Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright, citrusy zing of fresh oranges with the tart burst of cranberries, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast companion, a midday snack, or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea, this recipe delivers a perfect harmony of taste and texture that’s bound to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh orange zest and tangy cranberries creates a vibrant, refreshing taste that wakes up your palate.
• Moist Texture: This bread stays wonderfully soft and moist, thanks to the careful balance of wet and dry ingredients.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just staples that yield bakery-quality results.
• Versatility: It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and adapts easily to different occasions.
• Quick to Prep: The straightforward method means you can whip it up even on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Orange Cranberry Bread recipe plays a vital role in delivering that perfect taste and texture. From the zesty orange to the fresh cranberries, everything works together to create a balanced and irresistible loaf.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the base for the bread’s tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the bread brown beautifully during baking.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light, airy texture by helping the bread rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Fresh orange zest: Delivers bright, aromatic citrus notes that are key to the signature flavor.
• Fresh cranberries: Provide bursts of tartness and a lovely contrast to the sweet elements.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Vegetable oil: Contributes to the moistness without overpowering the flavor.
• Orange juice: Adds moisture and intensifies the orange flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the citrus and berry notes.

Variations for Orange Cranberry Bread

Feel free to customize this Orange Cranberry Bread recipe based on what you love or what you have on hand. It’s incredibly adaptable, so you can tweak ingredients for dietary needs or personal preferences without losing its charm.

• Nutty twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and depth.
• Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
• Sweet glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze on top for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
• Spiced flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the bread a warm, cozy touch.
• Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs and plant-based oil to make this loaf vegan-friendly.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fresh orange zest. This distributes the leavening agents and zest evenly throughout the bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Fold Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a dense loaf. The batter will be slightly thick.

Step 5: Add Cranberries

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly without breaking them apart, which helps keep nice bursts of flavor throughout the bread.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Making Orange Cranberry Bread

• Use fresh zest and juice: Fresh orange zest and juice pack more flavor than store-bought, making a big difference.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender and light.
• Coat cranberries in flour: Toss cranberries in a bit of flour before folding in to prevent them from sinking.
• Room temperature ingredients: Take eggs and liquids out of the fridge beforehand for smoother mixing and better rise.
• Test early for doneness: Check with a toothpick a few minutes before the timer to avoid over-baking and drying out.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the cooled bread or add a drizzle of homemade orange glaze for an elegant and flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese spread for a creamy contrast; it also goes wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve the bread with a smear of almond butter or honey for a simple, delicious snack, or use it as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches with eggs and greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Orange Cranberry Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer bag for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive the moist texture and enhance the orange aroma before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well, but reduce the sugar slightly since they’re sweeter and soak them in warm water or orange juice beforehand to plump them up.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for texture.

How long does Orange Cranberry Bread stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days; refrigeration can extend freshness but may dry the bread out if left too long.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft texture and flavor profile.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane grater to finely zest the orange peel, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the skin.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a warm, inviting loaf that feels like a hug in every bite. Its bright flavors, moist crumb, and simple preparation make it a must-try recipe for any home baker. Give it a shot—you may just find yourself baking it again and again!

Related Posts

• Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos
• Savory Breakfast Bundt
• English Muffin Bread

Print