Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with a little olive oil or butter. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom, press it in, and lightly grease the paper too. This two-step lining makes the cake release without fuss.
- Toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl and set aside. This light coating keeps them suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom while baking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, olive oil, whole milk, 1/4 cup orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms, about 30 seconds. Do not over-mix once the flour is combined.
- Fold the flour-coated cranberries into the batter with a rubber spatula, using gentle strokes so you do not crush them. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Start checking at 40 minutes. The top should be deep golden and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The cranberries will have burst and the top will look slightly domed.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, place the rack on top of the pan, and invert. Peel off the parchment paper and let the cake cool completely before glazing.
- For the glaze, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set for 5 minutes. Alternatively, dust generously with powdered sugar and skip the glaze entirely.
Notes
The cake keeps well at room temperature for 2 days, covered. It actually improves on day two as the cranberry juices settle into the crumb. Freeze unfrosted slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
