Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe – Moist and Flavorful Holiday Treat!
This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for the holiday season! Bursting with juicy cranberries and zesty orange, each slice is moist, tender, and irresistibly fragrant. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert, this bread adds a festive touch to any occasion. The citrusy orange pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a taste that's both refreshing and comforting. Plus, it’s simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. So, warm up your oven, grab a mixing bowl, and get ready to fill your home with the smell of holiday magic!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – The sweet orange and tart cranberries complement each other beautifully, creating a flavor that's bright and refreshing.
- Moist and Tender Texture – This bread is incredibly soft and moist, making each bite a treat.
- Ideal for the Holidays – It’s festive and eye-catching, perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or dessert tables.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and a few fresh additions, so no need for a special grocery run.
- Versatile – Enjoy it plain, drizzle with glaze, or even toast it with butter for an extra treat.
- Stays Fresh Longer – This bread holds its moisture, making it a great make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.
- Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries – Adds a burst of tart flavor and beautiful color.
- Orange Zest and Juice – Brings a bright, citrusy taste that balances the cranberries.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a soft texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Butter or Oil – Keeps the bread moist and adds richness.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients and gives the bread a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder – Ensures the bread rises and has a light texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Cranberries – Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness, but frozen cranberries work too. If using frozen, don’t thaw them; add straight to the batter to prevent color bleeding.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring eggs and butter (if using) to room temperature to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed batter.
- Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender. Overmixing can make it dense and tough.
- Zest Before Juicing – Zest the orange before juicing it to get the most zest without the mess!
- Dust Cranberries in Flour – Coat cranberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Check for Doneness – Since cranberries add moisture, bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Add Glaze After Cooling – If you’re adding an orange glaze, wait until the bread cools completely to prevent it from melting and soaking in too quickly.
- Store Properly – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for longer.
Recipes Youll Enjoy...
This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for the holiday season! Bursting with juicy cranberries and zesty orange, each slice is moist, tender, and irresistibly fragrant. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert, this bread adds a festive touch to any occasion. The citrusy orange pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a taste that's both refreshing and comforting. Plus, it’s simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. So, warm up your oven, grab a mixing bowl, and get ready to fill your home with the smell of holiday magic!
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, or you can use ½ cup vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh orange juice (adjust to desired thickness)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter (or oil), sugar, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in Cranberries
Toss the cranberries in a bit of flour to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze
If adding the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Serve
Slice and enjoy this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread!
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- Calories from Fat 72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 160mg7%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.