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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate container, vigorously whisk together liquid components including orange juice, fragrant orange zest, cooking oil, and egg until well integrated.
- Gently merge wet and dry mixtures, stirring minimally to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough bread texture.
- Delicately incorporate chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
- 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.
- Allow the bread to rest inside the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
- 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