Cranberry orange bread is a delightful, fragrant treat that combines the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange in a soft, moist loaf. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. The balance of sweet and tart, with a subtle hint of citrus, makes it irresistible. It’s simple to make and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, or sliced and stored for later enjoyment. The fresh cranberries give it a burst of color and flavor, while the orange juice and zest bring a refreshing citrusy twist. This bread is ideal for cozy mornings, coffee breaks, or holiday brunches, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bright and Flavorful

The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making each slice incredibly refreshing and flavorful.

2. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and a quick preparation time, this recipe comes together effortlessly. Even novice bakers will find this bread easy to make.

3. Moist and Tender

The use of orange juice and butter keeps the bread moist and tender, creating a delicious texture that will have you coming back for more.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

This cranberry orange bread is versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. It’s especially great for holiday gatherings, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

5. Make Ahead-Friendly

This bread keeps well, so you can bake it in advance and have it ready to serve whenever you need a quick, delicious treat.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Baking soda
Orange juice
Grated orange zest
Butter (melted)
Egg (beaten)
Fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Glazed: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled bread to add an extra layer of citrus flavor and sweetness.
Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to make it vegan-friendly.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the cranberries and orange, giving the bread a warm, spiced flavor.
Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use dried cranberries, though the texture of the bread will change slightly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the orange juice, grated orange zest, melted butter, and the beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries

Fold the chopped cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the bread to be tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so check the bread at the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Use Fresh Cranberries: If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before folding them into the batter to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Substitute with Other Berries: Feel free to experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries if cranberries aren’t available.

How to Serve

Cranberry orange bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a holiday breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. You can enjoy it plain, or with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of jam. This bread also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresher longer, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Freezing

Cranberry orange bread freezes well. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

Reheating

To reheat slices, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, though they will alter the texture of the bread slightly. You may also want to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.

2. How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s covered in batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.

3. Can I make this bread in mini loaf pans?

Yes, you can use mini loaf pans. The baking time will be shorter—check the bread after about 30 minutes.

4. How can I make the bread sweeter?

You can increase the sugar slightly, or top the bread with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness.

5. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer.

6. Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the flavors of cranberry and orange beautifully.

7. What can I do if the bread is too dense?

Make sure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in dense bread. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can cause the bread to be heavy.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the dough into a loaf, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

9. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

10. How long will this bread last?

Cranberry orange bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion

Cranberry orange bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries and citrusy orange in a moist and tender loaf. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, a gift, or a sweet treat for yourself, this bread is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack—this bread is bound to become a favorite in your baking collection.