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:
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, orange zest, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries.
- 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.
- 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
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.
