There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Bread wafting through your kitchen, like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine slicing into a golden loaf, where the tartness of cranberries meets the zesty brightness of orange, creating an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate. It’s the kind of bread that insists you take just one more slice—because who can resist that moist, tender crumb and the vibrant bursts of fruit? For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes .
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
- How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
- <strong>Perfecting Cranberry Orange Bread Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch to Cranberry Orange Bread</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread</strong>
- <strong>FAQs About Cranberry Orange Bread</strong>
- What is Cranberry Orange Bread?
- How do you store Cranberry Orange Bread?
- Can I use dried cranberries in place of fresh for Cranberry Orange Bread?
- What are some variations of Cranberry Orange Bread?
- <strong>Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Bread</strong>
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to a cozy holiday gathering at my aunt’s house. She brought out her famous Cranberry Orange Bread, and suddenly, it was as if the entire room paused. Conversations faded as we all gravitated toward that loaf like moths to a flame. The sweet-tart cranberries glistened like gems, and the citrus aroma promised joy in every bite. Trust me; this is not just bread; it’s an experience meant for sharing with family and friends during special occasions or just because you deserve a treat.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
- This amazing Cranberry Orange Bread offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a wholesome texture; it’s perfect for giving structure to your bread.
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for plump cranberries; they’ll provide that lovely tartness which balances beautifully with sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: A classic choice to sweeten your bread—adjust based on your taste preference.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze those oranges yourself! Fresh juice adds a burst of citrusy goodness that bottled juice just can’t match.
- Zest of One Orange: Don’t forget this! The zest gives an aromatic kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- Baking Powder: This will give your bread its rise—without it, you’ll end up with cranberry bricks (not ideal).
- Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness to your lovely loaf.
- Vegetable Oil: For moisture—this keeps your bread soft and deliciously tender.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease your loaf pan with some cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and orange zest until well combined. This is where all the fluffy dreams begin!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, fresh orange juice, and vegetable oil until smooth. Get ready for that citrusy aroma to fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender bread—not rubber bands!
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in those beautiful cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Each slice should be bursting with fruity goodness!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature! Drizzle with extra orange juice if you’re feeling fancy—trust me; it’s worth it! Enjoy this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread during brunch or as an afternoon snack paired with tea or coffee.
This recipe is not just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile—you can even experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous! So grab those cranberries while they’re fresh and get baking!
You Must Know About Cranberry Orange Bread
- This amazing Cranberry Orange Bread offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting Cranberry Orange Bread Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Cranberry Orange Bread, start by preheating your oven while mixing the dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients next, fold in cranberries, and pour into a loaf pan. Bake until golden brown for a delightful treat that fills your home with aromatic bliss. For more inspiration, check out this ultimate guide to sourdough bread recipe.
Add Your Touch to Cranberry Orange Bread
Feel free to swap out dried cranberries for raisins or walnuts for pecans. Add a splash of vanilla extract or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. This Cranberry Orange Bread is your canvas, so get creative!
Storing & Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread
Store leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze slices for longer storage. Reheat in the toaster or microwave briefly to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Orange Bread
- This amazing Cranberry Orange Bread offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Using fresh cranberries instead of dried gives a tart burst of flavor that elevates every bite.
Make sure not to overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps your bread light and fluffy!
Adding orange zest enhances the citrus flavor immensely; don’t skip this step if you want that zesty kick!
Baking this recipe always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would indulge in my bread with delight, leaving behind empty plates and happy smiles!
FAQs About Cranberry Orange Bread
What is Cranberry Orange Bread?
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful quick bread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh oranges. This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The berries provide a burst of color and taste while the orange zest adds a refreshing aroma. Often served during the holiday season, this bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any table.
How do you store Cranberry Orange Bread?
To store Cranberry Orange Bread properly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated to extend its freshness, but this may alter the texture slightly. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing. Properly stored, it can last up to one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I use dried cranberries in place of fresh for Cranberry Orange Bread?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones when making Cranberry Orange Bread. Dried cranberries will add sweetness and chewiness to your bread. However, it’s best to soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 15 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will help plump them up and ensure they distribute evenly throughout the bread, enhancing both flavor and texture.
What are some variations of Cranberry Orange Bread?
There are many delicious variations of Cranberry Orange Bread to explore. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. Experimenting with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the taste profile. For a sweeter twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or even cream cheese frosting on top after baking. These variations can create unique flavor combinations while maintaining the essence of this lovely quick bread.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines vibrant flavors and aromas, making it perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and delicious outcome, this quick bread can become a family favorite in no time. Remember to explore various ingredient substitutions and variations to find your perfect recipe. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, Cranberry Orange Bread is sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful quick bread that beautifully balances sweet and tart flavors, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. This moist loaf bursts with fresh cranberries and zesty orange, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma as it bakes. With its tender crumb and vibrant colors, this bread is not just a treat—it’s an experience to savor during special occasions or simply to indulge in on any day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and orange zest.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with orange juice and oil until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended.
- Fold in chopped cranberries carefully.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg






