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Cranberry Layer Cake

72 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Nov. 29, 2023
I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio
Cranberry Layer Cake
Cranberry Layer Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
  • 1-1/3 cups water
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Transfer batter to prepared pans.
  2. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and orange zest until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and side of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate leftovers.

Can you freeze Cranberry Layer Cake?

Wrap cooled cake layers, then cover securely in foil; freeze. To use, thaw cakes before unwrapping. Assemble as directed.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 441 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.