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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a loaf pan by lightly coating the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and seasoning.
- In a separate container, whisk the liquid components until thoroughly blended, incorporating citrus essence and juice for vibrant flavor.
- 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.
- Carefully introduce chopped cranberries and optional chopped nuts, folding them delicately through the batter to ensure even dispersion.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface and eliminate any air pockets.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the bread develops a golden-brown exterior and a inserted skewer emerges clean.
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan momentarily, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
- 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