Every kitchen has its standout recipes, and Easy Cranberry Orange Bread is one that never fails to impress! It combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges, creating a delightful loaf perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or simply a warming treat on a chilly day, this bread is sure to shine. Personally, I’ve baked this bread countless times, and every experience has brought joy to my family and friends.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Easy Cranberry Orange Bread apart is not just its delicious flavor, but also the simplicity of its preparation. This is a quick recipe that caters to busy lifestyles. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip it up in no time. It’s both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or an easy snack for the week.

"This cranberry orange bread is now a holiday tradition in our home. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness!" – A satisfied baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this delightful bread is a breeze. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Gather your ingredients and prep your baking tools.
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl while combining the wet ingredients in another.
Combine the two mixtures, fold in the cranberries, and pour the batter into your loaf pan.
Bake until golden brown, cool, and drizzle with a sunny orange glaze.

This recipe is not only straightforward but also ensures that you’re left with a bakery-quality loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Feel free to swap out fresh cranberries with frozen ones if you can’t find them. Just make sure to chop them slightly and avoid thawing before adding them to the batter to keep the moisture just right.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure an easy release.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, orange juice, and zest. Mix until everything is well blended.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Easy Cranberry Orange Bread

To truly elevate your cranbery-orange bread experience, consider serving it with a generous dollop of butter or cream cheese spread. This adds a lovely richness that complements the fruity flavors beautifully. For a delightful brunch, try it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light, citrusy yogurt. It’s also lovely paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

Keeping Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Fresh Longer

To store any leftovers, place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can stay at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Pro Chef Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cranberries and oranges, the more vibrant the flavors will be.
Zest the Orange: Don’t skip the zest; it enhances the orange flavor significantly, bringing brightness to the dish.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Nutty Addition: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Spice It Up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can provide a warm, autumnal twist.
Flavor Swap: Substitute lemon juice and zest for an equally delicious lemon cranberry bread.

Helpful FAQs

How long does it take to bake?

Typically, Easy Cranberry Orange Bread takes about 50-60 minutes. Always check with a toothpick for doneness!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

What is the best way to enjoy cranberry orange bread?

It’s delightful warm, room temperature, or toasted. Consider pairing it with cream cheese or butter for extra flavor!

Dive into making this Easy Cranberry Orange Bread, and I promise it will become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine! Happy baking!

Easy Cranberry Orange Bread

Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful loaf combining fresh cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, orange juice, and zest; mix well.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Mix the powdered sugar with orange juice for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

Notes

Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, with butter or cream cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: bread, cranberry, orange, holiday, baking