Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Orange Cranberry Bread fresh out of the oven. Sweet, zesty, and bursting with juicy cranberries, this quick bread is the perfect companion to a warm cup of tea or coffee.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during the holiday season when looking for ways to use up an abundance of fresh cranberries. Since then, it’s become a year-round favorite, gracing our breakfast table and dessert spreads alike. Ready to whip up a loaf of your own? Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You'll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

Get ready to fall in love with a loaf that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Orange Cranberry Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with its balance of sweet and tangy flavors and moist, tender crumb.

First, it’s an incredibly simple recipe that comes together in just a few steps. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute baking, you don’t need fancy equipment or techniques to achieve bakery-level results.

Not to mention, this bread is versatile and adaptable. Swap in dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available, or add nuts for a crunchy twist. No matter how you tweak it, the combination of orange zest and cranberries is a match made in flavor heaven.

Lastly, it’s a treat that’s both holiday-worthy and everyday-friendly. Serve it as a festive breakfast item, a snack, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation year-round!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Orange Cranberry Bread lies in its carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures.

Fresh Cranberries are the star of the show, adding bursts of tartness to each bite. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well—just use them straight from the freezer to prevent excess moisture.

Orange Zest and Juice give the bread its signature citrusy flavor. Be sure to zest your orange before juicing it to make the process easier, and aim for freshly squeezed juice for the best results.

For the dry ingredients, you’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder. Together, these create a tender, lightly sweetened base that highlights the fruity flavors without overpowering them.

Butter and Eggs provide richness and structure, ensuring the bread stays moist and fluffy. Make sure your butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.

You’ll also need milk to bring the batter together. You can substitute with a plant-based alternative like almond milk if needed—just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors.

No special equipment is required, but a sturdy loaf pan and a microplane for zesting will make the process smoother.

How To Make This Orange Cranberry Bread

Making this delightful bread is straightforward and fuss-free. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a warm, fragrant loaf in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread will release easily after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent for a perfect rise.

Next, combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the melted butter, milk, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can result in a dense loaf.

Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without breaking apart. The batter will be thick but spreadable, so don’t worry if it feels a bit dense.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little sugar over the top before baking. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, it’s ready to slice and enjoy!

Storage Options

Orange Cranberry Bread stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or gifting.

For short-term storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the loaf moist and flavorful.

If you’d like to store it longer, the bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

When it’s time to reheat, you can toast individual slices or warm the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and aroma beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Orange Cranberry Bread is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or ingredient availability.

For a nutty twist, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.

If fresh cranberries aren’t in season, use dried cranberries instead. Rehydrate them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to the batter to boost their flavor.

Looking to cut down on sugar? Swap out a portion of the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and substitute coconut oil for the butter. The bread will still be just as moist and delicious.

Feeling adventurous? Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced undertone.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you follow it to the letter or put your own spin on it, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy!

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