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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a medium mixing vessel, thoroughly combine flour, leavening agents, and salt using a whisk to ensure even distribution of dry components.
- Utilize a spacious mixing bowl to cream butter and sugars until the mixture becomes aerated and pale, creating a fluffy base for the bread.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then infuse with vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- 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.
- Delicately fold tart cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overworking the mixture to preserve the bread’s light texture.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface and smooth distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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