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TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Cranberry Layer Cake

Name: Cranberry Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings
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

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

69 Reviews

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

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on 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

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.

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Cranberry Layer Cake

69 Reviews Add your review

Yield:16 servings

Prep:20 min

Cook:30 min

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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

Text Ingredients

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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.