Cranberry Orange Bread

Oh, this Cranberry Orange Bread is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a loaf pan. The tartness of fresh cranberries, paired with the bright, citrusy pop of orange zest, makes for a sweet-and-tangy treat that’s perfect for everything from a cozy breakfast to a thoughtful gift. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s simple to make, smells heavenly while baking, and tastes even better. Plus, it’s a great way to take advantage of seasonal fruit in the most delicious way possible. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread

This recipe isn’t just about making a loaf of bread—it’s about creating memories, one slice at a time. Whether you’re treating yourself to a relaxing morning, hosting a festive gathering, or gifting it to someone special, here’s why this cranberry orange bread always shines:

Versatile: Perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or just when you’re craving a sweet, tangy bite. It’s the kind of bread that fits any occasion, from cozy weekends to festive gatherings.

Budget-Friendly: It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. No need to break the bank—just a few pantry staples and you’ve got yourself a delicious homemade treat.

Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro as you mix the ingredients and pop it in the oven.

Customizable: Don’t be afraid to get creative! If you want a bit more sweetness, add extra sugar or a drizzle of glaze on top. Want to switch things up? You can throw in some chopped nuts or a handful of dark chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: You can’t go wrong with this bread. Everyone from kids to adults will be reaching for that second slice. It’s just that good.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this bread—it’s made with just a few basic ingredients, but the result is something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Flour: The base of any good bread. All-purpose flour gives this loaf structure and texture that’s just right—light, fluffy, but still hearty enough to hold all the juicy cranberries.

Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way. We’re using granulated sugar to balance out the tartness of the cranberries and bring out the natural flavors of the orange.

Baking Powder: This is what makes the bread rise and get that perfectly soft, airy texture. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect crumb.

Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance all the other flavors. It’s not enough to taste, but just enough to make everything pop.

Egg: A binding agent that holds everything together and gives the bread a beautiful richness.

Butter: The butter adds moisture and flavor, making the bread wonderfully tender and slightly rich. It’s the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Orange Zest: This is what takes the bread from good to amazing. The zest brings a fresh, fragrant citrus flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

Fresh Cranberries: The real star of the show. These tangy little berries add a burst of color and flavor, making every bite delightful. You can use frozen cranberries too—just make sure to fold them in gently.

Orange Juice: We’re using fresh orange juice to intensify that citrusy flavor. It brings moisture to the bread and ties everything together beautifully.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your bread that golden, crispy top.

Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Grease and flour your loaf pan to make sure the bread slides out easily after baking. If you want to make clean-up even easier, you can line the pan with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. This forms the base of your bread and infuses it with a sweet, citrusy aroma.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf. The batter will be thick, and that’s just what we want.

Add the Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries. They’ll get a little bit crushed in the process, and that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.

Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a dream as it bakes!

Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’ll be worth it for that perfect slice.

Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy! Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, it’s sure to be a hit.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

With a Hot Beverage: Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect morning or afternoon treat.

Cream Cheese Spread: Add a layer of cream cheese or a sweet glaze on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

As a Gift: Wrap up a loaf in parchment paper and twine for a homemade gift that anyone will love.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and cranberries.

Spice It Up: If you want an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Storage Tips: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to a month.

Double the Batch: Make two loaves—one for you and one to share (or keep all for yourself, no judgment here!).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Just fold them in gently while they’re still frozen to prevent the bread from turning pink.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread and thaw when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q3: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can make it the day before, and it’ll only get better as it sits.

Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
A4: Yes, this bread freezes beautifully. Just slice it first and wrap each slice individually for easy access.

Q5: How do I reheat this bread?
A5: To reheat, just place slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them up in a toaster oven for that crispy edge.

Q6: Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
A6: Sure! Try raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped apples for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A6: Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q8: Can I make this bread vegan?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy butter or oil.

Q9: How do I know when my bread is done?
A9: Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!

Q10: Can I add nuts or seeds to this bread?
A10: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds would be a great addition. Just fold them in with the cranberries.

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