Orange Cranberry Bread

There’s something truly magical about the combination of oranges and cranberries, especially when they’re baked into a loaf of bread that bursts with flavor. This Orange Cranberry Bread has become a staple in my kitchen, often made around the holidays or for a cozy family brunch. The tender texture, sweet-tart taste, and vibrant color of cranberries swirl within a zesty, orange-infused bread – it’s not just a dessert, but a warm hug in a loaf! Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Cranberry Bread stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The blend of oranges and cranberries provides a delightful contrast, keeping each bite interesting. It’s budget-friendly too, with common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. This loaf is equally at home on your breakfast table, served with coffee, or as a dessert after a family dinner.

"This bread was the highlight of our holiday gathering! The glazing on top makes it irresistible." – Cathy, home baker

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Before diving into the mixing and baking, here’s a quick overview of how you’ll bring this delicious Orange Cranberry Bread to life. The process is straightforward: you’ll start by prepping your ingredients, then mix your dry and wet components before combining them with cranberries. Once baked to golden perfection, drizzle the glaze on top for a sweet finish.

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Here’s a list of the essentials for your Orange Cranberry Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Tip: For a healthier twist, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute for the glaze!

Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Gently fold in the cranberries, taking care not to overmix.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Best Way to Serve

The best way to enjoy this delectable bread is to serve it sliced, warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a pat of butter or cream cheese for an added richness. It’s lovely alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. You might also consider serving it with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more festive touch, dust a little powdered sugar on top before serving.

How to Store

Storage Tips

To keep your Orange Cranberry Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.

Tips to Make

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results with your Orange Cranberry Bread, try to use fresh cranberries when in season for maximum flavor and texture. If using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in orange juice for about 30 minutes before adding to the batter. Lastly, avoid over-mixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy loaf.

Variations

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You might experiment with adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for some crunch. Alternatively, swap the orange juice for lemon juice to create a tart twist, or add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice. The world is your oyster when it comes to flavoring this delightful bread!

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, with a baking time of 60-70 minutes.

Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries or chopped apples can work wonderfully in place of cranberries.

How should I store leftover bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

This Orange Cranberry Bread is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whip up a loaf for your next gathering or a quiet afternoon spent baking at home—you won’t regret it!

Orange Cranberry Bread

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• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful bread loaf combining the sweet-tart flavors of oranges and cranberries, perfect for holidays and brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Gently fold in cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

Notes

For a healthier option, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute for the glaze. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: bread, cranberry, orange, dessert, baking, holidays