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Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake

Ginger Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake

Filled with fresh orange zest, cranberries, and candied ginger, this cake is basically holiday happiness in every bite.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

ingredients

Loaf
  • 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
  • 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 flour
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract or orange blossom water
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Candied Orange Slices
  • 1 navel orange
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

instructions

  • To make the loaf, preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9x3x5 inch loaf pan with butter. Flour, removing any excess flour.
  • Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and baking salt to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter, oil, and sugars. Beat on medium speed until well-combined. Stir in vanilla and eggs until incorporated.
  • Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and stir in orange juice, orange zest and sour cream.
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredient mixture until just combined.
  • In a small bowl, toss the chopped cranberries with the additional 2 Tbsp flour to coat.
  • Fold the buttermilk and flour coated cranberries into the batter. Fold in candied ginger until incorporated.
  • Add batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour in the middle of the oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before icing.
  • While the loaf is baking, make the candied orange slices. Slice the orange into 1/4-inch thick slices, discarding the ends.
  • Stir together water and sugar for the candied orange slices in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  • Once it reaches a gentle boil, add orange slices. Cook for 15 minutes, flip the slices, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 15 minutes.
  • Remove slices to a wire rack set inside a parchment paper lined baking sheet to set and cool.
  • Once the bread has cooled, make the glaze. Beat cream cheese in a small bowl with an electric hand mixer. Add sugar and beat until combined.
  • Stir in orange extract and milk. Ice the top of the loaf and top with the candied orange slices.
Cuisine: Holiday
Category: Cakes, Pies, & Tarts