Irresistible Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Baking a delightful orange cranberry bread can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warm, citrusy aromas.

Sweet-tart berries burst with flavor against soft, pillowy dough.

Fragrant orange zest weaves through each tender slice, creating a perfect balance of brightness and comfort.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

Soft crumbs melt in your mouth, revealing layers of complex taste.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Come discover how a few humble ingredients can create something truly magical.

Orange Cranberry Bread Adds Festive Vibes

• Enjoy Foolproof Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe requires simple mixing and minimal techniques, guaranteeing delicious results every single time.
• Create Versatile Treat: Excellent for breakfast, afternoon snack, or holiday gatherings, this bread works wonderfully as a make-ahead option that keeps well and travels easily.
• Celebrate Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh orange zest and whole cranberries, the recipe offers a nutritious and flavorful alternative to store-bought baked goods.

Ingredient List For Orange Cranberry Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread that provides structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and provides additional leavening.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Orange Juice: Provides moisture and a bright citrus flavor to the bread.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange flavor and aromatic citrus notes.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bread's richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tartness, color, and bursts of fruity flavor throughout the bread.

Simple Steps For Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Combine these dry ingredients until they’re well acquainted.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Fresh orange juice
• Vibrant orange zest
• Egg
• Cooking oil

Whisk these ingredients until they’re smoothly combined.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently, mixing just until everything comes together.

Don’t overmix – you want the batter to be friends, not beaten into submission.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Burst

Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries.

These little gems will add pops of tartness throughout the bread.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Slice and savor the citrusy, tangy goodness of your homemade orange cranberry bread.

Tips For Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• Grate orange zest directly into wet ingredients for an intense citrusy punch and more aromatic bread.
• Toss chopped cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to bottom during baking.
• Replace oil with Greek yogurt for a tender, extra-moist bread with reduced fat content.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

New Takes On Orange Cranberry Bread

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap egg with mashed banana or flax egg, and use coconut oil instead of regular oil for plant-based option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Lemon Cranberry Spin: Replace orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for a tangy citrus variation.

Orange Cranberry Bread Served Beautifully

• Citrus Morning Delight: Slice a warm piece and pair with a creamy cappuccino for a bright breakfast experience.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve thin slices alongside Earl Grey tea, garnished with fresh orange segments for an elegant touch.
• Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle with orange glaze or dust with powdered sugar, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful bread board with the orange cranberry bread, some soft cheese spreads, and fresh berries for a stunning presentation.

Storing Orange Cranberry Bread For Days

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and prevent staleness.
• Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag, and store for quick single-serving reheating up to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast briefly in toaster oven at 300F until heated through, preserving soft texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Toss the chopped cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the bread during baking.

• What can I substitute for orange juice if I don't have any?

You can use milk, buttermilk, or even water with a bit of extra orange zest to maintain the citrus flavor profile.

• Is this bread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The basic recipe contains gluten and eggs. For modifications, you’ll need to use gluten-free flour and egg substitutes to make it allergen-friendly.

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful orange cranberry bread weaves zesty citrus notes with tart cranberry bursts in a perfectly balanced quick bread. Sweet and tangy flavors mingle, inviting you to savor each moist, golden slice with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 large egg

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Zest of 1 orange

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients using a whisk, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Create a separate mixture by blending orange juice, orange zest, egg, and oil until the liquid ingredients are fully integrated.
4. Slowly incorporate the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender bread texture.
5. Delicately fold chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and create an even layer.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
9. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature before slicing.

Notes

• Boost the zesty flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of orange zest for a more intense citrus punch.
• Prevent cranberries from sinking by tossing them in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by using almond or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, which adds a subtle nutty undertone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 199
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg