Cranberry Orange Bread

Ah, Cranberry Orange Bread—just saying it makes me smile! This recipe is the ultimate cozy, comforting treat. With the zing of fresh cranberries and the refreshing burst of orange, it’s like a holiday in every bite, even if it’s not the season for it. Picture this: a soft, tender loaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, and a hint of citrusy goodness that leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. Whether you’re starting your day with a warm slice or gifting it to a friend, this cranberry orange bread is one you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread

This cranberry orange bread isn’t just delicious—it’s everything you want in a baked good. It’s a treat that’s simple to whip up yet feels special enough to impress your guests. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It’s light enough for the morning but indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth later in the day.
• Budget-Friendly: You won’t need to hunt down expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need for this recipe is probably already in your pantry.
• Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy equipment here—just easy, breezy baking that even beginners can handle. You’ll have a fresh loaf on the table in no time!
• Customizable: Add some chopped nuts for crunch, or switch up the citrus with lemon if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re sharing this bread with family, friends, or coworkers, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The balance of tangy cranberries and sweet orange is irresistible to everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this bread so wonderful:

• Fresh Cranberries: These vibrant little gems bring a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly. They also give the bread that beautiful pop of color!
• Orange Zest: This is where the magic happens. The zest adds a bright, fragrant citrus note that pairs perfectly with the cranberries. You can almost smell it just thinking about it!
• Flour: The base of any good bread. It gives structure to this moist loaf and helps create the soft crumb you’ll love.
• Sugar: Just the right amount to balance the tart cranberries and make the bread just sweet enough without being overpowering.
• Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise and gives it that light, airy texture.
• Salt: A little salt is key to bringing out all the flavors in the bread.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture. It’s the secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the bread its structure and fluff.
• Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice not only intensifies the citrus flavor but also adds a bit of liquid to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla makes the flavors sing and adds that subtle hint of warmth.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this magical bread:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and gets that golden, slightly crisp exterior we all love.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the texture starts to come together. Then, add in your eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before adding them to your wet mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender loaf, not a dense one.

Add Cranberries: Gently fold in your fresh cranberries, being careful not to crush them. This will ensure every slice has those juicy little bursts of flavor.

Prepare the Pan: Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment where your kitchen will start to smell amazing, so try not to open the oven too often!

Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll need a bit of patience, but I promise it’ll be worth it.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This bread is delightful on its own, but if you’re looking to take it to the next level, try these serving suggestions:

• Spread with Butter: Slather a slice with butter while it’s still warm, and let it melt into every crevice.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This bread is the perfect companion for your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea.
• Serve as a Gift: Wrap it up in some parchment paper and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift that’ll make anyone’s day.
• Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a touch of sweetness and a little extra flair, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Prep Ahead: You can prep the dry ingredients in advance, storing them in a sealed container for easy baking when you’re ready.
• Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones will work just fine—just don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
• Double the Recipe: This bread is so good, you’ll want to make two loaves. It also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries?
A1: Yes, dried cranberries will work, though the bread will have a sweeter flavor. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance it out.

Q2: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the bread up to 2 days ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature.

Q3: How do I store leftover bread?
A3: Store leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it lasts that long, that is!

Q4: Can I freeze cranberry orange bread?
A4: Yes, this bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q5: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A5: Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition. Just fold them in with the cranberries.

Q6: How do I get my bread to rise better?
A6: Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can affect the rise. Also, don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the texture light and fluffy.

Q7: Can I use orange juice instead of orange zest?
A7: While orange juice adds flavor, zest gives a more intense citrus aroma. For the best flavor, use both!

Q8: Can I make this recipe in mini loaf pans?
A8: Yes, you can! Just reduce the baking time to 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this bread?
A9: To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Q10: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A10: Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure to add a little xanthan gum to help with structure.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect treat to bake for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with loved ones. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange is simply irresistible, and each bite is a reminder of why we love homemade baked goods. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf that’ll make everyone smile. So go ahead, bake this bread, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of cranberry and orange!

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