If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances the bright, tangy flavors of orange with the tart burst of cranberries, then this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is just what you need. It’s a moist, tender loaf bursting with fresh citrus zest and studded generously with juicy cranberries, making every bite a celebration of texture and taste. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this bread brings a gorgeous splash of color and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating your perfect Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe. Each one plays an important role, from ensuring the bread’s beautiful rise to providing that vibrant flavor and moist texture you’ll love.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, giving structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your bread rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a gentle lift while balancing the acidity from the citrus and cranberries.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a perfectly balanced loaf.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy softness to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides just the right touch of sweetness to highlight the tart cranberries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed): Infuses vibrant citrus flavor and moisture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the bread tender and adds extra moisture.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Delivers an intense burst of fragrant citrus oils.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor complexity for a warm finish.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Punctuates the bread with juicy tartness and lovely color.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the optional glaze, adding a sweet, decorative touch.
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice: Used to create a luscious glaze that ties the flavors together.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of butter and flour. This step ensures that your bread will bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter, leading to a perfectly risen loaf every time.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to incorporating air, giving your bread a tender and airy texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth, emulsified batter.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The orange juice and zest are the stars here—they provide that unmistakable citrus zing, while the milk and vanilla add richness and depth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so take care to fold just until you no longer see dry flour. Gently fold in the roughly chopped cranberries last to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Glaze
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness and a stunning finish, whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your slices with a smear of softened butter or a drizzle of honey to heighten the bread’s luscious citrus and cranberry flavors. For a festive look, sprinkle a few whole fresh cranberries or a zest of orange on top of the glazed bread.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect companion for your morning routine or an afternoon break. If serving as a dessert, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn it into a delightful treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly before serving; it adds a subtle crunch and enhances the aroma. You can also cut the loaf into mini squares and serve as finger snacks at brunch or holiday gatherings. Layer slices with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a fancy brunch twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Wrapping it well helps maintain moisture and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread for up to two months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive the softness and enhance the fresh orange aroma. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Be sure to roughly chop them and gently fold into the batter to prevent any bleeding of color too early in the mix.
Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred because of its bright, natural flavor, but you can use store-bought juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars or preservatives.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe. Just check that your leavening agents are gluten-free as well for best results.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your bread is perfectly baked.
What can I add if I want extra sweetness or texture?
For a sweeter touch, mix in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust that adds delightful contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is truly a delightful way to brighten your day with its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend baking project but special enough to impress guests or treat yourself. I encourage you to try this recipe, and once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to for sharing sweetness and joy with those you love.
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Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Bread offers a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread features a bright citrus glaze that adds a fresh finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then mix in freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, orange zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread to add a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; just be sure to roughly chop them to distribute evenly.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense bread, so stir until just combined when adding dry ingredients.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bread.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
