There’s something magical about the aroma of orange cranberry bread wafting through the kitchen. Picture yourself surrounded by warm, cozy vibes as the sweet and tart fragrances dance in the air, inviting you to take a slice. This delightful treat doesn’t just taste incredible; it brings an unforgettable experience that makes every bite feel like a hug from a warm blanket.
As I reminisce about family gatherings, I can’t help but smile thinking about the moments when my loved ones gathered around, eagerly waiting for their share of this delicious orange cranberry bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a comforting snack while binge-watching your favorite TV series.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This orange cranberry bread is effortless to whip up and requires minimal ingredients
- It boasts a unique flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it brightens up any table
- Perfectly versatile, enjoy it fresh or toasted with butter or cream cheese!
I still remember the first time I made this orange cranberry bread for a holiday gathering; everyone couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best results; it gives your bread structure without heaviness.
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for tart cranberries; they provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your bread perfectly with sugar; adjust to taste for more or less sweetness.
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Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds aromatic brightness that complements the cranberries beautifully.
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Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice works best; it enhances flavor and keeps your bread moist.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures a light and fluffy texture in your bread.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances flavors and enhances all the delicious elements in your recipe.
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Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together and give structure to your bread.
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Vegetable Oil: This keeps your bread moist and tender without altering its unique flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs with orange juice and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold fresh cranberries into the batter using a spatula until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top for an even bake.
Bake Away: Place in preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown. Insert a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean!
Enjoy this journey through textures and flavors as you create something truly special with everyday ingredients!
You Must Know
- Baking orange cranberry bread is a delightful experience, as the sweet and tart aromas fill your kitchen
- This fragrant treat is perfect for breakfast or a snack, and it can even be a thoughtful gift for loved ones
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients gradually to avoid clumps. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor twist. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze slices and reheat in the toaster when needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make sure your orange cranberry bread rises perfectly, avoid overmixing the batter
- Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, and check for doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven
Baking this orange cranberry bread reminds me of cozy family gatherings where we share stories over warm slices. It’s those little moments that make everything worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for orange cranberry bread?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just don’t thaw them before adding.
How long does orange cranberry bread stay fresh?
The bread stays fresh at room temperature for about four days in an airtight container.
Can I add spices to my orange cranberry bread?
Absolutely! Cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and enhances the flavors beautifully.
Orange Cranberry Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. The warm aroma of freshly baked bread combined with vibrant cranberries and zesty orange makes this dish an irresistible treat. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or share with loved ones during cozy gatherings. Simple to make and full of heartwarming memories, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with orange juice and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; fold in cranberries gently.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (66g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 122mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a twist on flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze slices for later use.



