Cranberry Orange Bread brings together the delightful flavors of fresh oranges and tart cranberries into a moist and fluffy loaf. This recipe is not only perfect for breakfast but also makes a thoughtful gift or a delightful addition to brunch gatherings. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or drizzled with a sweet glaze, this bread is a comforting treat that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

There are countless reasons to adore this Cranberry Orange Bread. First, the combination of flavors is simply divine; the sweetness of orange juice perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries. Second, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Third, it’s a wonderful option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Fourth, this bread is versatile; it can be served as a breakfast item, a snack, or even a dessert. Fifth, it’s a beautiful addition to holiday meals, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Lastly, the addition of nuts can offer a delightful crunch, making it a moist cranberry orange loaf that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Gather these items:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¾ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with orange juice, orange zest, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in the cranberries.
Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional: drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice once cooled.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined to keep the bread fluffy.
For a delicious cranberry orange bread idea, try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
This recipe can be made using a vegan cranberry orange bread recipe by substituting the egg with a flax egg.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This Orange Cranberry Quick Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with:

Butter or cream cheese spread for a creamy texture.
A side of homemade jam for added sweetness.
As a base for tart cranberry orange muffins topped with whipped cream.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Bread

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply place slices in the toaster or microwave for a quick warm-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Bread?

The secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Bread lies in not overmixing the batter. This keeps the bread fluffy and light. Also, using fresh cranberries adds a burst of flavor that elevates the bread.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Homemade Cranberry Orange Bread ahead of time. Just store it properly as mentioned above, and it will taste fresh even after a few days.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Bread?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and make sure your baking powder is fresh. This ensures the bread rises properly and achieves the right texture.

Variations of Cranberry Orange Bread You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Incorporate walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Try substituting orange juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour to make a healthy cranberry orange bread variation.

Moist Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe You'll Love - Cranberry Orange Bread - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Cranberry Butter Recipe. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit our Last Recipes page for inspiration.

For additional information on the health benefits of cranberries, you can read more on Healthline.

Moist Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe You’ll Love

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This moist and tangy Cranberry Orange Bread combines the vibrant zest of fresh oranges with tart cranberries in a soft, fluffy loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, this citrus cranberry bread recipe is easy, freezer-friendly, and bursting with flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with orange juice, orange zest, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Gently fold in the cranberries.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice once cooled.