This Cranberry Bundt Cake has a soft and moist crumb and is surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect Christmas cake covered in a simple orange glaze and studded with Sugared Cranberries.

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake on a platter with slice removed

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Easy Cranberry Cake Video Tutorial:

If you loved our Cranberry Orange Scones you already know it’s an irresistible flavor combination. This cranberry cake recipe is everything you love about a classic Cranberry Orange loaf but is so festive baked in a bundt pan.

If you enjoyed this Cranberry Bundt Cake video, please subscribe to our and click the bell icon so you’ll never miss a recipe.

Why we love Bundt Cakes:

Bundt cakes are probably the easiest kind of cake to make, but it looks super impressive. It’s baked in a single bundt cake pan, and there is no layering or frosting required. A simple glaze is usually all you need.

Bundt cakes typically have a heavy batter that bakes into a rich, moist crumb. It is such a satisfying cake and keeps really well so you can make it ahead.

Cranberry orange cake glazed and topped with sugared cranberries

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake:

This bundt cake has staple baking ingredients and a generous amount of fresh cranberries. You’ll love that juicy burst of fresh cranberry flavor in every bite.

  • Eggs and Buttermilk – add moisture and balance sweetness (make sure they are room temperature)
  • Flour – all-purpose works best. Be sure to measure flour correctly.
  • Butter – creates a moist, rich crumb
  • Oil – use light olive oil or canola oil
  • Vanilla Extract – we use homemade for the best flavor
  • Leavening: Baking powder gives the cake perfect rise while baking soda neutralizes and is activated by the buttermilk
  • Orange zest – from 1 whole orange for the cake and glaze
  • Fresh cranberries – rinse, pat dry, and toss these in 1/2 Tbsp flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom.
  • Sugared Cranberries – an edible decoration which makes this cake look and taste like Christmas morning.
Ingredients for cranberry cake

The Best Glaze for Bundt Cakes:

Most glazes are a simple combination of powdered sugar and some liquid like milk or water. Using orange juice and a bit of orange zest takes this glaze to the next level. We used a similar glaze on our Blueberry Lemon Muffins and they were a hit.

Glazed slice of bundt cake on a plate

How to Make Cranberry Bundt Cake:

A homemade bundt cake is easier than you think. You can make this cake with a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer.

  1. Prep: generously butter a bundt pan and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
  2. Beat eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl on high speed until pale (3 minutes).
  3. Wet ingredients: Add oil, butter, and vanilla, mixing between each addition, then mix in buttermilk. 
  4. Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix to combine.
  5. Add cranberries and zest: Toss cranberries with 1/2 Tbsp flour and fold them into the batter along with 1 Tbsp orange zest.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared bundt pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in pan then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before drizzling with orange glaze. 
How to make cranberry cake batter and prep bundt pan

Common Questions:

What is the best pan for bundt cakes? 

Bundt pans come in all shapes and sizes. I use a non-stick bundt pan to ensure the easiest release. Our go-to is a 10″ diameter 12-cup bundt pan which is a standard size.

Can I make this in a smaller bundt pan?

If using a smaller 10-cup bundt pan, you will need to adjust the ingredients proportionally. We have a tool in the recipe card to adjust ingredient amounts (click on the serving size).

Can I substitute dried cranberries?

If using dried cranberries, soak them in some orange juice for at least 15 minutes to plump and moisten them up. Drain well before using.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work great and there is no need to thaw.

How to tell when bundt cake is done baking?

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.

How to remove bundt cake from the pan?

Once the bundt cake is out of the oven, let it rest for 15 minutes then place a wire rack over the bundt cake and carefully invert using oven mitts (the pan will be hot). You can tap the pan over the rack to help release it.

Why did my bundt cake fall apart?

