Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for moist orange cranberry bread! It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with such a delightful aroma, you can’t help but smile. The sweet and tangy flavors make it perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even as a lovely gift wrapped in a little twine. I remember the first time I baked this bread; it was for a holiday brunch with friends. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, everyone was gathered around, eagerly waiting to taste it. The way the bright orange and tart cranberry bits pop in every slice is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat. It’s seriously that good!
Ingredients for Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
To make this delicious moist orange cranberry bread, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your bread, giving it structure.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent to help the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: These little gems add that delightful tart pop!
- 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that zesty flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: For an extra burst of citrusy freshness!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to whip up something truly special!
How to Prepare Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for creating this scrumptious moist orange cranberry bread! I promise you, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is oh-so-rewarding.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the bread rise evenly and bake just right. Nobody wants a doughy center, right?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, giving your bread that perfect lift! Now, gently fold in those gorgeous chopped cranberries and the orange zest, making sure they’re coated with the flour mix to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, and eggs. You want everything to blend nicely, so make sure the eggs are well beaten before adding them to the mix. The mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy—a sign that it’s ready to join the dry ingredients!
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now comes the fun part! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are totally fine; it’s better to under-mix than to over-mix. This keeps the bread light and fluffy!
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Grab your greased loaf pan (I like to use a bit of cooking spray or butter) and carefully pour the batter in. Make sure it’s evenly spread out, but don’t worry about making it perfect; it’ll settle while baking!
Step 6: Baking Process
Pop the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden! If there’s wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
Step 7: Cooling and Slicing
Once it’s done baking, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, this cooling step is crucial for getting those perfect slices without squishing the bread!
Tips for Success with Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
To make sure your moist orange cranberry bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I swear by! First, be gentle when mixing the batter; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Also, using fresh cranberries is key for that delightful zing, but if you’re using frozen ones, don’t forget to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture. Another pro tip is to check your baking powder for freshness; it should be bubbly when mixed with water. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for ages, it might not work as well! Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid any squished slices. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a cranberry bread superstar in no time!
Nutritional Information for Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed in each slice of this moist orange cranberry bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Each slice contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
This delightful bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a relatively light option for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Common Questions About Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
I totally get it—when you find a recipe you love, you have questions! Here are some of the most common ones I hear about moist orange cranberry bread, and I’ve got you covered.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your batter. A little tip: toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the mix; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking!
How should I store the bread?
To keep your moist orange cranberry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy a slice!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts for a different flavor and texture. You could even use applesauce in place of vegetable oil for a lighter version. Feel free to get creative, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors that you love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten any meal.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—this bread is super versatile!
- Using fresh ingredients makes each bite a burst of flavor.
- It’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers—trust me!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored or frozen for future enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions for Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this moist orange cranberry bread! I love to enjoy a slice with a slather of creamy butter for that extra richness, or you could pair it with a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a delightful twist. It also makes a fantastic addition to a breakfast spread alongside yogurt and fresh fruit. For a cozy afternoon snack, try it with a cup of hot tea or coffee—trust me, the flavors harmonize beautifully! You can even make it a base for a delicious French toast—just dip it in egg mixture and cook it up for a warm, indulgent treat!
For more delicious recipes, check out this spiced apple cider recipe or this quick chicken stir-fry recipe!
Print
Moist Orange Cranberry Bread: 5 Steps to Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist orange cranberry bread is a sweet and tangy loaf perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add chopped cranberries and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Substitute walnuts for cranberries for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: moist orange cranberry bread