The Best Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Winter Baking Joy

Sweet orange cranberry bread brings a burst of citrusy brightness to traditional quick bread recipes.

Tangy fruit and zesty citrus create a delightful harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Home bakers love how simple ingredients enhance into something magical in just one mixing bowl.

Soft, moist crumbs studded with vibrant fruit offer a delectable treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacking.

Winter mornings feel extra special when warm slices emerge from the oven, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Baking enthusiasts appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to experience a bread that balances sweet and tart in every delectable bite.

Tips for Tart Berries and Bright Citrus Notes

• Zest with Precision: Carefully grate only the orange's outer colored layer to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
• Cranberry Coating: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking.
• Moisture Magic: Don't overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender and light.
• Baking Brilliance: Check the bread's doneness around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, using a toothpick or knife test.
• Cooling Technique: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for clean, easy slicing.

Store Orange Cranberry Bread Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigerate: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Place slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast lightly in a toaster oven until heated through. For a crispy exterior, briefly toast the slice in a skillet with a touch of butter.

Enjoy It Toasted, Buttered, or as-is

• Pair with Bright Citrus Mocktail: Craft a refreshing orange-cranberry spritzer using fresh orange juice, sparkling water, and a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with an orange slice to complement the bread's zesty flavors.
• Match with Creamy Mascarpone Spread: Create a luxurious spread by mixing mascarpone cheese with a touch of honey and orange zest. The creamy, slightly sweet topping will enhance the bread's tangy cranberry notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Chai Tea: Brew a warm, spiced chai tea that balances the bread's citrusy and tart profile. The aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom will beautifully highlight the orange and cranberry undertones.
• Complement with Mild Goat Cheese: Offer a slice of tangy, creamy goat cheese alongside the bread. Its subtle earthiness will provide a delightful contrast to the sweet and bright bread flavors.

Loaf Variations with Nuts, Spices, or Glaze

• Lemon Cranberry Remix: Swap orange zest and juice with fresh lemon, creating a bright, tangy version that pairs perfectly with the cranberries' tartness.
• Almond Cranberry Classic: Fold in 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Loaf: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, boosting nutritional value and adding a subtle earthy undertone to the bread.
• Spiced Cranberry Winter Bread: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger to create a warm, comforting winter-inspired quick bread.

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread with Bright Flavor in Every Slice

• Burst with Citrusy Freshness: The bright orange zest and fresh orange juice infuse the bread with a vibrant, zesty flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a refreshing and uplifting experience.
• Enjoy Seasonal Cranberry Crunch: Chopped cranberries add a delightful tartness and texture, bringing a burst of festive color and a subtle tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweet orange base.
• Effortless Baking Delight: This recipe is incredibly simple to make, requiring just one bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious homemade treat without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Comfort Bread: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a quick snack, this orange cranberry bread offers a comforting, moist texture that pairs wonderfully with coffee or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, flavorful treat.

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread That Pops

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the bread with a soft, light consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown crust development.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with a slight tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and soft bread with rich texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy aroma and intense orange flavor.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and citrus notes to the bread.
• Fresh Cranberries: Brings tartness and bursts of fruity flavor throughout the bread.

Instructions for Mixing, Pouring, and Baking a Moist Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or generously grease the pan with cooking spray. Gather all ingredients and baking tools.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar

Whisk ingredients together until well blended and set aside.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Orange zest
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Add chopped cranberries to the batter. Stir carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Bake Orange Cranberry Bread

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 55-65 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Remove from oven.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty orange cranberry bread brings sunshine to breakfast tables with its tangy-sweet profile. Moist crumbs and tart cranberries dance together, inviting you to savor each delightful slice of this homemade morning treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 3 large oranges

Fruit Ingredient:

• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh cranberries (chopped or halved)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper or thoroughly greasing the interior.
2. Create a dry mixture by blending flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk together orange zest, buttermilk, oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are fully integrated.
4. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to combine the elements without overworking the batter.
5. Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries, stirring minimally to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the complete batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even spread for consistent baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, monitoring the bread’s progress by testing the center with a knife – it should emerge clean when the bread is fully cooked.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity and optimal texture.
9. Slice and serve the orange cranberry bread, enjoying the vibrant citrus and tart cranberry flavors.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother texture.
• Zest the orange before juicing to maximize flavor and prevent waste.
• Toss cranberries in a little flour before adding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the bread.
• Check doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can make the bread dry and tough.
• Let the bread cool completely to allow flavors to develop and make slicing easier.
• Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg