Orange & cranberry bundt cake

Ingredients

Bundt Cake

360 grams (3 cups) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 room temperature eggs
400 grams (2 cups) sugar
50 milliliters ( 1.7 fluid ounces) orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon ground or freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
120 milliliters ( 0.5 cups) buttermilk
120 grams (0.5 cups) mascarpone
300 grams (2 cups) cranberries

Equipment

Bundt Pan
Choose a high-quality, non-stick Bundt pan to ensure your cake releases easily. Grease it well with butter and sprinkle with flour for the best results.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer is essential for achieving the perfect fluffy butter and sugar mixture. If you don't have one, a hand mixer will do the trick.
Mixing Bowls
You'll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients. Opt for stainless steel or glass bowls for easy cleaning and durability.
Spatula
A rubber or silicone spatula is great for folding ingredients and scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls.
Cooling Rack
A cooling rack is crucial for allowing air to circulate around your cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Grease a Bundt pan with butter and sprinkle with flour. Make sure to cover all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking.

Step 2

2. Preheat the oven to 347°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for best results.

Step 3

3. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to remove any lumps.

Step 4

4. In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it forms a fluffy light mass. This should take about 5 minutes on medium-high speed.

Step 5

5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 6

6. Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mascarpone, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

7. Add half of the flour mixture to the dough and stir. Then pour in the kefir, mix, and add the remaining flour mixture. Stir everything thoroughly. Don't overmix; just combine until you no longer see dry flour.

Step 8

8. Finally, stir in the cranberries. Fold them in gently to avoid crushing.

Step 9

9. Place the dough in the prepared pan and bake for about an hour or until a wooden stick inserted in the center comes out completely dry. Start checking around the 50-minute mark.

Step 10

10. Leave the finished cake in the mold for 15-20 minutes, then move to a rack to cool. Letting it cool in the mold helps the cake set properly.

Step 11

11. Optionally, make a glaze by mixing 200 grams (7 ounces) of powdered sugar with orange juice, adding it drop by drop until you reach the right consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less juice.

Step 12

12. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake. Ensure the cake is completely cooled to avoid the glaze melting off.

Servings

🌟 Elevate your cake game with these serving suggestions:

Classic Style:
Slice the Bundt cake and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool and creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
Seasonal Twist:
Top each slice with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Afternoon Tea:
Serve your Bundt cake alongside a pot of your favorite tea. The citrus notes of the orange zest complement a delicate Earl Grey or a refreshing green tea.
Brunch Delight:
Pair slices of the Bundt cake with a fresh fruit salad and a mimosa for a delightful brunch menu that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Variations

🌿 Make it vegan and gluten-free!

Gluten-Free Variation:
Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure.
Vegan Variation:
Replace the eggs with a mixture of flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based butter and mascarpone alternative. Substitute buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Faq

Why did my cake stick to the Bundt pan?
Ensure you generously grease every nook and cranny of the pan with butter and lightly sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.
How can I tell if my Bundt cake is done baking?
Insert a wooden stick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
How can I make my cake fluffier?
Cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage is crucial for incorporating air into your batter.
Can I use other fruits besides cranberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples would make excellent substitutes. Just be mindful of the moisture they add to the batter.
How do I properly store my Bundt cake?
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for a month.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It's best to bake the batter immediately. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.