a small separate bowl, toss the chopped cranberries with the additional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This step helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
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Gently fold the room temperature buttermilk and the flour-coated cranberries into the batter. Then, fold in the chopped candied ginger until it is just incorporated. The warmth of the ginger will infuse beautifully into the cake.
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Pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour in the middle rack of your preheated oven. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to ice it. This prevents the glaze from melting.
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While the loaf is baking and cooling, take this time to make the beautiful candied orange slices. First, slice the navel orange into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding the small end pieces. Aim for uniform slices for best results.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar for the candied orange slices. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until all the sugar has completely dissolved. This will create a clear simple syrup.
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Once the syrup reaches a gentle boil, carefully add the orange slices, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for 15 minutes, then gently flip each slice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the orange rinds to soften and absorb the sweet syrup.
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Carefully remove the candied orange slices from the syrup and place them on a wire rack that has been set inside a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool and set completely. As they cool, they will become slightly firm and beautifully translucent, perfect for garnishing.
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Once your ginger cranberry orange loaf cake has completely cooled, it’s time to prepare the exquisite glaze. In a small bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
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Add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and beat until it is fully combined and lump-free. Finally, stir in the orange extract (or orange blossom water for a more delicate flavor) and gradually add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle or spread the vibrant orange cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled loaf, then artfully arrange the candied orange slices on top for a stunning and delicious finish. Enjoy your homemade festive delight!