Few desserts capture the joy of the season like this Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream — soft, citrus-scented layers, tangy cranberry filling, and a dreamy orange buttercream that melts in your mouth.
It’s a cake that feels like sunshine on your plate — perfect for holidays, celebrations, or when you just need something beautiful (and delicious) to brighten your day.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy winter gathering or a summer afternoon tea, this cake delivers an unforgettable balance of tart and sweet — guaranteed to impress even the toughest dessert critics.
🍰 Why You’ll Love This Cake
This is not your average orange cake — it’s a multi-layer masterpiece that’s:
✨ Vibrant & Flavor-Packed: Bursting with real orange zest and cranberry tang.
🕒 Beginner-Friendly: Step-by-step guidance makes bakery results easy.
💎 Showstopping Look: Gorgeous red-and-gold layers that wow at any table.
🌿 Customizable: Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan with simple swaps.
🎂 Perfect for Every Occasion: Holidays, birthdays, or Sunday brunch — this cake shines everywhere.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for your Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream:
🧂 For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest (freshly grated)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
🍒 For the Cranberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
🍊 For the Citrus Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tip:
Zest your oranges before juicing them — it’s easier and keeps all that fragrant oil locked in!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Layer Cake
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans (or two for thicker layers). Line bottoms with parchment for perfect release.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This ensures even rise and soft texture — your secret to fluffy perfection.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar for about 3–5 minutes until light, pale, and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract — this is where that heavenly aroma begins!
4️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until smooth — overmixing toughens the crumb.
5️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto racks to cool completely.
🧡 Pro Tip: Wrap cooled layers in plastic and chill before frosting. Cold cakes are easier to stack and frost neatly.
🍇 Make the Cranberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest.
Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and sauce thickens.
Cool completely — it will thicken beautifully as it cools.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of Grand Marnier for a gourmet twist!
🍋 Whip Up the Citrus Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
Mix until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes.
The result? A smooth, velvety frosting with bright citrus notes that perfectly complement the tart cranberry filling.
🎂 Assemble the Magic
1️⃣ Place one cake layer on your serving plate.
2️⃣ Spread a thin layer of buttercream, then add a layer of cranberry filling.
3️⃣ Repeat with remaining layers.
4️⃣ Frost the outside with the remaining buttercream — smooth it or give it rustic swirls!
Top with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and zest curls for an irresistible finishing touch.
💫 Advanced Baker Tips (for Next-Level Results)
- For richer flavor: Reduce orange juice slightly on the stove before adding.
- For even layers: Use a kitchen scale to weigh your batter evenly between pans.
- For clean slices: Chill cake 30 minutes before cutting.
- Flavor pairing: Pairs beautifully with Earl Grey tea, prosecco, or a cranberry mimosa.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic and freeze up to 2 months.
- Make-Ahead: Bake layers a day before; assemble and frost the next day for the freshest results.
🥄 Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Extra Fruity: Add blueberries for a triple-berry citrus cake!
❓ FAQs
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes! Just reduce it slightly over heat to thicken before spreading.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely — bake for 18–20 minutes at the same temperature.
What if my buttercream feels too sweet?
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or more zest to balance the flavor.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Layer Cake with Citrus Buttercream is more than dessert — it’s a joyful, tangy-sweet celebration baked into every slice.
The vibrant layers, zesty aroma, and silky frosting make it a showstopper for any occasion.
So go ahead — preheat that oven, zest those oranges, and make a cake that everyone will remember.
If you love it, share your creation on Pinterest or Instagram and tag it with #CitrusCranberryCake — let’s spread the sweetness! 🍰💖
