Cranberry Bread Recipes: 7 Irresistibly Moist Variations

November 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for cranberry bread recipes! There’s something so special about the bright, tart cranberries that perfectly complement the sweet, moist bread. I can still remember my grandma baking this delightful treat during the holidays. The aroma wafting through the house was simply irresistible, and we’d gather around the table, eagerly waiting for a slice. This cranberry bread isn’t just for special occasions, though! It’s a fantastic choice for breakfast or as a quick snack when you need something delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your routine. It’s easy to whip up and brings a little festive cheer to any day! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this scrumptious journey!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this fantastic cranberry bread! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it that lovely structure.
1 cup sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness; it balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors, trust me!
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Just a pinch of this ensures your bread has a wonderful texture.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture, making every bite melt in your mouth.
2 large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s fluffy texture.
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries provide that zing that makes this bread so special.
1/2 cup orange juice: This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions!

How to Prepare Cranberry Bread

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious cranberry bread! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. Ready? Let’s do this!

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential to ensure even baking, so don’t skip this step!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. You want it to be light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs: Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything is well combined and helps create a lovely, airy batter.
Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the orange juice and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, folding gently with a spatula to keep it fluffy. Don’t overmix; just combine until you see no more flour.
Fold in the cranberries: Now, it’s time for the star ingredient! Gently fold in the chopped fresh cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour and bake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—how satisfying is that?
Cool and slice: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The aroma is going to be heavenly, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in!

And there you have it! Your cranberry bread is ready to be enjoyed. Just wait until you take that first bite—it’s pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time! With just a little prep and bake time, you’ll have a warm loaf of cranberry goodness.
Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the fresh cranberries and orange juice, this bread is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a delightful addition to your holiday table, this cranberry bread fits right in!
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it a convenient recipe to whip up on a whim.
Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, spices, or even swap in different fruits to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
Great for Sharing: This bread makes a lovely gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Who wouldn’t love receiving a homemade loaf?

Trust me, once you make this cranberry bread, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again! It’s truly a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Success with Cranberry Bread Recipes

To make sure your cranberry bread turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tips that I swear by! These little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your baking game:

Use Fresh Cranberries: Trust me, fresh cranberries make all the difference! They add that vibrant tartness that frozen ones just can’t match. If you can, go for fresh!
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Just mix until the flour disappears, and you’ll be golden.
Add Nuts for Texture: If you love a little crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They complement the tart cranberries perfectly and add a delightful texture contrast!
Check for Doneness: Ovens can be tricky! Start checking your bread around the 60-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done! If not, give it a few more minutes.
Cool Completely: Let your bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices—plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy, warm flavor. It’s a lovely touch, especially around the holidays!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be a cranberry bread pro in no time! Happy baking!

Variations on Cranberry Bread Recipes

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with your cranberry bread! Here are some of my favorites:

Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries!
Citrus Twist: Swap out the orange juice for lemon juice or add some lemon zest for a bright, refreshing flavor. It adds a lovely zing that’s hard to resist!
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor. This is especially nice during the fall and winter months!
Mixed Berry Bread: Combine cranberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry delight. Just be sure to adjust the sugar, as different berries have varying sweetness levels.
Chocolate Chip Cranberry: Add some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist! The combination of chocolate and cranberries is simply divine.
Apple-Cranberry Fusion: Fold in some diced apples for added moisture and sweetness. This makes for a deliciously fruity loaf that’s perfect for breakfast!

Feel free to experiment with these variations or come up with your own! The beauty of cranberry bread recipes is their versatility—there’s no wrong way to make it delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked that glorious cranberry bread, you might find it hard to resist devouring the entire loaf in one sitting! But if you do have leftovers (which I hope you do, because it’s great for snacking!), here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it fresh and delicious.

First, let your cranberry bread cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important because if you store it while it’s still warm, it can become soggy. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container to lock in that moisture and flavor. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days.

If you want to keep it for longer, I recommend freezing it! Just slice the bread, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can take out just what you need without having to thaw the whole loaf. It’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy some of that heavenly cranberry bread again, reheating is a breeze! If you’re warming up a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes—this way, the crust gets nice and toasty! Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. You can even add a pat of butter on top while it’s warm for an extra indulgent treat.

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a slice of cranberry goodness ready to brighten your day!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying cranberry bread, it’s always nice to have a little insight into the nutritional content! Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice, based on typical values:

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 10g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But knowing the basics can help you enjoy your cranberry bread even more, whether you’re savoring a slice for breakfast or as a delightful snack!

FAQ About Cranberry Bread Recipes

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! However, fresh cranberries are best for that vibrant flavor and texture. If using frozen, don’t thaw them beforehand, as they can get mushy. Just toss them in frozen and you’ll be good to go!

How do I know when my cranberry bread is done baking?
Great question! Start checking your bread around the 60-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.

Can I make cranberry bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it properly in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for a couple of days.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?
There are so many options! You can fold in nuts for a crunchy texture, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. Zest from an orange or lemon can also brighten it up wonderfully!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it is! Just slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.