Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Holiday Magic

Cranberry orange bread bursts with vibrant flavors that convert ordinary baking into a festive culinary experience.

Imagine a delectable loaf where citrusy brightness dances alongside tart berry notes, creating an irresistible sensory journey.

The combination of these ingredients offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that elevates traditional quick bread.

Moist and tender, this bread promises a delightful texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.

Winter gatherings come alive with this stunning treat that looks as magnificent as it tastes.

Bold colors and complex flavors make this bread a standout dessert that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Rich with seasonal charm, this bread brings comfort and joy to every slice.

Why Cranberry Orange Bread Is a Must-Have

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: Orange zest and juice infuse the bread with a vibrant, refreshing flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a zesty wake-up call for your palate.
• Enjoy Perfect Moisture Balance: Buttermilk and oil combine to deliver an incredibly tender, soft texture that keeps the bread wonderfully moist without feeling heavy or greasy.
• Celebrate Festive Cranberry Crunch: Tart cranberries provide delightful bursts of flavor and subtle texture contrast, making each slice a festive and exciting experience perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend breakfasts.
• Effortless Baking Delight: This recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels while delivering impressive, bakery-quality results in just over an hour.

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base for bread structure and texture, providing essential framework for the recipe.
• Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agent that helps bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tangy flavor, helping to create a tender crumb in the bread.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the breads softness and prevents dryness.
• Orange Juice: Provides bright citrus flavor and moisture to the bread.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers warm, subtle background flavor that complements other ingredients.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with caramelization.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds depth to the breads flavor profile.
• Fresh Cranberries: Bring tartness and bursts of fruity texture throughout the bread.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet glaze with a smooth, drizzleable consistency.

Easy Instructions for Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Create Zesty Sugar

In a small bowl, mix sugar with orange zest until the sugar turns a light orange color.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Oil
• Orange juice
• Eggs
• Vanilla

Blend until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gently incorporate the flour mixture and zest-sugar mix into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Add Cranberries

Carefully fold cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 9: Prepare Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice

Adjust the thickness by adding more juice if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top. Slice and serve the delicious cranberry orange bread.

Tips for Baking Cranberry Orange Bread Perfectly

• Zest with Precision: Gently rub orange zest into sugar to release maximum citrusy oils and enhance overall flavor depth.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Lightly coat fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to bottom during baking.
• Moisture Master: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to ensure smoother batter integration and consistent bread texture.
• Mixing Matters: Stop stirring the batter the moment dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid developing tough, dense bread from overmixing.
• Doneness Detection: Check bread's internal temperature with a digital thermometer; it should read 200-210°F for perfect moisture and thorough baking.

Storing and Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread

• Storage Methods
• Refrigerate the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Store at room temperature for 2 days maximum if planning to consume quickly.
• Freezing Technique
• Freeze entire loaf or individual slices by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then placing inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label the package with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Reheating Process
• Thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Bread

• Brew Citrusy Comfort: Pair this cranberry orange bread with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes complementing the bread's bright citrus flavors perfectly.
• Creamy Morning Delight: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt, which adds a cool, tangy contrast to the bread's sweet and zesty profile.
• Cheese Lover's Treat: Accompany the bread with a mild cream cheese spread or a soft brie, enhancing the bread's rich texture and citrusy undertones.
• Sip of Sunshine: Enjoy with a freshly squeezed orange juice or a light mimosa for a breakfast or brunch that celebrates citrus and fruity flavors.

Creative Variations of Cranberry Orange Bread

• Citrus Berry Blast: Swap cranberries with mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that bursts with summer freshness.
• Nutty Orange Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add delightful texture and rich, earthy undertones that complement the bright citrus notes.
• Spiced Harvest Loaf: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to transform the bread into a warm, cozy autumn-inspired treat that feels like a hug in every slice.
• Tropical Sunrise Bread: Replace orange with lemon zest and juice, then mix in shredded coconut for a light, tropical-inspired version that transports you to a sunny beach getaway.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange bread delivers a festive symphony of zesty citrus and tart berries in each delightful slice. Sweet crumbs studded with juicy cranberries promise a delectable breakfast or afternoon treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (225 grams) fresh cranberries
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) canola oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×5-inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
3. Vigorously rub orange zest into granulated sugar using your fingertips until the sugar becomes fragrant and light orange in color.
4. Whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until completely smooth and well integrated.
5. Gently fold the dry flour mixture and zested sugar into the liquid ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
6. Lightly dust fresh or frozen cranberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then delicately fold them into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula and creating a slight central ridge to promote even rising.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time; tent with aluminum foil if the surface browns too quickly, and confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick which should come out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes to stabilize its structure before carefully transferring to a wire cooling rack.
10. Prepare the optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until reaching a smooth, drizzling consistency, then generously cascade over the completely cooled bread before serving.

Notes

• Capture the essence of winter mornings with this vibrant cranberry orange bread that bursts with citrusy brightness and tangy fruit.
• Zesty orange notes dance through each tender crumb, creating a delightful balance between sweet and tart flavors.
• Buttermilk ensures an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth, making every slice feel like a warm hug.
• Cranberries provide delightful bursts of color and sharp taste that cut through the bread’s rich sweetness.
• Versatile recipe perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Quick preparation means you can enjoy homemade goodness in under 90 minutes, from mixing bowl to serving plate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg