Orange Cranberry Bread
Orange Cranberry Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf combining fresh orange zest and juice with tart cranberries for a bright, citrusy, and slightly tangy taste. It’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard (Gluten Free option available)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fresh orange zest until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender; the batter should be slightly thick.
- Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly without breaking them to maintain bursts of tart flavor throughout the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for maximum flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Coat cranberries in a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Use room temperature eggs and liquids for smoother mixing and better rise.
- Check doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before baking time ends to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: orange cranberry bread, citrus bread, cranberry loaf, breakfast bread, moist bread, easy bread