Photos by L.G. Patterson
I’m going to admit something to you here. Sometimes, I use a cake mix.
I know. It’s hard to say and hear, but here’s the thing: I’m super busy during the Christmas season. It’s a busy I love, but it doesn’t leave a ton of time for all that gorgeous home baking I want to do. And when the busy season ends for me, about Dec. 23, I want to spend time with my family. I want more opening presents, laughs around the table, memories made and traditions cherished. I don’t want to spend those few precious hours on things that don’t matter to my people. So, I have a few recipes, like this one, that cut a few corners on time and convenience but not on flavor, presentation or fun. This cake uses great holiday flavors like orange and cranberry and can be made as a beautiful Bundt, a couple of sturdy loaves or even a layer cake if you desire. It’s quick enough to be on the table by the end of dinner and you can whip up a couple extra for neighbors and guests. I love it and I know you will as well. Give yourself some grace. Make a quick, delicious cake and use those extra hours to view holiday lights or carol with friends. You won’t regret it. I promise I don’t!
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix with pudding in it
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 stick melted butter
- 1 orange, zested
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries, chopped Fresh, frozen or dried all work. Do not thaw if frozen.
Orange Butter Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 stick butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
Cake Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease and flower a bundt pan (get in all the grooves).
- Beat cake mix, water, butter, orange zest and eggs with an electric mixer on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes.
- Scrape bowl and fold in cranberries.
- Pour into pan.
- Bake for one hour and test with a toothpick.
- Cool 10 minutes and then turn pan upside down on a rack or plate. Serve with orange sauce.
Orange Sauce Instructions
- Mix sugar and flour in a small sauce pan.
- Stir in orange juice on low heat.
- Add butter and stir constantly until thick and bubbly.
