Irresistible Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe to Delight You

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Imagine biting into a slice of Orange Cranberry Bread, where the sweet citrus aroma dances through the air, mingling with the tartness of fresh cranberries. Each bite offers a delightful burst of flavor, a perfect match for your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break.

There’s something magical about sharing this bread during family gatherings and cozy holiday mornings. I can still hear my aunt’s laughter as we gathered around the table, eagerly reaching for another slice, the warm fragrance wrapping us in comfort and nostalgia.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Orange Cranberry Bread is incredibly easy to prepare; it comes together in just one bowl with minimal cleanup.
  • The balance of sweet oranges and tart cranberries makes each bite a flavor explosion.
  • Its golden crust and vibrant color make it a beautiful centerpiece on any table.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful gift during the holidays.

I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends were practically fighting over the last slice!

Essential Ingredients

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

  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our bread; it’s versatile and gives structure to baked goods.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread while balancing out the tartness of cranberries.

  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps our bread rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.

  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in your bread; don’t skip it!

  • Orange Zest: Adds bright citrus notes that elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.

  • Fresh Cranberries: Use whole berries for bursts of tartness; you can substitute with dried if needed but adjust sugar accordingly.

  • Eggs: They bind everything together while adding moisture to our loaf.

  • Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for richness; it gives our bread that tender crumb we love.

  • Milk: A little splash adds moisture and creates that soft texture we want in our bread.

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

Recipe preparation for Orange Cranberry Bread

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Add Citrus and Wet Ingredients: Stir in orange zest into your dry mixture. Then add eggs, melted butter, and milk. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Fold In The Cranberries : Gently fold fresh cranberries into your batter using a spatula. They should be evenly distributed without breaking apart too much.

Pour Batter Into The Pan : Pour your mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. It should look inviting and ready to bake!

Bake Until Golden Brown : Place in preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Let your Orange Cranberry Bread cool slightly before slicing—it’s worth the wait when you experience that warm burst of flavor!

You Must Know

  • Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors.
  • The zesty aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist.
  • Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it pairs wonderfully with butter or cream cheese, elevating your taste experience.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients gradually for a seamless blend. Bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven for five minutes at 350°F.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen can lead to excess moisture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter; this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
  • Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center.

Sharing this recipe always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last slice. The laughter that filled the room made every crumb worth it!

FAQ

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Dried cranberries will work but may make the bread sweeter and denser.

How can I make Orange Cranberry Bread gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that you prefer.

What can I pair with Orange Cranberry Bread?

This bread pairs excellently with cream cheese or a citrusy spread for added flavor.

Print

Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful blend of sweet oranges and tart cranberries, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This one-bowl recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings. With its golden crust and moist interior, this bread is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy each slice with butter or cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried, adjusted sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in orange zest, then add eggs, melted butter, and milk; mix until just combined.
  4. Gently fold in cranberries.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 55-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or substituting cranberries with blueberries. To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; reheat slices in the oven.

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