Moist and Tangy Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Brighten up your day with the tangy, citrusy flavor of this Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake! Packed with fresh cranberries and zesty orange, this moist and fluffy loaf cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat. With its low-calorie count and simple ingredients, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence that fits right into your Weight Watchers plan.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)

Optional Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar substitute
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, beat the sugar substitute, applesauce, and eggs until well combined.
2. Stir in the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
2. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

1. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar substitute and orange juice, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Nutritional Information

(Per Slice)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~3 (depending on ingredients used)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low in Calories: Perfectly portioned for a light snack or dessert.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The tanginess of cranberries pairs beautifully with the fresh citrus zest.
3. Moist and Tender: The Greek yogurt and applesauce ensure a soft, moist texture without adding unnecessary fat.
4. Simple and Versatile: Great for breakfast, tea-time, or a sweet gift during the holidays.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent them from bleeding into the cake.
• Zest Smartly: Only zest the orange peel lightly, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Optional Add-Ins: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or a handful of dark chocolate chips for variety (adjust WW points as needed).

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Treat: Pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing morning boost.
• Holiday Dessert: This loaf makes an excellent addition to a festive dessert spread.
• Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in decorative paper for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

This Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange in a low-calorie, wholesome loaf. Easy to make and satisfying to eat, it’s an excellent option for Weight Watchers members and dessert lovers alike. Try this recipe today and add a splash of citrus sunshine to your table!