Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake

Name: Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cranberries; 2 large oranges (zest and juice); 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter (for topping); ½ cup softened butter (for batter); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Published: September 1, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor
The sweet-tart flavor combination will have your taste buds dancing with joy
It’s visually stunning with its bright red cranberries and golden-orange glaze
Perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday treat that feels special!

Baking this cake has become a family tradition, and every time I pull it out of the oven, I can hear the collective gasps of delight from my loved ones.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: Opt for vibrant, firm cranberries that are plump and glossy for the best flavor.
Oranges: Use juicy oranges; zest and juice them for a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; it balances out the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it enhances the moistness of your cake.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here; ensure it’s sifted to keep your batter light and airy.
Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures that your cake rises nicely—check the expiration date!
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and better incorporate air for fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla brings warmth and depth to your cake’s flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray; this helps in flipping later without losing any precious cranberries.

Create Your Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter with 1 cup sugar until bubbly. Stir in 1 cup fresh cranberries and cook until they begin popping and their juices release—a delightful sound!

Add Zesty Flavorings: Zest one orange into the mixture along with its juice. The tangy aroma will fill your kitchen as you mix everything together—it’s an instant mood booster!

Prepare Your Batter: In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with ½ cup milk for a smooth batter.

Pour & Bake!: Pour your batter over the cranberry mixture in the prepared pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean—try not to peek too much because we want that rise!

Once done, let it cool briefly before flipping onto your serving platter. The moment you invert it is pure magic—the vibrant cranberries cascading down like jewels on a crown!

This Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy shared among friends and family. So go ahead, whip up this delightful treat—your taste buds will thank you!

You Must Know

This delightful Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake combines tart cranberries with zesty orange flavor, creating a mouthwatering dessert
Baking it upside down allows the sweet glaze to soak into the cake, making every bite a burst of citrusy joy
It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any cheerful occasion

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the cranberry-orange mixture. Mix the batter, pour it over the fruit, and bake until golden brown. This sequence ensures even cooking and a beautifully caramelized top.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for crunch. You can also use fresh orange zest to amplify that citrus flavor, making this cake uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh cranberries instead of frozen ones; they provide better texture and flavor
Ensure your butter is softened to create a fluffy batter that rises beautifully
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps flavors meld together perfectly

Baking this Cranberry Orange Upside Down Cake reminds me of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy, especially when my family devoured it in minutes and begged for seconds.