by Feli Chic'Cuisine
Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors found in this Cranberry Yogurt Loaf Cake. This delectable treat boasts a perfect blend of fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and warm seasonal spices. With every mouthful, you'll experience the delightful contrast of tart-sweet cranberries and the citrusy brightness of orange, all wrapped in a moist, aromatic cake.
For an extra touch of elegance, I've adorned it with a pink icing topping by combining powdered sugar with the essence of cranberry juice. The result is a visual and flavorful masterpiece that captures the essence of cranberries and the spirit of the season. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make!
This loaf cake, brimming with plump, fresh cranberries, is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. It's versatile, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a special coffee-time treat, or a delightful afternoon snack.
Whether you indulge in it as a delightful morning treat alongside your coffee, share it joyfully with friends, or savor it as a refreshing mid-day indulgence, this Cranberry Yogurt Loaf Cake guarantees a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with pure delight.
Cranberry Season a Wellness Must
Embracing the bountiful cranberry season is a wellness must, given the treasure trove of vitamins and antioxidants they offer, particularly essential for fortifying our immune system during the winter chill.
Cranberries, in their various forms, have become a personal favorite. Freshly pressed cranberry juice provides a refreshing and healthful elixir, while dried cranberries find their place as a potent vitamin supplement in my daily routine. However, it's in the realm of cakes that cranberries truly shine, infusing their delightful aroma into every luscious bite.
Imagine a cake where plump cranberries meet the silky embrace of Greek yogurt, elevated with the zest of orange juice. But that's not all; it's the harmonious blend of seasonal spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – that imbue each morsel with a comforting, warming sensation, making this cake an exquisite treat for the senses.
In this delightful Loaf Cake, the bright tartness of cranberries, the creaminess of Greek yogurt, and the citrusy kick of orange juice unite in perfect harmony, offering a delectable dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also celebrates the wholesome essence of cranberry season.
Each slice is an invitation to savor the spirit of this vibrant season and enjoy the health benefits it brings.
Discover the Health Advantages of Cranberries
Cranberries, part of the heather family and akin to blueberries, are hailed as nutritional powerhouses, earning the coveted "superfood" status due to their rich nutrient profile and abundant antioxidants. While raw cranberries boast a sharp, tart flavor, their versatility shines when enjoyed in dried or juiced forms.
These ruby-red gems are primarily composed of approximately 90% water, making them a hydrating option, and they also harbor a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and magnesium.
Let's delve into the top five health benefits that cranberries offer:
Potent Antioxidant Properties: Cranberries are brimming with plant compounds that act as protective antioxidants, shielding your body from oxidative stress.
Enhanced Heart Health: From reducing blood pressure to optimizing cholesterol levels, cranberries play a pivotal role in promoting cardiovascular well-being.
Digestive Wellness: Cranberries are allies in maintaining a healthy digestive system, aiding in smooth digestion.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Management: Cranberry juice is renowned for its efficacy in preventing and managing UTIs, providing relief and protection.
Gastric Ulcer and Stomach Cancer Prevention: Cranberries help lower the risk of gastric ulcers and stomach cancer, particularly when linked to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Incorporate cranberries into your diet to harness these remarkable health benefits and relish their natural goodness.
How to make cranberry cake
How to prepare the topping:
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1h20
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
125g unsalted butter, softened
220g sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 orange (bio), zest and juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
250g flour
1 heaped tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
100g Greek yogurt
150g fresh cranberries
For the topping
150g fresh cranberries
1 small orange, juice
60g caster sugar
150g icing (powder/confectioners') sugar
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). Butter and line with baking paper a loaf pan (ideal, 18.5x11.5 or 7¼x4½ inch). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and mixed spice. Set aside.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Combine the beaten eggs, orange zest and juice and the vanilla. Gradually mix into creamed butter, until well incorporated, then incorporate the flour mixture. Fold in the yogurt until you have a smooth batter.
3. Transfer 1/4 of the batter to the loaf pan. Scatter a handful of cranberries in a line over this layer. Fold the remaining cranberries into the remaining batter and transfer to the cake pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Leave the cake in the hot pan to rest for 15 minutes before transfer it onto a rack to look completely.
Prepare the Topping
4. In a small pan, heat the cranberries, orange juice and caster sugar, until the fruits have popped and the rest are soft (4-5 minutes). Strain the liquid trough a fine sieve over a small bowl, reserving the solids (cranberry fruit). Mix 2-3 tablespoons of the liquid with the icing (powdered/confectioners') sugar to make the icing.
5. Stir the reserved solids into the remaining liquid. Pour and spread the icing over the cake and top with the softened fruit. Can be served with Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." - John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
*All Photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine are copyrighted.
