Introduction

Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange zest. This quick and easy bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy afternoon tea.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1/2 cup orange juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the orange juice, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and orange zest.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the cranberries gently so they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
Try substituting fresh cranberries with dried cranberries, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance sweetness.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
If you prefer a sweeter bread, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top once cooled.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and warm slices lightly in a toaster or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter, but be aware they might release extra moisture, which could slightly affect the texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread combining tart cranberries with bright orange zest for a delightful breakfast or snack treat. The bread is simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and baked to a golden perfection, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Category: Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
½ cup unsweetened orange juice
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)

Fruits

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and 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 ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Add Cranberries: Fold in the cranberries carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crust is golden brown.
Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle some sugar on top of the batter before baking for a crunchy crust.
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding to avoid discoloring the batter.
This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Serve plain or spread with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Keywords: cranberry bread, orange zest bread, quick bread, breakfast bread, moist bread, holiday bread