The most likely culprit is not buttering and flouring the pan sufficiently. A non-stick bundt pan also helps. Under-baking or turning the cake onto a rack without resting can also cause the cake to break.

bundt cake baked in pan

Bundt cakes are so easy to make but they always look impressive. This cranberry orange bundt cake is the whole package – it’s beautiful and the flavor and texture are excellent.

Cranberry Orange Cake Ready to be served

More Christmas Cakes and Desserts to try:

If you love this Cranberry Bundt Cake, then you won’t want to miss these Christmas cakes and our most popular holiday treats.

Cranberry Bundt Cake Recipe

4.96 from 245 votes
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake on a platter with slice removed
Cranberry Bundt Cake with a soft and moist crumb, orange glaze, and fresh cranberries. Cranberry Orange Cake is the perfect holiday dessert.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chilling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 people

For the Cranberry Orange Cake:

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (not hot)
  • 1/3 cup light olive oil or canola oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cups buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp orange zest, from 1 orange, plus more for glaze
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed, dried and tossed with 1/2 Tbsp flour

For the Orange Glaze and Topping:

Instructions

How to Make Cranberry Bundt Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F with a rack in the center of the oven. Generously butter and flour a bundt pan, tapping out excess flour.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs and sugar for 3 minutes on high speed, until pale in color.
  • Add olive oil, then melted butter, and finally vanilla extract, blending between each ingredient then mix in buttermilk until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt then mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until no flour streaks remain.
  • Toss cranberries with 1/2 Tbsp flour and fold them into the batter along with 1 Tbsp orange zest.
  • Pour batter into prepared bundt pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with some moist crumbs. Cool 15 minutes in pan then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before drizzling with orange glaze.

To Make the Orange Glaze:

  • In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a bit of orange zest. Stir together until smooth. You should have a thick pourable consistency. Add more orange juice to thin out the glaze and more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Nutrition Per Serving

497kcal Calories76g Carbs5g Protein20g Fat9g Saturated Fat74mg Cholesterol190mg Sodium144mg Potassium2g Fiber50g Sugar466IU Vitamin A5mg Vitamin C57mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Cranberry Bundt Cake Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
497
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Cholesterol
 
74
mg
25
%
Sodium
 
190
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
144
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
76
g
25
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
50
g
56
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
466
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
57
mg
6
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cranberry bundt cake, cranberry cake, cranberry orange cake
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 497
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.96 from 245 votes (159 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Dawn Shiflet
    January 5, 2025

    Made this cake to take to a Christmas Dinner party. I followed your directions to a “T.” It turned out perfectly. Looked just like the picture of yours. Was such a big hit that people are still commenting on how much they enjoyed it and how beautiful it was. Most were complaining that they didn’t get a second piece! I will be making this cake again and again. I did add the sugared cranberries and a couple sprigs of rosemary on top. Everyone thought it came from a professional bakery! Thank you for a wonderful recipe.

    Reply

  • Rebecca Baldwin
    December 25, 2024

    Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract for the 2 teaspoons of vanilla.. one and a half teaspoons of vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract..
    I add close to a half a teaspoon of orange extract to the icing.. pure perfection

    Reply

  • Linda
    December 25, 2024

    Loved this cake!!! I added a half cup of dried cranberries that I had soaked in orange juice fix an hour then drained. Added a little extra depth. Family loved it!!!!Thanks again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 25, 2024

      That’s great, Linda! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Christine
    December 24, 2024

    I have the cake made. How should I store it for the night? Does it need to be refrigeratored?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 24, 2024

      You can store it at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can cover it with a cake dome or loosely wrap it in plastic wrap or foil.

      Reply

  • Patti
    December 23, 2024

    Hi Natasha
    Can I use regular whole milk? I don’t have buttermilk and don’t want to make a special trip

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 23, 2024

      Hi Patti, it works best with buttermilk. If you don’t have that on hand, you can make your buttermilk at a ratio of 1 cup of whole milk to 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice. Combine and let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle, then stir and use.

