Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Baking a delightful orange cranberry bread brings pure joy to any kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance beautifully with tart cranberry bursts in this delectable treat.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising a memorable culinary experience.

Seasonal ingredients combine to create something truly special and comforting.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly with bright, tangy flavors that surprise and delight.

Home bakers love how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes when prepared with care.

Slice into pure happiness and savor every delicious moment.

Orange Cranberry Bread You’ll Enjoy

• Burst with Citrusy Flavor: This orange cranberry bread delivers a zesty punch of fresh orange that dances on your taste buds, creating a vibrant and refreshing experience with every slice.
• Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings or winter brunches, this bread brings a festive touch that will impress family and friends with its beautiful color and delightful combination of cranberries and orange.
• Simple Baking Adventure: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it an approachable and rewarding baking project that anyone can master.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy this bread as a morning breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert, and pair it with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Ingredients For Orange Cranberry Bread

• All Purpose Flour: Base ingredient that provides structure for the bread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Orange Juice: Provides moisture and a bright citrus flavor to the bread.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the bread's structure.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies the orange flavor and adds aromatic notes.

• Cranberries: Brings tartness and bursts of fruity flavor throughout the bread.

Baking Orange Cranberry Bread Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it thoroughly or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Fresh orange juice
• Grated orange zest
• Melted butter
• Egg

Blend until everything looks smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Bread Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined. The key is to mix minimally – some small lumps are totally okay.

Overmixing will make your bread tough.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Goodness

Carefully fold fresh or dried cranberries into the batter.

Distribute them evenly so every slice gets a burst of tangy flavor.

Step 6: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

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 your homemade citrusy treat!

Tips For Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• Zest oranges before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and ensure vibrant citrus notes throughout the bread.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent color bleeding and maintain bread's texture.
• Check bread doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 50 minutes to avoid potential over-baking and dryness.
• Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better binding.

Alternative Takes On Orange Cranberry Bread

• Gluten-Free Citrus Cranberry Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk for liquid components.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Orange Bread: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content for a healthier version.
• Dairy-Free Cranberry Orange Quick Bread: Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of butter, select non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for liquid ingredients.

What Goes Well With Orange Cranberry Bread

• Breakfast Companion: Slice this tangy bread and pair with creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a delightful morning treat.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in festive parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and share as a thoughtful homemade present during winter celebrations.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve warm slices alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, creating a cozy gathering that highlights the bread's bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors.
• Dessert Transformation: Toast thin slices and drizzle with a light orange glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar for an elegant after-dinner sweet that's simple yet impressive.

How To Keep Orange Cranberry Bread Fresh

• Store cooled orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate for extended storage up to 5-7 days, ensuring bread is completely sealed to preserve freshness.
• Freeze sliced or whole bread in freezer-safe bag or wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

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

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

Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of 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 or water as a replacement, but the orange juice adds flavor and moisture. If possible, use fresh orange juice for the best taste.

Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade orange cranberry bread delivers a perfect balance of citrus and tart flavors in each slice. Warm spices and zesty orange create a delightful treat you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cups (180 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 large egg

Fruit Ingredient:

• 1.5 cups (225 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare the loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate container, blend orange juice, zest, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Create the batter by slowly incorporating wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
5. Delicately fold fresh cranberries into the mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread and level the surface uniformly.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior.
8. Test the bread’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve the aromatic orange cranberry bread at room temperature.

Notes

• Boost the bread’s moisture by using full-fat yogurt or sour cream instead of butter for a tender texture.
• Prevent cranberries from sinking by tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.
• Enhance the orange flavor by adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the wet ingredients for an intense citrusy punch.
• Make the bread gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg