Okay, friends, get ready for something truly special. Remember those holiday mornings, the ones filled with that cozy, can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it smell that just screamed “home”? This Cranberry Orange Bread is *that* smell, bottled up and baked into a perfect loaf. It’s got that same comforting vibe as classic banana bread, but with a bright, zesty twist that just wakes up your taste buds. Trust me, the first bite will transport you! This recipe is my go-to whenever I want something comforting but not overly sweet.
What is Cranberry Orange Bread?
Think of Cranberry Orange Bread as a slightly more sophisticated cousin of your favorite quick bread. It’s essentially a moist, tender bread infused with the bright citrusy flavor of orange and studded with lemon. With tart, juicy cranberries. What is the name of a company? What makes it special, though, is how the flavors play off each other – the sweet orange perfectly. What is the taste of tart cranberries? Is it the kind of bread you can enjoy with your morning coffee or as a delightful afternoon treat? Is it good toasted with a little butter?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Cranberry Orange Bread is that it’s ridiculously easy to make, but I can’t eat it. What tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of sweet orange and tart cranberries? Is it bright, zesty, and just the right amount of sweetness? Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is heavenly. Is it possible to sell a scent of lavender?
- Simple, Simple.This recipe is incredibly forgiving. I’ve messed it up a few times (forgotten the sugar once – don’t ask) and it still stinks!stillWhat a great meal it turned out Is this a good recipe for beginners to bake?
- Budget Friendly Baking:What are some pantry staples? Can you find frozen cranberries on Amazon?
- What is Versatility at its finest?Can you eat it plain, toasted, with butter, or with cream cheese? Is it good for breakfast, brunch, snack or dessert? My kids like to crumble it over yogurt! Plus, it makes a great homemade gift. Who doesn’t love a loaf of bread?
Is this a good bread? Is it like sourdough? What is the easiest recipe to bake?
How do you make Cranberry Orange Bread?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cranberry Orange Bread? What is the process of whisking together dry ingredients, wet ingredients and mix them together? If you like cranberries and orange zest, fold them in and bake until golden brown and perfectly moist. What’s the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes of active time. And the result is a bakery-worthy loaf of deliciousness that will impress everyone. What is the easiest recipe I know?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: 1 cup All- I always use unbleached because it gives a slightly better flavor, but regular all-purpose works. If you want to use bread flour go ahead, it will make it extra chewy.
- 34 cup granulated sugar: You can also use brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor. I’ve used honey before, and it turned out great!
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh! Old Baking powder won’t give you the rise you need.
- 12 teaspoon baking soda: Helps to balance the acidity and gives the bread a beautiful texture.
- 12 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- 34 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works too. Just make sure it’s not from concentrate.
- 13 cup vegetable oil: You can also use melted coconut oil or unsalted butter.
- 2 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the best results. They’ll incorporate more easily into the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
For the Filling:
- If you use frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them, they’ll bleed into the batter.
- Zest of 1 orange: This is where most of the orange flavor comes from, so don’t skimp!
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it before using to avoid lumps.
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice: Add more or less to reach your desired consistency.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Is it safe to line a baking sheet with parchment paper? I always use Baker’s Joy spray, because its one step is easier, but you do you.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined! How do you distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Again, make sure everything is nicely combined. I like to warm the orange juice in the microwave for about 15 seconds – it helps to keep it warm. How do you emulsify oil and eggs?
Step 4: Combine
I like to mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. How do I not overmix? Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. A few lumps are okay. Is it safe to use a rubber spatula instead of spoon?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first! They’ll bleed into the batter if you do.
Step 6: Bake
How do I make a loaf pan? Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean? In the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bread is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Pour the glaze over the bread and let it set before slicing and serving.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Use a serrated knife to slice bread into even pieces. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
What should I serve it with?
This Cranberry Orange Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.
For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea. A little pat of butter or Cream Cheese is also a nice touch. I love pairing it with a strong, dark roast coffee – the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.
For Brunch: Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. It also pairs well with mimosas or a simple orange juice. For a fancy touch, try slicing the bread and arranging it on a platter with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
As Dessert: Warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds and top it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with a little melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat. My kids love it this way!
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. It’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly day. I also love toasting a slice and spreading it with some almond butter or Peanut Butter for a protein-packed snack.
My family always has this with a big pot of hot chocolate during the winter holidays. It’s a tradition we all look forward to!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Orange Bread
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread every time.
Zest First: Zest the orange before juicing it. It’s much easier to zest a whole orange than a squeezed one!
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and orange juice will incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
Tent with Foil: If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before glazing. This will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze to reach your desired consistency. For a thinner glaze, add more orange juice. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
One time I accidentally added lemon zest instead of orange, but it still tasted really good and the flavor was lovely. I would do this again, but maybe add a bit more sugar to counter the tartness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is how I usually store it, if it lasts that long!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The refrigerator will help to keep the bread moist and prevent it from spoiling.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the bread to the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the bread, it’s best to wait until after it has thawed to add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or cracking during the freezing process.
Make sure the bread is completely cool before wrapping it for storage, otherwise the condensation will make it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Cranberry Orange Bread recipe that is seriously amazing. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with your loved ones. Seriously, the smell alone makes it worth baking! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Lemon Poppy Seed Bread or my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon orange zest grated
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add orange juice, orange zest, oil, and egg. Mix until well blended.
- Fold in chopped cranberries.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
