Cranberry Orange Bread
Whenever I think of cozy fall days, the first thing that comes to my mind is the scent of fresh-baked Cranberry Orange Bread wafting through the kitchen. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, especially during the holidays when the air is filled with warmth and laughter. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to make it, her hands deftly mixing the ingredients while sharing stories of Thanksgiving traditions. The vibrant colors of the cranberries and the zest of oranges create a beautiful blend that speaks to the heart of the season. Each slice is moist and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea. I love how easy it is to whip up, and how it brings everyone together, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or simply a sunny autumn afternoon.
Recipe Snapshot
55 mins
10 mins
45 mins
Medium
210 kcal
3 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
9 g
Loaf Pan 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 Inch, KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
Heartwarming Flavor
There’s something magical about the combination of cranberries and orange. The tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the zesty sweetness of the orange juice and zest. Each bite transports you to a cozy café during autumn, where the flavors dance on your palate.
Simple to Make
You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this Cranberry Orange Bread. The recipe is straightforward, and you can have it in the oven in no time! It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This bread isn’t just for the holidays. While it shines during Thanksgiving, it’s also great for brunches, dinner parties, or even as a snack. You can enjoy it any time of year, making it a versatile staple in your baking repertoire.
Customizable
Want to add a twist? You can incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture, or swap milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative. The options are endless, and that’s part of the fun!
Great for Gifting
Imagine wrapping a loaf of this gorgeous bread in parchment paper and giving it as a gift. It’s a heartfelt gesture that shows you care, and who wouldn’t love receiving a homemade treat? This Cranberry Orange Bread makes the perfect present for friends and family.
Delicious Glaze
The orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the bread even more enticing. It’s the finishing touch that takes your baking to the next level. Just drizzle it over the bread and watch it soak beautifully into the warm slices.
Recipe Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
To create the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread, we focus on simple yet flavorful ingredients that work harmoniously. The star players here are the fresh cranberries, which provide a delightful tartness, and the orange zest, which gives a refreshing brightness. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a moist, fragrant loaf.
- Cranberries (1½ cups): Fresh or frozen, these cranberries provide a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bread.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups + 1 teaspoon): The foundation of our bread, it gives structure and fluffiness.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning the crust, enhancing flavor.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent makes the bread rise and become light and airy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): It works alongside baking powder to ensure the bread rises properly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs (2 large): They add moisture and richness, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture to the batter, resulting in a tender loaf.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): The fresh orange juice infuses the bread with vibrant flavor, complementing the cranberries.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): A little zest goes a long way in brightening the overall flavor of the bread.
- Butter (¼ cup, unsalted and melted): Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor to the bread.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For making a sweet glaze to drizzle over the top.
- Additional orange juice (1-2 tablespoons): Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze to your liking.
- Additional orange zest (1 tablespoon): Adds an extra kick of flavor to the glaze.
Cooking Instructions for Cranberry Orange Bread
Making Cranberry Orange Bread is easy, and I can assure you that the steps are foolproof. Let’s get started on this delectable journey!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to preheat to ensure even baking and a lovely golden crust.
Prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. I use an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan, which is perfect for this recipe.
In a small bowl, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour over the cranberries and toss them gently. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of milk, ¼ cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and ¼ cup of melted butter. This wet mixture is where the magic begins!
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently using a whisk or a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix. Stop once you no longer see large lumps—it’s okay to have some small lumps.
Gently fold in the floured cranberries into the batter. This helps to distribute them evenly throughout the bread without breaking them apart.
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Once done, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—this will help preserve its moisture.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine all the glaze ingredients—1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Whisk until well combined and pourable.
Once the bread is cool, generously drizzle the orange glaze over the loaf. Slice and serve this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread to your family and friends!
Things Worth Knowing
- Test for doneness: Always check if your bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries and oranges. Frozen berries can be used but may alter the texture slightly.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan to prevent it from becoming soggy and to help maintain its shape.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Helpful Hints
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Cranberry Orange Bread experience!
- Storage: How to store leftovers: Wrap the bread in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes! Wrap cooled bread tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen bread at room temperature for an hour, then bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serving: This bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. It also makes a great addition to brunch spreads!
- Variations: Try adding nuts or spices like cinnamon for a different twist on this classic recipe.
What to Serve Alongside Cranberry Orange Bread
- Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a slice of Cranberry Orange Bread with your morning coffee or as a sweet addition to your breakfast spread.
- Brunch Companion: Pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a refreshing brunch option.
- Holiday Treat: Serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings as a festive side dish that guests will love.
- Tea Time: Slice it up and enjoy it during afternoon tea or as a delightful snack for your guests.
- Gifting Idea: Wrap a loaf in decorative paper and present it as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful blend of flavors that embodies the spirit of fall. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. I encourage you to try making it; the experience of baking and sharing this bread with loved ones is truly special. Enjoy this slice of joy today!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to preheat to ensure even baking and a lovely golden crust.
- Prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. I use an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan, which is perfect for this recipe.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour over the cranberries and toss them gently. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of milk, ¼ cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and ¼ cup of melted butter. This wet mixture is where the magic begins!
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently using a whisk or a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix. Stop once you no longer see large lumps—it's okay to have some small lumps.
- Gently fold in the floured cranberries into the batter. This helps to distribute them evenly throughout the bread without breaking them apart.
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, making sure it's evenly distributed.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Once done, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—this will help preserve its moisture.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine all the glaze ingredients—1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Whisk until well combined and pourable.
- Once the bread is cool, generously drizzle the orange glaze over the loaf. Slice and serve this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread to your family and friends!
