Name: Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh cranberries; 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (from 2 oranges); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 extra-large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon orange juice; Milk, as needed (to adjust consistency); Extra orange zest, to scatter on top (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 27 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delightful and heartwarming dessert to brighten up any occasion, you’ve just found it with this Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe. The tartness of fresh cranberries beautifully balances the sweet, tender apple chunks, all wrapped up in a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, bursting with fresh citrus aromas from the orange zest and juice. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this cake never fails to impress with its simplicity and the joyous colors of fall baked right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with square slices of a dessert that has two main layers. The bottom layer is a light cream color with a soft, crumbly texture. The top layer is filled with bright red cranberries that look juicy and slightly crushed, mixed with small pieces of what appears to be chunks of white nuts or fruit. The dessert is decorated with thin, white icing drizzled diagonally across the top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white patterned cloth nearby and a bright orange fruit on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role—fresh cranberries add a pleasant tartness, apples bring a natural sweetness, and the orange zest imparts bright, fragrant notes that wake up the senses. The combination of spices, eggs, and sour cream creates a tender crumb with just the right amount of richness.

12 ounces fresh cranberries: Provides tartness and vibrant color that makes the cake visually stunning.
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the cranberries.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor for depth and moisture.
1 tablespoon grated orange zest (from 2 oranges): Adds bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that lifts the entire cake.
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Enhances moisture and intensifies the fresh orange notes.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers warming spice, perfectly matched with the fruit.
2 extra-large eggs (at room temperature): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and lightness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a tender crumb.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and moisture for a luscious texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer for overall balance and warmth.
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and tenderness to the cake, making it wonderfully moist.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake’s structure.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the sweet, citrus glaze topping.
1 tablespoon orange juice: Mixed into the glaze for that signature fresh orange zing.
Milk (if needed): Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfect drizzling.
Extra orange zest (optional): For a colorful, fragrant sprinkle on top of the glaze.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This sets the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Combine the Fruit Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the fresh cranberries, diced Granny Smith apple, brown sugar, grated orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and ground cinnamon. This fragrant blend infuses your cake with fresh and bright fruit flavors that make this Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe truly outstanding.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs

Using a hand mixer, beat the two extra-large eggs until they’re frothy, which usually takes around two minutes. This step incorporates air, lending the cake a lovely lightness.

Step 4: Add Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Next, slowly add the granulated sugar, melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Beat everything on low speed until fully combined. These ingredients provide richness and moisture, ensuring your cake stays soft and tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Now carefully add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender and prevent it from becoming dense.

Step 6: Fold the Batter into the Fruit

Gently fold the batter into the cranberry and apple mixture. This ensures the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the cake, so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the combined batter into your prepared baking pan. For an optional little touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle the top with an extra tablespoon of sugar. Then, bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake turns a beautiful golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when finished.

Step 8: Cool and Create the Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to create a smooth glaze. If the mixture is too thick to drizzle, add a splash of milk. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake, garnishing with some extra orange zest if you like for a radiant finish.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds a square slice of a berry dessert with several more pieces in the background. The dessert has three visible layers: a bottom golden crust that looks crumbly, a middle pale creamy layer with bits of red and green fruit, and a top dense layer of whole and crushed bright red berries. Thin white icing is drizzled in diagonal lines across the top layer. Small orange zest pieces are sprinkled over the berries, adding contrast. The surface under the plate is white marble with soft gray veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of fresh orange zest on top adds a gorgeous, finishing touch that also enhances the citrus aroma. Fresh cranberries or thin apple slices placed artfully can elevate the cake’s visual appeal for your guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, both mellowing the tartness of cranberries and complementing the citrus glaze perfectly. For a cozy fall twist, serve alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra glaze or fresh fruit. You can even turn this Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe into mini cake jars layered with whipped cream for a charming dessert presentation that’s sure to wow at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Cranberry Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, where it should keep beautifully for up to five days.

Freezing

This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its delicious taste or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake as if freshly baked, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Adding a quick fresh drizzle of glaze or a small dollop of cream after warming brings it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing them into the batter to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for the best results.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt or sour cream?

Regular yogurt will work, but choose a full-fat variety for the best moisture and richness. The tanginess helps tenderize the cake, so avoid flavored yogurts.

How can I make this cake more festive for holidays?

Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful crunch. You can also sprinkle edible gold dust or add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for a festive twist.

What can I substitute for the orange zest and juice?

If you don’t have orange on hand, lemon zest and juice make a fresh alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different. Apple cider or cranberry juice could also work but try to reduce added sugar accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cranberry Apple Cake Recipe is a true treasure — simple to make, bursting with fresh fruit flavors, and impressively versatile. Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a warm hug from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy, vibrant dessert with your loved ones. Trust me, once you do, it will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!