If you adore the bright zestiness of citrus paired with the tart sparkle of cranberries, then this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a lovely quick bread that balances sweet and tangy flavors in every moist, tender slice, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a festive dessert. Imagine biting into a loaf bursting with fresh orange juice and zest, studded with bursts of cranberry goodness that bring joyful color and texture. This recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and proves that simple ingredients can create magic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find, yet each plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and even the lovely orange hue of this bread. From the tart cranberries to the fresh orange zest, every element contributes to making this quick bread memorable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds everything together, giving you that perfect crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just enough without overpowering the citrus and cranberry flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure a tender, nicely risen loaf.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice: Brings refreshing citrus brightness and moistness to the bread.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor with natural oils from the peel.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds delicious richness and keeps the bread tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped: Injects bursts of juicy tartness and lovely color.
- 1 tablespoon flour for tossing cranberries: Prevents cranberries from sinking and ensures even distribution.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure a smooth release once your bread is perfectly baked. This simple step sets the stage for success.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines all your dry elements evenly, giving the bread its structure and a balanced rise.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix fresh orange juice, orange zest, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This mixture is where your bread gets its moist texture and citrusy punch.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so a light hand here makes all the difference.
Step 5: Adding Cranberries
Toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking. Then fold them gently into your batter, distributing those juicy bursts of flavor evenly throughout.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out clean, your bread is ready! Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, try sprinkling powdered sugar over the top or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with fresh orange juice. Fresh orange slices or a few whole cranberries can also add visual appeal and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This bread is wonderfully versatile—serve it alongside creamy yogurt or spread it with softened cream cheese for a delightful breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, making a cozy snack or a lovely brunch addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a gathering? Slice the bread and serve it with dollops of whipped mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. Or create petite gift packages by wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with a festive ribbon for holiday sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain its moistness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in freezer bags to protect against freezer burn. It will keep nicely for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature and warm slices briefly in a toaster or oven to revive that fresh-baked aroma and soften the texture. A quick 5 minutes in a 350-degree oven works wonders!
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work well, but because they are less tart and more concentrated, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly or add a splash of orange juice to balance flavors.
Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice and zest?
Fresh orange juice and zest really elevate the flavor of this bread, adding brightness and freshness. However, in a pinch, bottled juice and dried zest can be used but the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter adds a lovely richness and buttery flavor that many people love in quick breads. Just make sure it’s cooled a bit before mixing so you don’t cook the egg.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the cranberries in flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay evenly dispersed, ensuring each slice has those delightful tart bites.
Can this bread be made gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blend that mimics all-purpose flour, you can try making this bread gluten-free. Just be aware textures might vary slightly and you might need to adjust liquid quantities.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe is one of those treasured bakes that feels like a warm hug in bread form. It’s vibrant, tender, and packed with flavors that awaken your taste buds and brighten your day. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting to a friend, or simply treating yourself, this bread never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Print
Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Cranberry Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a holiday treat. Bursting with fresh orange zest and tart cranberries, it combines a delightful citrus aroma with sweet and tangy notes. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it makes a wonderful addition to any brunch table or snack time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing cranberries)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix fresh orange juice, orange zest, vegetable oil or melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Prepare Cranberries: Toss the chopped cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Fold Cranberries Into Batter: Gently fold the floured cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing to maintain their shape and texture.
- For enhanced orange flavor, consider drizzling the cooled bread with a simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice.
