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

Scale

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

⅓ 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)

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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.