If you’re craving something bright, tangy, and just a little bit sweet, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It blends the vibrant zing of fresh orange juice and zest with the tartness of cranberries that burst with every bite. Whether you want a cozy breakfast treat or an inviting snack, this quick bread is incredibly simple to make yet impressively flavorful, showcasing a balance of soft crumb with just a touch of zest and crunch. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a slice of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role: from the fluffy texture the flour provides to the moisture and zing delivered by the orange juice and zest, without forgetting the special pop of cranberries and the optional added crunch from nuts.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the structure and the tender crumb of the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the crust beautifully.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bread its rise and lightness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic orange juice to create extra lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- â…“ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft with a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together, adding richness and structure.
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice: Brings a natural citrus flavor and moisture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs powerful fragrant citrus oils for an aromatic boost.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Adds bursts of tartness throughout the bread.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness, perfect with walnuts or pecans.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
The first step is all about setting the stage. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the bread hassle-free.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the backbone of your bread, combining the right leavening agents with the flour to guarantee a soft yet well-risen loaf every time.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and the zest of one orange. This combination injects the bread with moisture and vibrant flavor that makes this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe so irresistibly bright.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix here; a light hand keeps the bread tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts
Now for the fun part—fold in the chopped cranberries and optional nuts. These add delightful texture and that signature tart punch from the cranberries that contrasts beautifully with the sweet citrusy batter.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, giving you that perfect crumb without any gummy spots.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set up nicely before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing when fully cooled prevents crumbling and reveals those gorgeous bursts of cranberry throughout.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that complements the bright flavors nicely. For a more indulgent approach, a thin spread of butter or cream cheese will melt into the warm slices, elevating every bite.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. If you want to serve it as part of a brunch spread, some fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey will balance the citrus and tartness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, consider topping slices with a honey drizzle and some chopped nuts. You can also use this bread as a base for mini open-faced sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a savory twist that surprises and delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and fresh. Keeping it well-covered prevents it from drying out, preserving all those wonderful textures you worked hard to create.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe later, slice it first, then freeze the slices in a zip-top bag. This makes it easy to thaw individual portions whenever you want a quick treat without wasting any.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. This revives the fresh-baked taste and texture, making each bite just as delicious as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to roughly chop them while still frozen and don’t thaw beforehand to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.
What kind of nuts work best in this bread?
Walnuts and pecans are the top choices because they add a lovely crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries and orange. However, feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just keep an eye on texture and baking times, as gluten-free flours behave a bit differently.
How can I make the bread more moist?
Add a tablespoon or two of yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients. These add extra moisture without altering the flavor, helping the bread stay soft and tender for longer.
Can I add other fruits or flavor variations?
Definitely! While this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe shines with cranberries and orange, you can substitute or add blueberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits like raisins for an interesting twist.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten up any baking routine with a minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its cheerful citrus notes combined with the tart cranberries make every slice feel special. I hope you dive into this recipe and enjoy the scrumptious rewards as much as I do—it’s truly a little loaf of joy!
Print
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a moist, tangy loaf bursting with fresh cranberry and bright orange flavors. Perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, this quick bread comes together with simple pantry staples and requires no yeast or waiting time. Studded with fresh or frozen cranberries and a touch of orange zest, it offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet in every slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold the roughly chopped cranberries and optional chopped nuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, no need to thaw before adding.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.
- For a thinner crust, cover the bread loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- To enhance citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract.
