Irresistible Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Cranberry orange loaf is a delightful blend of sweet and tart that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: a warm, moist loaf infused with the zesty aroma of oranges and the vibrant pop of cranberries. Each slice is a symphony of flavors, making it the perfect companion for breakfast, brunch, or that mid-afternoon snack when you need a little pick-me-up.

This recipe isn’t just about baking; it carries the nostalgia of family gatherings and cozy afternoons spent with loved ones, sharing stories over freshly baked bread. The anticipation builds as you mix the ingredients, filling your kitchen with enticing scents that promise deliciousness. You’ll want to savor every bite, whether it’s enjoyed solo with a cup of tea or shared during festive celebrations.

Baking this cranberry orange loaf brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the sweet scent of citrus in the air.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our loaf; sifted for lightness and fluffiness.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.

• Baking Powder: This helps our loaf rise beautifully; always check its freshness.

• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those lovely flavors.

• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.

• Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Brightens up the loaf; use freshly squeezed juice for best results.

• Cranberries: Dried or fresh cranberries work well; ensure they’re plump for maximum juiciness.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf moist; feel free to substitute with melted butter if preferred.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and richness to the flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Loaf

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your masterpiece doesn’t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Watch as they come together like old friends at a reunion.

Combine Wet Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy; mix in orange juice, zest, oil, and vanilla extract. The mixture should smell like sunshine on a plate.

Combine Mixtures Gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold them together carefully until just combined—overmixing leads to dense bread!

Add in Cranberries: Gently fold in cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Imagine each piece being like little bursts of joy waiting to be devoured.

Bake Your Loaf to Perfection: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Let this cranberry orange loaf cool slightly before slicing into its warm goodness. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or wrap it up for later indulgence. Remember how each bite transports you back to those wonderful moments shared with family and friends!

Content

Fresh cranberries are the star of this dish; avoid using dried ones for better flavor. I once made this mistake and ended up with a loaf that tasted like regret.

Use room temperature ingredients for a uniform batter; it helps in achieving that fluffy texture. Trust me, my first loaf was dense because I didn’t take this advice!

Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently to keep your loaf light and airy. My first attempt was a workout for my arm muscles, and the loaf turned out like a brick.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while mixing your ingredients. Pour the batter into a prepared pan, then bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean for the best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or swap in lemon zest for an extra zing. Experimentation is what baking is all about!

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry orange loaf wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices in plastic wrap and reheat in the toaster or microwave.

I remember sharing this cranberry orange loaf with friends during brunch, and their smiles made all the baking chaos worth it!

FAQ

What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?

You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just don’t thaw them.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean without batter stuck to it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this delicious treat!

Print

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cranberry orange loaf is a delectable treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This moist, aromatic loaf combines the zesty essence of oranges with juicy cranberries, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Each slice offers a burst of flavor that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this loaf can be enjoyed fresh or toasted, adding versatility to any occasion.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs until frothy; mix in orange juice, zest, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
5. Fold in cranberries until evenly distributed.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in nuts like walnuts or pecans. Substitute lemon zest for an extra citrus kick if desired. Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days or freeze slices for longer storage.