There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? When I make my cranberry orange bread, it’s like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. The tartness of the cranberries combined with the bright zest of orange creates such a delightful flavor combo that you simply can’t resist! This quick bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive gathering with friends. Honestly, once you slice into this beauty and see those vibrant red cranberries peeking through, you’ll be just as smitten as I am. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious cranberry orange bread! You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour—this is the base that gives structure to your bread.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped—feel free to use frozen if that’s what you have on hand!
- 1 cup granulated sugar—this adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- 1/2 cup orange juice—freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil—this keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs—these help bind everything together.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest—don’t skip this; it amplifies that vibrant orange flavor!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder—this leavens your bread, making it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda—works alongside the baking powder for perfect rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt—to enhance all the wonderful flavors.
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread
Making this cranberry orange bread is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial for even baking, so don’t skip this step! While it warms up, you can get everything else ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they’re well combined—this helps avoid any clumps. I usually use a whisk for this step, as it really helps to aerate the flour and mix everything evenly!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and add the orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Whisk them together until they’re fully blended. The orange zest is such a game-changer here, bringing out that lovely citrus flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Overmixing can make your bread dense. Next, fold in the chopped cranberries. You want to distribute them evenly without breaking them up too much.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top a bit. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma while it bakes? Absolutely heavenly!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh cranberries when possible—they add a vibrant flavor that frozen just can’t match. If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before mixing; this keeps them from turning mushy in the batter.
When measuring flour, fluff it up first and spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This helps prevent packing too much flour, which can result in a dense loaf. Also, remember to mix gently; overmixing can lead to tough bread. Finally, keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is different! Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Trust me, a perfectly baked loaf is worth the effort!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, this bread freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer it warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or toast it lightly in a toaster oven. Trust me, that warm, fragrant bread with a hint of orange zest will be a delightful treat!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in your delicious cranberry orange bread? Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per slice. Keep in mind these are approximate, as actual values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
This bread is not just a treat; it’s a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy every slice guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect cranberry orange bread? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I substitute other fruits for cranberries?
Absolutely! You can use blueberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar level if you use sweeter fruits!
What if I don’t have orange juice?
No worries! You can replace the orange juice with apple juice or even a bit of lemon juice mixed with water. It’ll give a nice tang, too!
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It should work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the texture; it might need a bit more liquid.
How should I store leftover bread?
Store your cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings when you want a quick treat!
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast. Just fold them in with the cranberries for a delightful surprise in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Deliciously moist and bursting with flavor from fresh cranberries and zesty orange.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a lovely gift for friends and family.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Versatile for customizing with nuts or other fruits to suit your taste!
For more delicious recipes, check out this cranberry pumpkin bread recipe or explore banana bread variations!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry orange bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with fresh cranberries and orange zest.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- This bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking