Easy Recipe for Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread

Embark on a flavorful journey with Cranberry Orange Bread, a delightful quick bread that encapsulates the vibrant essence of autumn. This recipe weaves together the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, citrusy burst of orange, creating a loaf that’s not only visually striking but irresistibly tasty. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this bread marries the comforting texture of classic quick bread with the festive flavors of the season. Let’s bake our way to a loaf that’s sure to brighten your table and palate.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread:

• Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberries and orange offers a refreshing twist on traditional quick bread.
• Moist and Tender: Enjoy a bread that’s beautifully moist, thanks to the right blend of ingredients.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to holiday gatherings.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels.

Ingredients Notes For Cranberry Orange Bread:

• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add tartness and a pop of color. You can also use frozen cranberries without thawing.
• Orange: The zest and juice of an orange infuse the bread with a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds sweetness.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder and a pinch of baking soda help the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s moist texture.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the loaf.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, orange zest, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Glaze: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Storage Options:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Easy Recipe for Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

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 large orange zest, and juice
• ▢ 3/4 cup orange juice from the orange supplemented with additional juice as needed
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• ▢ 1 large egg beaten
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries coarsely chopped
• ▢ 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Orange Zest and Juice:

• Zest the orange directly into the dry ingredients. Then, squeeze the juice from the orange into a measuring cup. Add enough additional orange juice to make 3/4 cup if necessary.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened and combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in Cranberries and Nuts:

• Gently fold the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) into the batter.

Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.