Zingy Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: A Cheerful Holiday Treat

Warm aromas of zesty cranberry orange bread often drift through kitchens during chilly autumn mornings.

Seasonal fruits blend perfectly in this delightful quick bread.

Citrusy notes dance alongside tart cranberry chunks, creating a vibrant morning treat.

Sweet and tangy flavors complement each other in surprising ways.

Home bakers appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such magical results.

Unexpected bursts of bright fruit make this recipe special for weekend breakfasts.

Cranberry Orange Bread – Full Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for the bread structure, provides a soft and tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents to help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender texture, best when at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with moisture and caramelization.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Brings bright citrus notes and complements the cranberries.
• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tartness and bursts of fruity flavor, provides texture contrast.

Baking Cranberry Orange Bread in Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and give it a quick coat of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Foundations

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Crack eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce dry ingredients to the creamy mixture.

Pour in orange juice and sprinkle orange zest, alternating between dry and wet components.

Stir gently until ingredients just come together – avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Fruity Gems

Tenderly fold fresh cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bread is ready.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 8: Slice and Savor

Cut into delightful slices and enjoy your homemade cranberry orange bread with a cup of tea or coffee!

Cranberry Bread Tips with Fresh Citrus Zing

• Add an extra tablespoon of orange zest to amplify the citrusy notes and create a more vibrant taste profile.
• Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Replace some butter with Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a more tender, moist texture that stays fresh longer.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the bread's soft structure and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for extended enjoyment.

Keep Cranberry Orange Bread Fresh

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Remove bread from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, allowing it to gradually return to its original soft texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and crispness.

Pairings That Fit Cranberry Orange Bread

• Pair with Creamy Citrus Mascarpone: Spread a layer of mascarpone cheese mixed with orange zest on each slice for a luxurious, tangy complement.
• Sip Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices of chai tea beautifully balance the bread's bright cranberry and orange flavors, creating a cozy taste experience.
• Match with Maple Pecan Butter: Whip softened butter with pure maple syrup and chopped pecans to create a rich, nutty spread that enhances the bread's fruity notes.
• Toast with Sparkling Mimosa: A light, bubbly mimosa made with fresh orange juice and champagne provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet bread.

Cranberry Orange Bread Citrus Style Spins

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring xanthan gum is included to maintain bread structure.
• Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose plant-based milk to replace orange juice.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Orange Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness.
• Nut-Infused Cranberry Orange Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more textured version of the original recipe.

FAQs

• What gives this bread its unique flavor?

The combination of fresh orange zest and tart cranberries creates a bright, tangy flavor profile that makes this bread refreshingly delicious.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just fold them into the batter directly from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Toss the cranberries in a light coating of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them throughout the bread during baking and prevents them from sinking.

• Is this bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?

This cranberry orange bread is versatile and works perfectly as both a morning breakfast treat and a sweet afternoon snack, making it an ideal all-day bread option.

Cranberry Orange Bread with a Flavor Combo You’ll Love

• Revolutionize Breakfast Time: Transform your morning routine with this zesty, quick bread that adds excitement to any breakfast table. Perfect for busy families wanting a delightful homemade treat.
• Bake with Ease: Requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients, making this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced bakers. Minimal prep time means you'll have fresh bread in about an hour.
• Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Leverages winter's cranberry harvest with a vibrant orange twist, creating a festive bread perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch events, or casual weekend mornings. Guests will love the burst of tangy flavor and beautiful color.
• Versatile Snacking Solution: Doubles as a delicious breakfast option, afternoon snack, or potential dessert. Stores well for several days, allowing multiple servings from a single baking session.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry orange bread delivers a symphony of zesty citrus and tart berries in every slice. Wholesome ingredients blend perfectly, creating a festive quick bread perfect for holiday mornings or cozy afternoon snacks you’ll savor with delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Leavening Agents, Spices, and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing vessel, thoroughly combine flour, leavening agents, and salt using a whisk to ensure even distribution of dry components.
3. Utilize a spacious mixing bowl to cream butter and sugars until the mixture becomes aerated and pale, creating a fluffy base for the bread.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then infuse with vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with freshly squeezed orange juice and vibrant orange zest, stirring until just integrated to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Delicately fold tart cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overworking the mixture to preserve the bread’s light texture.
7. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface and smooth distribution.
8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring closely and testing for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
10. Complete the cooling process, then slice and serve the aromatic cranberry orange bread, celebrating the harmonious blend of citrus and berry flavors.

Notes

• Toast flour slightly before mixing to enhance nutty flavor and improve bread texture.
• Dust cranberries with a light coating of flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour and add xanthan gum for better binding.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative without compromising moistness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg