Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that creates a moist, tender loaf perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines the zesty sweetness of orange with the tartness of fresh cranberries. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is not only simple to make, but it also boasts a variety of benefits. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

It’s incredibly moist thanks to fresh cranberries, making each slice a delight.
The zesty orange flavor brightens up your day.
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Can easily be made vegan or gluten-free!
Ideal for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
It uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.

This homemade Cranberry Orange Bread is a fantastic way to bring joy to your table.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Zest and juice your orange, measure out fresh cranberries, and have your wet ingredients ready.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the vegetable oil or melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay to keep the bread tender.
Step 4: Gently fold the cranberries into the batter, spreading them evenly without breaking the berries down.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

Keep these in mind:

Make sure your cranberries are fresh for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
For a unique twist, try adding nuts for added crunch.
This recipe can easily be adapted to be vegan Cranberry Orange Bread by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal.
This bread is also great to make in bulk and freeze for later!

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Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

Here are a few delicious serving suggestions:

Toast a slice and spread some cream cheese for a rich breakfast treat.
Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee during the afternoon.
Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This bread is also perfect as a part of your Cranberry Orange Bread for Thanksgiving feast!

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Bread

Once your Cranberry Orange Bread has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Bread?

The key to perfect Cranberry Orange Bread is to use fresh cranberries and not overmix the batter, which keeps the loaf light and fluffy.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake your Cranberry Orange Loaf a day in advance. Just be sure to wrap it well to keep it fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Bread?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, and always measure your flour correctly to prevent a dense loaf.

Variations of Cranberry Orange Bread You Can Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations:

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a Cranberry Orange Bread with Nuts.
Try incorporating spices like cinnamon to create a warm flavor profile.
For a festive touch, top your bread with a simple glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar.
Make a gluten-free Cranberry Orange Bread by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend.

Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe for You - Cranberry Orange Bread - additional detail

For more tips on baking, check out this guide on baking techniques!

For additional recipes, visit our recipe collection.

Lastly, learn about the health benefits of cranberries here.