Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

When you’re craving a festive treat that hits sweet, tangy, and vibrant, Cranberry Orange Bread brings warm notes of citrus and tart cranberries together beautifully. There’s nothing quite like a slice of this bread, fresh from the oven, with its golden, crispy crust and tender, moist interior. The bright flavors are perfectly complemented by the chewy cranberries, making for a delightful experience. You may also find Easy Applesauce Muffins Moist Quick Kid Friendly useful.

The combination of orange juice and zest infuses the bread with a citrusy essence, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet cranberries. This bread is a fantastic option for a holiday gathering, brunch, or simply a cozy afternoon snack. It keeps well and tastes even better the next day, so feel free to plan ahead.

This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a crowd-pleaser that takes about 1 hour and serves 8.

Why You’ll Love It

• Easy to make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients come together with minimal effort.
• Big flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange makes every bite memorable.
• Great texture: A tender crumb meets a slightly crunchy crust for a satisfying contrast.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance for a convenient and delicious treat.

Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the bread, giving it structure.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread and contributes to the nice browning during baking.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Enhances leavening along with the baking powder.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture to the bread.
• 1 cup orange juice: This adds moisture and imparts a burst of citrus flavor.
• 1 tsp grated orange zest: Offers a more concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped: The star ingredient, adding delightful tartness and color.

How to Make

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine wet ingredients:

In another bowl, mix the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and egg until fully incorporated.

4. Combine mixtures:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. Add cranberries:

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries to distribute them throughout the batter.

6. Prepare for baking:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake in the oven:

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool before serving:

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.
• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based butter instead.
• Low sugar: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup for a less sweet version.
• Fruit alternatives: Swap cranberries with blueberries or diced apples for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra twist.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Cooking method: Bake in mini loaf pans for quick individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast:

Pair this bread with a side of creamy yogurt for a refreshing start to your day.

On the side:

Serve with a warm bowl of oatmeal, adding a fruity twist to your meal.

Toppings:

Spread with cream cheese or butter for an extra layer of richness.

How to Store

Store:

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freeze:

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze, lasting up to 2-3 months.

Thaw:

Let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before enjoying.

Refresh:

If desired, refresh slices in the toaster for a warm and crispy treat!

Top Tips

• Measure ingredients accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients to avoid excess flour.
• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to prevent a dense loaf; a few lumps in the batter are okay.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

FAQs

How can I make cranberry orange bread gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for one-to-one swaps.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the sugar since dried cranberries are typically sweeter.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.

Conclusion

If you want a treat that tastes delightful and vibrant, Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe | Easy Moist Holiday Quick Bread delivers. The flavors of tart cranberries combined with zesty orange make for a deliciously refreshing slice. For an added inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe with glaze for a lovely variation!