      Reply

  • Sue Shortley
    December 22, 2024

    This cake is absolutely delicious. If I wanted to use chocolate chips instead of cranberries, would that work?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 22, 2024

      I imagine that will work just fine. Hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    December 22, 2024

    I have a 9 cup Nordic ware wreath bundt cake pan. I am not sure how many people this would approximate to adjust the recipe. Any ideas? Thanks!

    Reply

  • Anna
    December 21, 2024

    This is the best bunt cake ever, I made this three times this week already, and every time I make it, it doesn’t last a day.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 21, 2024

      So glad you’re enjoying it, Anna!

      Reply

  • Monique
    December 21, 2024

    Hi Natasha! I want to make this cake for Christmas but my family does not care for orange in their desserts. Can I substitute for lemon instead? Would the measurements be the same as with the orange? I know the flavours would blend well.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 21, 2024

      Hi Monique! Yes, you can use lemon instead in equal quantities.

      Reply

  • Martha
    December 16, 2024

    Can you make this cake in advance (how long), and does it keep in the freezer?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 16, 2024

      Hi Martha! Yes, it can be frozen. If stored well, it can last up to 3mo.

      Reply

  • Kelly Dimuzio
    December 15, 2024

    Natasha I made this tonight for my sons 12th birthday girl everyone was asking for seconds. Sooo good! And a compliment to me and you! Thanks for another wonderful recipe. ♥

    Reply

  • Linda
    December 15, 2024

    Can I make these in mini bundts? Sorry if question was asked already,didn’t notice if so.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 15, 2024

      Hi Linda! That should be fine. Just watch them in the oven since they will bake much faster.

      Reply

  • Pilar
    December 11, 2024

    Hi Natasha, thanks for the recipe. Can you heló me? Hoy much does 12 tablespoons of butter equal exactly in grams? I don!t know if the tablespoons are calculated with hard butter or at room temperature. Thanks for you clarificación.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 11, 2024

      Hi Pilar! It’s about 170g of butter. Thank you for pointing that out. I’ll get that metric conversion fixed in the recipe card.

      Reply

  • Dawn
    December 7, 2024

    I almost never leave reviews, but it seemed unfair to not thank you for delicious dessert. I have made it a number of times, both with and without the sugared cranberries. It is delicious both ways, but the sugared cranberries bring it to an even higher level (and make me look like a culinary expert 🙂 Just made it again for a gathering tomorrow. I KNOW it will be a hit, like it always is! Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 7, 2024

      Thank you so much, Dawn! So glad you’re enjoying the recipe.

      Reply

  • Susie
    December 7, 2024

    This has become my most requested and expected holiday dessert besides my cranberry curd tart. I brown the butter for this cake and it adds a wonderfully rich, nutty layer of flavor. Truly a winner. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 7, 2024

      You are very welcome, Susie! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Marixi
    December 4, 2024

    This has to be one of the best cakes I’ve made. I didn’t have whole cranberries, but I did have an orange cranberry relish leftover from Thanksgiving. Substitutions made: avocado oil for my oil, half and half with a smidge of lemon juice instead of buttermilk, cranberry relish added around the ring on top of half the batter. So tasty!

    Reply

  • Erin
    November 27, 2024

    Could i make these into mini bundt cakes!?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 27, 2024

      Hi Erin! That should be fine. Just watch them in the oven since they will bake much faster.

      Reply

  • dave
    November 27, 2024

    very easy to make, fantastic flavor, taking a dessert to Thanksgiving dinner, this cake was requested

    Reply

  • Suzanne
    November 26, 2024

    Could you substitue greek yougurt for the buttermilk?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 26, 2024

      Hello! I have not tested that but plain Greek yogurt is normally a good substitute! Hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Charlotte Fortier
    November 11, 2024

    Have made this a few times. A true delight and lovely to serve.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 11, 2024

      Hi Charlotte! I’m so happy you enjoy this recipe. Thank you.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.