Orange Cranberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a light dessert, this easy Orange Cranberry Bread recipe is just the thing. Bursting with the juicy brightness of fresh orange and the tart sweetness of cranberries, this moist and flavorful bread combines simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. It’s a wonderful way to brighten your day with a loaf that feels both festive and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of orange juice and zest keeps the bread wonderfully moist with a vibrant citrus aroma.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit, making it easy to whip up without a special grocery run.
• Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, a coffee break, or a lunchbox treat that all ages will enjoy.
• Fast to Prepare: Quick mixing and baking mean you’re enjoying fresh bread in under an hour.
• Customizable: The recipe easily adapts for dietary preferences like gluten-free or vegan versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Cranberry Bread recipe combines a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create irresistible taste and texture. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to give you the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and softness.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the bread’s foundation.
• Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises beautifully and stays light.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and depth of the bread.
• Fresh orange zest: Brings a bright citrus punch that lifts the entire loaf.
• Orange juice: Adds moisture and natural sweetness for a soft texture.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Give bursts of tart flavor and a colorful touch.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus flavor beautifully.

Variations for Orange Cranberry Bread

You can easily customize this orange cranberry bread recipe depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. These variations can help you tailor it to your taste buds without complicating the process.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.
• Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter or vegetable oil.
• Spiced Up: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
• Tropical Flair: Toss in shredded coconut or chopped pineapple for a fun tropical surprise.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and fresh orange zest. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with orange juice, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until the flour disappears for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Add Cranberries

Carefully fold in fresh or frozen cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to provide bursts of tartness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Orange Cranberry Bread

• Use fresh zest: Fresh orange zest brightens flavor much more than dried or bottled.
• Don’t overmix: To keep your bread tender, mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Toss cranberries in flour: Dredge cranberries lightly in flour before adding to prevent sinking.
• Test doneness with a toothpick: Insert into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Cool completely: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to maintain its structure and moistness.
• Use fresh cranberries: If possible, fresh cranberries give the best flavor and texture compared to dried.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Garnishes

Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze to elevate the presentation and add a touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with creamy butter, softened cream cheese, or even a smear of honey for a deliciously balanced bite. It’s also excellent alongside a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices alongside fresh orange segments or mix with a berry compote to make a beautiful brunch centerpiece. You can also toast slices lightly for a warm, crunchy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover orange cranberry bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This revives the softness and intensifies the orange aroma.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used, but they are sweeter and less tart, which will change the flavor slightly. You might want to reduce the sugar a bit if using dried fruit.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Absolutely! Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil or vegan butter to adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 2 days and up to 5 days refrigerated.

Can I add nuts to this Orange Cranberry Bread?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition, giving the bread a pleasant crunch and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cranberry Bread recipe is a true joy to make and savor. Its lovely balance of citrus and tart berries paired with a moist texture makes every bite memorable. Whether for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat, this bread is a winner you’ll want to bake again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen and heart!

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