The Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe You’ll Love Forever

Sweet aromas of orange cranberry bread drift through kitchens, promising delightful moments of comfort.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic quick bread.

Tart cranberries provide unexpected bursts of flavor against soft, tender crumbs.

Warm spices complement the citrusy notes, creating a perfect balance.

Baking this treat fills your home with inviting scents that draw everyone closer.

Simple techniques make preparing this bread a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll want to slice into this moist, fragrant loaf and savor every delectable bite.

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, and be careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding.

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

Toss the chopped cranberries in a little flour before folding them into 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, yogurt, or even water with a bit of orange extract to maintain the citrus flavor profile of the bread.

Why Orange Cranberry Bread Shines

• Burst with Citrusy Goodness: Enjoy the vibrant, tangy flavor of fresh oranges that makes this bread pop with zesty brightness and refreshing taste.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Whip up this delightful bread with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: Serve this moist, fruity bread as a morning companion or afternoon snack that will delight both kids and adults with its sweet-tart profile.
• Versatile Holiday Companion: Ideal for seasonal gatherings, this bread brings a festive touch to breakfast tables, potlucks, and gift-giving moments with its beautiful cranberry specks and orange essence.

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread

• All Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

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

• Fresh Cranberries: Bring a tart burst of flavor and create beautiful color contrast in the bread.

How to Bake Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your loaf pan a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Wonders

• Fresh orange juice
• Vibrant orange zest
• Neutral cooking oil
• Farm-fresh egg

Blend these ingredients until they’re smoothly incorporated.

Step 4: Marry The Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir.

Mix just until everything comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Sprinkle In Cranberry Goodness

Tenderly fold chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the batter into your greased loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in 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.

Allow it to cool completely before slicing and savoring your delicious creation.

Tips for Perfect Orange Cranberry Bread

• Use only the bright orange part of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for the best flavor.
• Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle to ensure the center is fully baked, avoiding any raw spots in the middle of the loaf.
• Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead treats.

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Bread

• Gluten-Free Orange Cranberry Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Citrus Berry Loaf: Swap egg with flax egg and use coconut oil instead of regular oil to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Cranberry Bread: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Cranberry Bread: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of traditional dairy ingredients to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Orange Cranberry Bread

• Breakfast Bliss: Slice this bread and serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create an elegant display by arranging bread slices on a wooden board with fresh orange segments and a drizzle of honey.
• Afternoon Snack Delight: Pack individual slices in lunch boxes or wrap them for a quick, tangy pick-me-up during the day.
• Dessert Transformation: Lightly toast and top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a sweet ending to any meal.

Best Ways to Store Cranberry Bread

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the bread at a consistent cool temperature to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Remove bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, unwrap and warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade orange cranberry bread blends zesty citrus with tart berries in a classic quick bread. Moist crumb and sweet-tangy flavor make this traditional bakery-style treat perfect for morning breakfast or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

Fruit Ingredient:

• 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate container, vigorously whisk together liquid components including orange juice, fragrant orange zest, cooking oil, and egg until well integrated.
4. Gently merge wet and dry mixtures, stirring minimally to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bread texture.
5. Delicately incorporate chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Allow the bread to rest inside the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
9. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and position it on a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature before slicing.

Notes

• Zest Fresh Oranges for Maximum Flavor: Use freshly grated orange zest to enhance the citrusy taste and aroma of the bread.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Lightly coat chopped cranberries in flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Moisture-Boosting Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and moist, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg