There’s something truly delightful about the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of autumn, and this Cranberry Orange Bread perfectly embodies that seasonal spirit. As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, I find myself craving warm, comforting treats that can fill my kitchen with sweet aromas. The bright citrus of orange paired with the tart pop of cranberries creates a symphony of flavor that’s not only delicious but also incredibly inviting.
This recipe came to life one sunny afternoon while I was rummaging through my kitchen. I discovered a bag of fresh cranberries I had nearly forgotten about and the idea for this bread blossomed—it’s a nourishing twist that easily elevates any breakfast or afternoon snack. Best of all, it’s so simple to prepare! With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this delightful loaf in no time, catching the attention of family and friends alike. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll want to keep it on your baking rotation all season long!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
- This Cranberry Orange Bread is an absolute breeze to make, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The vibrant combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at brunch, gifting it to friends, or enjoying a cozy treat at home.
- Plus, with its beautiful golden crust and bright red specks, this bread is sure to impress and add a touch of elegance to your table.
Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients
• Get ready to savor the joy of homemade baking with these simple ingredients.
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base and structure of your Cranberry Orange Bread.
- Fresh cranberries, chopped – Adds a delightful tartness and a pop of color!
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and balances the acidity of cranberries.
- Orange juice – Infuses the bread with bright citrus flavor.
- Vegetable oil – Ensures your bread stays moist and tender.
- Large eggs – Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.
- Orange zest – Enhances the orange flavor for a fragrant finish.
- Baking powder – Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – Balances acidity and provides additional leavening.
- Salt – Elevates the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
Feel the warmth and happiness in every slice of this lovely Cranberry Orange Bread!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking deliciousness. A properly heated oven ensures a beautifully risen loaf every time!
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Mix the dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step blends the flavors and ensures an even rise.
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Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl by mixing the eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest. You’ll create a fragrant mixture to bring brightness to your bread.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix! A few floury streaks are perfectly okay to maintain that fluffy texture.
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Fold in the chopped cranberries with a gentle touch. These little bursts of tartness will add a delightful surprise in every slice!
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Transfer the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top to ensure an even bake. The loaf should be filled about 2/3 of the way up to allow space for rising.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; you want that lovely golden color on top!
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Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting will be worth it for that perfect slice!
Optional: Spread with a little butter for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread?
There’s something truly special about creating a vibrant meal that complements the sweet-tart flavors of homemade bread.
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Creamy Goat Cheese: Its rich, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the fruity notes of the bread, making each bite an experience of contrasts. Serve it spreadable on warm slices for a delightful addition.
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Honey Butter: The sweetness of honey butter enhances the bread’s flavor, while its creamy texture adds a luxurious touch. This is a simple yet indulgent pairing that beckons for second helpings.
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Spinach Salad: A fresh salad with light vinaigrette adds a crisp texture to your meal. Topped with nuts or dried fruits, it creates a healthy balance against the sweetness of the bread.
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Orange Marmalade: A dollop of orange marmalade on the side amplifies the citrus notes in the bread, creating a lovely bright and cheerful breakfast or snack option. Every bite feels like sunshine!
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, complements the zesty flavors in the bread. The calming aroma transforms your meal into a cozy ritual.
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Fresh Fruit Medley: Seasonal fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the comforting loaf. Chunks of apple, pear, and sliced oranges evoke a burst of freshness that brightens your plate.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For those with a sweet tooth, a warm drizzle of chocolate adds a delectable twist. The pairing of chocolate with cranberries creates a luscious flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible.
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Bread
Room Temperature: Store your Cranberry Orange Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: To prolong its shelf life, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its soft texture.
Cranberry Orange Bread Variations
Feel free to personalize this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists and substitutes!
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same wonderful flavors without the gluten.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Subtle Spice: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warm undertones that perfectly complement the orange and cranberry.
Add a little sprinkle of warmth to your kitchen! The right spice can turn a simple loaf into an aromatic treasure.
- Vegan: Swap eggs for 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce and use almond or coconut milk to replace the orange juice for a completely plant-based delight.
- Berry Blend: Mix in some chopped strawberries or blueberries along with the cranberries for a sweet twist that offers a beautiful medley of flavors.
Tasting this variation feels like a berry patch adventure! Each bite gives you a burst of exciting flavor.
- Zestier Orange: Boost the orange flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of orange zest, or even a splash of orange liqueur for an adult-friendly twist.
- Savory Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat paired with the sweetness of cranberries.
This spicy touch creates a fantastic sweet-and-spicy balance that’ll surprise your taste buds in the best way!
Dive into these variations to discover new favorite flavors in your Cranberry Orange Bread!
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Bread preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the mixture in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The wet ingredients can also be combined (eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest) and refrigerated for the same length of time, ensuring a quick assembly later. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the dry and wet mixes, fold in the cranberries, and bake as directed. You’ll enjoy the same delightful flavors and fresh-baked aroma with minimal effort on hectic days!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cranberry Orange Bread, be careful not to overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy.
- Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and avoid frozen ones, which can add excess moisture.
- For an even better citrus punch, try adding extra orange zest to the wet ingredients.
- Remember to check for doneness with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs for perfect texture.
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! When looking for fresh cranberries, select ones that are firm, plump, and bright in color. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles. If they bounce slightly when dropped, that’s a good sign of freshness!
What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Orange Bread?
Very! To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just remember to seal it well to keep it from drying out.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bread, and how?
Absolutely, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag, to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain its wonderful softness.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If your Cranberry Orange Bread turns out too dense, it’s often due to overmixing or too much flour. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together until just combined. To fix a dense loaf, try adding a bit more liquid next time and ensure you’re using the proper measurement technique for your flour—scoop it lightly into the measuring cup and level it off instead of packing it down.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of Cranberry Orange Bread, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of regular flour. It usually works well, but keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
Is this recipe safe for pets?
Not really! While cranberries in small amounts aren’t toxic to dogs, the ingredients in this bread—such as sugar and eggs—can be unsafe for pets, especially in large amounts. It’s always best to stick to treats that are specifically designed for your furry friends.
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine the wet ingredients: mix the eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest in another bowl.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Transfer the batter into a greased loaf pan, filling it 2/3 of the way up.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
