Cranberry Orange Bread

If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and bursting with bright flavors, this easy Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty sweetness of orange, this moist, tender bread makes a perfect treat any time of year. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this Cranberry Orange Bread is simple to bake, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together effortlessly for a delightful bread.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: This bread is soft and tender with just enough crumb to satisfy every bite.
• Bright, Fresh Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest makes it vibrant and refreshing.
• Great for Any Season: Enjoy it in winter holidays, spring brunches, or just your regular weekday mornings.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to tweak with nuts, spices, or different citrus for a personalized twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Bread recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. The fresh citrus and tart berries create that signature bright taste, while the moist crumb ensures it stays soft and inviting slice after slice.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the bread’s base.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness with sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Key leavening agents for a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances sweetness.
• Fresh cranberries: Adds tart bursts and vibrant red color throughout the bread.
• Orange zest and juice: Infuses the loaf with bright citrus flavor and moisture.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors.

Variations for Cranberry Orange Bread

Feel free to customize your Cranberry Orange Bread to suit your mood or dietary needs. The recipe is adaptable and forgiving, making it easy to experiment and find the perfect variation.

• Nutty addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spiced version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, cozy twist.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary requirements.
• Sweet glaze topping: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh juice.
• Dairy-free swap: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free loaf.

this …

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Zest and juice your orange, measure out fresh cranberries, and have your wet ingredients ready.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the vegetable oil or melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay to keep the bread tender.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Cranberries

Gently fold the cranberries into the batter, spreading them evenly without breaking the berries down.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

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

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Bread

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Both work well; if frozen, don’t thaw before adding to avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened to keep bread light and tender.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and liquids are at room temperature for better texture.
• Zest carefully: Only grate the orange’s colored zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Check doneness early: Start testing the bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

Garnishes

This bread shines on its own but topping slices with a smear of cream cheese, honey butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar takes it to the next level. Fresh orange slices or whole cranberries on the side add a festive touch.

Side Dishes

Enjoy Cranberry Orange Bread alongside a cup of morning coffee, a warm chai latte, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. It pairs well with fruit salads or yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then serve with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of honey for an elegant brunch dish. Alternatively, turn it into French toast or use as a base for a decadent bread pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Cranberry Orange Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days while maintaining its softness.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces wrapped in foil or wax paper inside a freezer bag. This allows easy thawing for a quick snack or breakfast anytime.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until warm and soft. Adding a pat of butter before warming enhances the flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but reduce the sugar slightly as dried fruit is sweeter and they won’t provide the same juicy bursts.

What type of orange is best for this recipe?

Navel oranges work great due to their sweet and seedless nature, but Valencia or blood oranges can add unique flavor notes.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Yes, by replacing eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and using plant-based milk and oil, you can easily make a vegan version.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes and adjust portions accordingly in muffin tins for perfectly portable treats.

How do I make the bread more moist?

Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture helps boost moisture without affecting flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Cranberry Orange Bread—it’s that perfect marriage of sweet and tart that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. Easy to bake and endlessly customizable, this recipe invites you to bake a little joy into your day. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite for your breakfast table, snack time, or gifting to friends and family.

Related Posts

• Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
• Healthy Yogurt and Fruit Granola Bowl
• Buttermilk Pancakes

Print