Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cranberry orange loaf! This delightful treat is not just a loaf; it’s a burst of sunshine and flavor in every slice! I’ve always been a fan of the sweet and tart combo that cranberries bring, and when paired with the zesty goodness of fresh oranges, it’s pure magic. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or serving it as a light dessert after dinner, this loaf is incredibly versatile. The best part? It’s so moist and flavorful that it hardly lasts a day in my kitchen! Trust me, once you make this cranberry orange loaf, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and thirds! It’s the perfect way to brighten up your day, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients List
For this mouthwatering cranberry orange loaf, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, preferably from an organic orange for extra flavor
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it really makes a difference when you’re creaming it with the sugar! And don’t skimp on the cranberries; their tartness is what makes this loaf sing!
How to Prepare the Cranberry Orange Loaf
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delightful cranberry orange loaf! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to enjoy in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the loaf bake evenly, giving you that perfect rise and golden crust. Let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes before you slide your loaf in. Trust me, your kitchen will start to smell amazing as it heats up!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk them together well—this ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed. It’s a simple step, but it’s key to achieving that lovely texture we all crave!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with your sugar mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. You want it to look pale and airy—this step helps incorporate air into your loaf, making it nice and tender!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 cup of fresh orange juice to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to this wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, gently folding it in with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want the batter to be just combined for that soft texture!
Add Cranberries and Orange Zest
Now for the star ingredients! Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. This is where the loaf gets its vibrant flavor! Use a folding technique here—just gently combine until the cranberries and zest are evenly distributed without crushing them. You want those lovely bursts of tartness in every bite!
Bake the Loaf
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step helps prevent soggy bottoms!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Loaf
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
- Moist and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every slice.
- Versatile enough to serve as a breakfast treat or a light dessert.
- Great for sharing with friends and family at brunch or holiday gatherings.
- Fresh cranberries and orange zest make it feel special and festive.
- Can be easily modified for different flavors—add nuts or swap in other fruits!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delicious cranberry orange loaf is estimated to contain around 220 calories, with 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself well!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry orange loaf turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips from my own kitchen adventures! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything blend more smoothly. Also, don’t skip the creaming process; getting that butter and sugar fluffy is crucial for a light loaf. Keep an eye on your baking time—ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. If you want a more intense orange flavor, feel free to add a bit more zest! And remember, let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid a crumbly mess!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cranberry orange loaf fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, slice a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’s like enjoying a fresh slice all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just toss them directly into the batter. They might release a bit more liquid, but your loaf will still turn out delicious!
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use apple juice or a mix of water and a bit of orange zest for a similar flavor profile. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute, and you should be golden!
Can I add nuts to the cranberry orange loaf?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a fantastic idea! Just fold them in with the cranberries for added crunch.
How do I know when the loaf is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Don’t worry if it’s slightly golden on top; that’s just perfect!
For more delicious recipes, check out this quick chicken stir fry or creamy garlic parmesan pasta!
Print
Cranberry Orange Loaf: 7 Reasons to Love This Flavorful Treat
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful cranberry orange loaf perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and orange juice to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Best served fresh but can be frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cranberry orange loaf
