Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Warm afternoon sunlight bathes my kitchen while orange cranberry bread fills the air with delightful aromas.

Seasonal baking always sparks memories of cozy gatherings.

Sharp cranberry notes dance beautifully against sweet orange zest in this delectable loaf.

Comfort wraps around each slice like a gentle hug.

Bakers searching for a simple yet impressive treat will adore this recipe.

Delicate crumbs promise pure satisfaction with every bite.

Be prepared to fall in love with this irresistible bread that celebrates winter’s most vibrant flavors.

Orange Cranberry Bread and Its Bright Flavors

• Quick Breakfast Delight: Perfect for busy mornings when you need a fast, satisfying breakfast slice that comes together in under an hour.
• Festive Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Bursting with seasonal orange and cranberry flavors, this bread makes an excellent addition to holiday gatherings or weekend brunches.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for novice bakers wanting to build confidence in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy warm with butter, as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or even lightly toasted with a cup of coffee for a delightful pick-me-up.

Orange Cranberry Bread Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the bread's structure and texture, providing the essential foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.

• Orange Juice: Brings bright citrus flavor and moisture to the bread, best when freshly squeezed.
• Orange Zest: Provides intense orange aroma and concentrated citrus notes.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the bread's structure.

• Cranberries, Nuts: Fresh or frozen cranberries add tartness and color, while nuts provide crunch and depth. Nuts are optional but recommended for extra texture.

Baking Steps for Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous butter or oil massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients until they’re happily combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Fresh orange juice
• Bright orange zest
• Melted butter
• Egg

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together smoothly.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with mixing!

The batter should look slightly lumpy, not perfectly smooth.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Cranberries
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Use a light touch to distribute these goodies throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

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

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Slice, serve, and savor your delicious creation!

Smart Baking Guidance for Orange Cranberry Bread

• Use fresh orange zest for a more vibrant, intense citrus taste compared to bottled or dried zest.
• Toss cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to keep them evenly distributed and prevent sinking.
• Add a splash of yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients for extra moisture and a tender crumb that stays soft longer.
• Swap nuts with seeds like pepitas or sunflower seeds for a different texture, or toast them briefly to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make this bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Cranberry Bread And Warm As Needed

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Place the cooled bread in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring it stays protected from freezer burn.
• Remove the bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator, to defrost completely.
• Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the bread's soft texture and enhance its citrusy aroma.

Great Matches for Orange Cranberry Bread

• Pair with Tangy Citrus Tea: Brew a light, zesty orange or lemon-infused tea that complements the bread's bright citrus notes and enhances the orange flavor profile.
• Serve with Creamy Mascarpone Spread: Whip soft mascarpone cheese with a touch of honey and orange zest to create a luxurious, smooth spread that balances the bread's tartness and adds richness.
• Match with Spiced Vanilla Latte: Create a warm vanilla latte with a hint of cinnamon that provides a gentle, sweet counterpoint to the cranberry's sharpness and the bread's dense texture.
• Accompany with Maple-Glazed Walnuts: Toast walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup to offer a crunchy, sweet side that echoes the nuts in the bread and provides a delightful textural contrast.

Orange Cranberry Bread with Tart-Sweet Flavor Pairings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute egg with flax egg or applesauce, and use plant-based butter or coconut oil to create a dairy-free bread.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and add extra orange zest for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Enhancement: Swap cranberries with dried blueberries and add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and protein.

FAQs

• What role do the oranges play in this bread recipe?

Orange juice and zest add bright, citrusy flavor and natural moisture to the bread, enhancing the overall taste and creating a fresh, tangy profile that complements the tart cranberries.

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them slightly if they’re large and toss them in a little flour before adding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the bread.

• Is this bread more like a cake or a traditional bread?

This is a quick bread, which is more cake-like in texture – soft, moist, and slightly sweet, falling between a bread and a cake in consistency. It’s typically served as a breakfast or dessert item.

• How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savor winter’s warmth with this delightful Orange Cranberry Bread, blending zesty citrus notes and tart berries in a perfect seasonal harmony. Delicate crumb and tangy glaze make this quick bread an irresistible companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a loaf pan by lightly coating the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and seasoning.
3. In a separate container, whisk the liquid components until thoroughly blended, incorporating citrus essence and juice for vibrant flavor.
4. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and gently pour the liquid ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain a tender crumb.
5. Carefully introduce chopped cranberries and optional chopped nuts, folding them delicately through the batter to ensure even dispersion.
6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and eliminate any air pockets.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the bread develops a golden-brown exterior and a inserted skewer emerges clean.
8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan momentarily, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
9. Carefully extract the loaf and place it on a cooling rack, permitting it to reach room temperature before slicing for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Enhance zest intensity by microplaning fresh oranges for more vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic profile.
• Prevent cranberries from sinking by tossing them lightly in flour before folding into batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
• Switch to gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version while maintaining similar texture and consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting half the sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas for a healthier alternative without compromising moistness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg