Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Making the Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is like bringing a slice of sunshine into your kitchen. This easy yet delightful recipe blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the uplifting fragrance of orange, creating a wonderfully moist loaf that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack. Having made this recipe a number of times, I can attest to its ability to brighten any day, whether as a festive treat during the holidays or simply a warming delight when you need a lift.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread deserves a spot on your table for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly straightforward and requires minimal fuss, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a beautiful balance that appeals to various palates. Plus, the use of fresh cranberries means you’re incorporating seasonal ingredients, making this loaf not just tasty but also a treat you can feel good about sharing.

“I made this Cranberry Orange Bread for a family brunch, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The flavors were bright and festive—it disappeared in no time!”

Step-by-step Instructions

Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s summarize how to tackle this delightful recipe. You’ll start by combining your dry ingredients while whisking them together. In a separate bowl, you’ll blend the wet ingredients before merging them into the dry mix. Fold in those beautiful cranberries, then pour the mixture into a greased pan. After a good bake, the aroma of orange and cranberries will fill your kitchen. Can you already smell it?

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cranberry Orange Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh cranberries (you can substitute with dried cranberries if preferred)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

This time of year, if fresh cranberries aren’t available, feel free to opt for dried ones—they’ll still pair beautifully with the orange flavors!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries, taking care not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

Best Way to Serve

For the ideal serving experience, slice the bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, but consider spreading a touch of butter or cream cheese for added richness. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon snack, or serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong its shelf life, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag—this way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you fancy it. For best results, consume it within two months if frozen.

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra boost of flavor, toast the nuts briefly before adding them into the batter—they’ll enhance the bread’s overall taste and aroma.
• If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add a bit more sugar or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter.
• Make sure to measure your flour accurately; too much can lead to a dense bread.

Creative twists

Consider swapping the cranberries for chopped apples or pears to create a different version of the bread. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor that complements the orange beautifully.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does the bread take to prep and bake?
A: The total time will be around 70 minutes, including about 15-20 minutes of prep and 50-60 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes! You can use frozen cranberries, just be sure to add them directly from the freezer without thawing for the best results.

Q: Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure to check for a brand that includes xanthan gum or add it in separately for better texture.

With its vibrant flavors and enjoyable preparation, this Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is truly a gem that I love to share. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Bread

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• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful cranberry orange bread that combines tart cranberries with bright orange flavors, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, mix orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with butter or cream cheese and enjoy with tea or coffee.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking, breakfast bread, easy recipes