If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet, this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Bursting with vibrant citrus flavor and studded with juicy cranberries, this bread offers a moist, tender crumb that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, making it an irresistible staple for cozy mornings and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor profile of this bread. From the fragrant orange zest to the bright, juicy cranberries, every element works in harmony to make this bread shine.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb that hold everything together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise and get fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and aids in a tender texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the citrus notes.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Brings an intense burst of fresh citrus fragrance.
- 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled): Adds moisture and vibrant flavor that makes the bread juicy.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without heaviness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and enriches the bread.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large): The star ingredient, offering vivid color and tart bursts of flavor.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty complement to the fruitiness.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly so your bread slides out easily once baked. Getting this ready upfront means you can focus on mixing your batter without rushing.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vibrant orange zest. This step ensures all your dry elements are evenly combined and the orange zest is well distributed for bursts of citrus in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth and homogenous. This liquid mixture gives the bread its moist texture and fresh flavor, so blending them well here makes a big difference.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients, then gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft. You want the ingredients to come together without beating out the air pockets that help it rise.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
Carefully fold in your cranberries and, if you’re using them, chopped walnuts or pecans. The berries add vibrant color and juicy pops of tartness, while the nuts contribute a pleasant crunch and earthy flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma, signaling your bread is nearly ready.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps it set perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple orange glaze enhances the citrus notes and adds a whimsical decorative touch that makes each slice even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, creamy yogurt, or even a light spread of cream cheese to complement the sweet-tart flavor complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or holiday gatherings, slice the bread thickly and serve it on a wooden board with fresh orange slices, whole cranberries, and nuts scattered around for a rustic, festive display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to refresh the texture and enhance those bright citrus flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a perfect substitute and you can add them directly without thawing, which helps keep the berries from turning mushy.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, you can make a delicious gluten-free version. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How long does the Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for up to three days. Refrigeration can extend this a bit but may dry it out unless wrapped well.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch and deepens the flavor profile. Just fold them in gently with the cranberries before baking.
What’s the best way to enhance the orange flavor?
For an extra burst of citrus, try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice drizzled over cooled slices—it brightens the flavor and adds a pretty finish.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe brings so much joy with every bite, combining the tart brightness of cranberries with the sunshine of fresh orange zest and juice. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a special snack, or a holiday treat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished part of your baking repertoire!
Print
Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Orange Cranberry Bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of orange zest and juice. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet dessert, this moist quick bread is easy to prepare and bakes into a delightful loaf studded with cranberries and optional nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, vegetable oil, and egg until fully combined, ensuring a smooth liquid mixture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently just until they come together, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans to evenly incorporate them without breaking the berries.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool the bread: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving texture and flavor.
Notes
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
- For enhanced orange flavor, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled bread.
