Spiced Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake
This delightful Spiced Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with a fragrant blend of ground cinnamon, allspice, and bright orange zest, creating an irresistible syrupy layer as it bakes. The tender, buttery cake provides a perfect balance to the zesty, fruity topping, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner party or a charming addition to your mid-morning coffee break. With its warm spices and tangy cranberries, this cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nostalgic reminder of festive gatherings and cozy afternoons.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (at room temperature, divided)
sugar
1 cup (divided)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for the sugar mixture)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (for the sugar mixture)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (optional)
cranberries
1 3/4 cups (fresh or frozen)
egg
1 (large)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (for leavening)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor enhancement)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or low-fat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing the bottom and sides with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon, allspice, and optional orange zest. Mix thoroughly.
4
Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan, creating a fragrant base layer.
5
Carefully arrange the cranberries in a single, even layer over the sugar mixture to form the tart topping.
6
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and the batter is smooth.
8
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
9
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in several additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
10
Spoon the cake batter over the arranged cranberries, smoothing the top for an even surface.
11
Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
13
After cooling, run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
14
Place a serving platter over the top of the baking pan, and carefully invert the cake onto the platter, allowing the cranberries to cascade beautifully over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spiced Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake?
It is a festive dessert featuring a tart cranberry and spice topping over a buttery, tender cake.
What size pan should I use for this cake?
You should use an 8-inch round cake pan for this recipe.
How do I prepare the cake pan?
Grease the bottom and sides of the pan with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the topping.
What spices are included in the sugar mixture?
The sugar mixture includes ground cinnamon and allspice.
Is orange zest required for the recipe?
Orange zest is optional, but it adds a bright citrus flavor to the cranberry layer.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and sugar for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients into the batter?
Gradually add the dry ingredients in several additions, alternating with the milk.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes on the center rack.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when finished.
How long should the cake cool before inverting?
Let the cake cool in the pan for approximately 20 minutes before inverting it.
How do I invert the cake onto a platter?
Place a serving platter over the pan and carefully flip it over so the cranberries are on top.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
Yes, the butter should be at room temperature for easy creaming and better texture.
What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, vanilla bean paste can be used as a 1:1 substitute for pure vanilla extract.
What should I do if the cake sticks to the pan?
Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it before attempting to invert it.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large egg.
What is the role of salt in this cake?
Salt is used for flavor enhancement to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Can I substitute the allspice with another spice?
You could use ground cloves or nutmeg, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this cake suitable for a coffee break?
Yes, it is described as a charming addition to a mid-morning coffee break.
What makes this an upside-down cake?
The fruit topping is placed at the bottom of the pan and becomes the top when the cake is flipped after baking.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would pair well with the cranberries and spices.
Does the recipe require sifting the flour?
The instructions recommend sifting the flour with baking powder and salt.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the batter to compensate.
Is this recipe good for the fall season?
Yes, the use of cranberries and warm spices makes it a perfect fall recipe.
How do I ensure the cake isn't overmixed?
Mix the dry ingredients and milk just until incorporated and avoid over-beating the batter.