Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

Bright, zesty, and bursting with both color and flavor, Orange Cranberry Bread is the kind of treat that makes any day feel special. Imagine tender slices loaded with tart cranberries, kissed by sweet orange, and topped off with a golden crust — it’s irresistible! This delightful quick bread is just as perfect for a cozy winter brunch as it is for a summery afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you serve it warm out of the oven or sneak a slice for breakfast, this bread always tastes like a joyful celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples plus a couple of fresh, vibrant additions to create something truly magical. Each ingredient in Orange Cranberry Bread does its part to achieve the ideal balance of moistness, sweetness, and a gorgeous citrusy tang.

• Flour: The structure of the bread, giving it the perfect crumb that holds together without being dense.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully so it comes out soft and tall.
• Salt: Enhances and brightens all the other flavors.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the orange juice for extra lift and tenderness.
• Butter (room temperature): Brings richness and a soft, tender crumb to the loaf.
• Orange Juice: The star flavor, lending a sweet acidity and plenty of moisture.
• Orange Zest: Packs a fragrant, citrusy punch that takes the flavor over the top.
• Egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, sliceable bread.
• Fresh Cranberries (halved): Their bright tartness provides pops of flavor and lovely color throughout.
• Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with sweet fruit and citrus.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining the bottom of a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Make sure to spray the entire pan with cooking spray — this extra step makes for an easy release and a perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. This not only evenly distributes the leavening agents, but it also breaks up any flour clumps for a super smooth batter.

Step 3: Mix in Butter

Add the room temperature butter right into the dry mixture. Using a mixer, blend until the mixture is crumbly; this classic technique ensures little pockets of buttery goodness all throughout your Orange Cranberry Bread.

Step 4: Add Orange Juice, Zest, and Egg

Slowly pour in the orange juice with the mixer running, allowing the batter to turn creamy and smooth. Blend in the orange zest and the egg, making sure everything is fully incorporated — this step makes the bread plush and flavorful.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts

Gently fold the halved cranberries and, if you like a little crunch, the walnuts into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want those beautiful pops of red throughout without squashing the fruit.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool a bit before slicing to enjoy the full orange-cranberry aroma!

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful snowy look, or you can drizzle a quick orange glaze (just whisk powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice!) for a glossy finish. For extra flair, sprinkle on a few chopped walnuts or fresh orange zest right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of Orange Cranberry Bread with a dish of creamy Greek yogurt, some fresh fruit, or scrambled eggs for a brunch spread that everyone will love. A hot mug of tea or coffee also brings out the citrus notes and makes every bite feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaf into snackable tea sandwiches by slicing it thin, or cube the bread and serve it on a dessert platter alongside chocolate and berries. Toasted slices make a unique base for fruit preserves or even a decadent cream cheese spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Orange Cranberry Bread extra moist by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon treats.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the fully cooled bread and wrap each piece individually, or wrap the whole loaf in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw slices at room temp or pop them right in the toaster for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm, fresh-baked flavor is just a minute away! Heat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly for a bit of crunch. If you’ve frozen the bread, let it thaw first before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can swap in dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available, though the bread will be a little sweeter and less tart. Try soaking dried cranberries in orange juice first to plump them up for a juicier bite.

Do I need to adjust the sugar if I skip the walnuts?

Not at all! Walnuts are completely optional and don’t affect the sweetness of the bread, so you can leave them out without changing anything else in the recipe.

Why is my bread sinking in the middle?

This can happen if the bread isn’t fully baked or if there was too much liquid. Make sure to check with a toothpick before removing it from the oven, and measure your ingredients carefully for best results.

Can I make Orange Cranberry Bread gluten free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour. The bread may be slightly more delicate, but it will still taste fantastic.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a fine microplane zester for the most aromatic zest without any bitter white pith. Always zest your oranges before you cut and juice them for the freshest citrus flavor.

Final Thoughts

Few things say “made with love” like sharing a fresh loaf of Orange Cranberry Bread. Its sunny citrus and festive berries simply brighten up any table and any mood. So, don’t wait for the holidays — bake a loaf soon and see just how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home, too!

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