Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up when I’m looking for something that feels cozy yet bright—easy orange cranberry bread! The combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange is just heavenly. Seriously, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Every time I bake this bread, my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma, and I can hardly wait for it to cool before I dive in. I remember the first time I made it; my friend stopped by and I offered her a slice still warm from the oven. Her eyes lit up, and she insisted I share the recipe right then and there! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

How to Prepare Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

Alright, let’s get baking! I promise this process is super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful loaf of easy orange cranberry bread in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect rise!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together—this helps the baking powder distribute evenly.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until it’s all combined nicely. The smell of that orange juice is just divine!
4. Now, pour those wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Grab a spatula and stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are totally okay!
5. Next, gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic happens, and your bread starts to come alive!
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top if you’d like. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—rustic is charming!
7. Now, pop that beauty into the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just resist the urge to keep checking too often; let it do its thing!
8. Once it’s baked to golden perfection, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s going to be hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros!
• Quick preparation time means you can whip it up in just 15 minutes, and then it bakes while you relax.
• The delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
• It’s a versatile loaf: great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert!
• This bread stays moist and delicious for several days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
• It’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences.
• Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes—trust me, you’ll want to savor that aroma!
• It’s a great way to use up leftover cranberries, whether fresh or frozen.
• Each slice is bursting with flavor, thanks to the orange zest and juice—pure sunshine in every bite!

Tips for Success

Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy orange cranberry bread turns out perfectly every single time!

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and any other cold ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a lovely texture.
• Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and nobody wants that.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your bread is done. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden! If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
• Cool properly: After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove without falling apart.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch, or even some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, don’t hesitate to add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar. Taste is everything, and this bread can easily be tailored to your liking!
• Store wisely: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Trust me, it’ll stay moist and delicious!

Variations

One of the best things about easy orange cranberry bread is how versatile it can be! You can totally customize it to suit your taste or use up what you have in your pantry. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch! They complement the fruitiness perfectly.
• Chocolate chips: If you’re feeling a little indulgent, toss in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Sweet and tart? Yes, please!
• Dried fruits: Swap out cranberries for other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or even cherries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor!
• Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced aroma that’s just perfect for fall or winter baking.
• Apple or pear: For a twist, fold in 1 cup of diced fresh apples or pears. They add moisture and a wonderful texture to the bread.
• Coconut: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.
• Zest variations: Experiment with different citrus zests, like lemon or lime, for a unique take on the flavor. Each will brighten it up in its own special way!

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Just remember, whatever you choose to add, keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful easy orange cranberry bread. Keep in mind that these are approximate values, and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

This tasty loaf brings together sweetness and tartness without compromising on flavor, all while being relatively light. It’s a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of the day! Just remember, these values are an estimate, so feel free to adjust based on any modifications you make to the recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked this delicious easy orange cranberry bread, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store it and some tips for reheating if you want that warm, just-baked feel again.

First off, let your bread cool completely after baking. Once it’s cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store it at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure it’s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it! Just slice the bread first, so you can grab a piece whenever you want a quick snack. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

To reheat, you can slice off a piece and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can toast it lightly in a toaster or on a skillet. A little spread of butter on top while it’s warm? Oh my gosh, it’s heavenly!

So, whether you’ve got a few slices left or you’ve frozen some for later, these tips will help you enjoy your easy orange cranberry bread at its best, time and time again!

FAQ Section

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear about making this delightful easy orange cranberry bread.

Can I use a different juice instead of orange juice?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of orange juice or just don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with other fruit juices like apple or cranberry juice. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it can still be delicious!

What if my bread turns out too dry?
Oh no! If your bread is too dry, it might be that it was baked a little too long or that the ingredients weren’t measured accurately. To remedy this in the future, try adding a tablespoon of milk or additional orange juice to the batter. If it’s already baked, you can serve it with a spread like butter or cream cheese to add some moisture back in!

How can I make this bread gluten-free?
Great question! You can easily make this easy orange cranberry bread gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be tasty!

Can I make mini loaves instead of one big loaf?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just divide the batter evenly into smaller greased loaf pans, and reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use the toothpick test to check for doneness!

What should I do if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
No worries! You can use dried cranberries instead. Just chop them up a bit so they’re not too chunky in the bread. If using dried cranberries, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly since they’re often sweeter!

Can I add more orange zest for extra flavor?
Definitely! If you love that zesty orange flavor, feel free to add more orange zest. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too much can make the bread a little bitter. A tablespoon or two should do the trick!

How long does this bread stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this easy orange cranberry bread can stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option!

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Baking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you, so enjoy the process!

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread: The 7-Step Flavor Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

This easy orange cranberry bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange for a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

• This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
• For a sweeter bread, increase sugar by 1/4 cup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: easy orange cranberry bread