Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cranberry orange bread! This delightful quick bread is bursting with the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, making it a perfect treat for any occasion, but especially during the holidays. The combination of tart and sweet is just heavenly! I can’t help but whip up a loaf (or two) every year; it’s become a family favorite. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you slice into this moist and flavorful bread, you’ll understand why it’s such a hit. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a lovely gift for friends and neighbors during the festive season. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cranberry orange bread. Trust me, having everything ready will make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread, providing the perfect texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This keeps the bread moist and adds richness.
- 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor, but store-bought works too.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: This adds a vibrant citrus kick!
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved: The star of the show—tart and juicy!
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch if you like!
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a loaf that doesn’t rise properly!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, which is essential for achieving that perfect rise. I love using a whisk for this—it’s quick and makes everything light and airy!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. The melted butter should be warm but not hot, so it doesn’t cook the other ingredients. This mixture is what gives your bread that delightful moisture and zesty flavor that makes it so special!
Combine Mixtures
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay. Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we definitely want it to be tender and fluffy. It’s all about that balance!
Add Cranberries and Nuts
Gently fold in the halved cranberries and walnuts (if you’re using them). Be careful not to squish the cranberries; we want those lovely bursts of tartness in every bite! Folding helps keep the batter light and fluffy, so take your time here.
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it! Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and that’s when you know you’re on the right track!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it firm up a bit. You can slice it warm or wait until it’s completely cooled—either way, it’s delicious! Serve it with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese for an extra special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy days.
- Moist and flavorful, with a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a thoughtful gift.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen ones can work, but they might make the bread a bit soggy. Don’t skip the orange zest—it’s what really elevates the taste! When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife; this prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to a dense loaf. Remember not to overmix your batter; a few lumps are totally okay! Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a crumbly mess. Trust me, these little tips make all the difference in creating a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The approximate values for one slice of cranberry orange bread are 180 calories, 10g of sugar, and 2g of protein. While I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, please consider these numbers as general guidelines rather than precise measurements. Enjoy this delicious treat in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. Fresh cranberries do give a better texture and flavor, though!
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
Can I add other ingredients to the bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon for a twist. Just remember to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind.
How should I store leftover cranberry orange bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. I recommend checking the brand for substitution guidelines for best results!
Cranberry Orange Bread: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry orange bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with fresh cranberries and orange zest.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries and walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread freezes well.
- Use fresh cranberries for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking
