Orange cranberry bread combines sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s the perfect treat for any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a simple and delicious loaf of orange cranberry bread that’s sure to please everyone.
Why We Love This Orange Cranberry Bread
Orange cranberry bread is more than just a treat for the senses – it’s a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and versatility that will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation. Here’s why this bread is such a beloved favorite:
Perfect balance of sweet and tart: The juicy cranberries deliver a tart burst of flavor that’s beautifully balanced by the sweet citrusy notes of fresh orange juice and zest. This unique flavor combo is a delightful twist on traditional breads, giving it a refreshing edge.
Moist and tender: Thanks to the juicy cranberries and the addition of orange juice, this bread is incredibly moist. The crumb is soft and tender, making each slice a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a holiday breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as part of a brunch spread, this bread fits any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings like butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.
Packed with nutrients: Orange cranberry bread isn’t just about the delicious flavor – it also brings a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The orange provides vitamin C, while cranberries offer antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system.
This bread truly checks all the boxes: delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – The base for your Orange Cranberry Bread, giving it structure and a soft texture. I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best results.
Sugar – Sweetens the Orange Cranberry Bread to balance out the tartness of the cranberries. You can also swap for coconut sugar or honey for a healthier option.
Baking powder – The leavening agent that helps your Orange Cranberry Bread rise and ensures it’s light and fluffy.
Baking soda – Combined with the acidity from the orange juice, baking soda provides a tender texture to your Orange Cranberry Bread.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds to the texture of your Orange Cranberry Bread. If needed, you can use a flax egg as a substitute.
Vegetable oil or melted butter – Adds moisture and richness to your Orange Cranberry Bread. Melted butter will give it a richer flavor, while vegetable oil keeps the texture lighter.
Fresh orange juice – Provides the zesty citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries, making your Orange Cranberry Bread refreshing and flavorful.
Orange zest – Adds an extra punch of orange flavor to your Orange Cranberry Bread, giving it a more vibrant citrus note.
Fresh or frozen cranberries – The star ingredient! Cranberries provide a burst of tartness and moisture, making your Orange Cranberry Bread deliciously tangy.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread
Making orange cranberry bread is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring this delicious loaf to life:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, allowing the bread to rise perfectly during baking.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil (or melted butter), orange juice, and orange zest. These wet ingredients will infuse the bread with the citrusy goodness that gives it its distinct flavor.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread. The batter should be a bit lumpy.
Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts
Fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts (if using). Gently stir them into the batter to ensure they’re evenly distributed without crushing the cranberries.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help the bread set and make it easier to slice.
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Cranberry Bread
To make sure your orange cranberry bread turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread.
Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen cranberries, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
Enhance the flavor with orange extract: If you want an extra punch of orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract along with the zest and juice.
Check the bread for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, check the bread after 60 minutes. If the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, it’s done. If not, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread set and prevents it from being too crumbly when you slice it.
Variations for Your Orange Cranberry Bread
Orange cranberry bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to suit your taste:
Spiced orange cranberry bread: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
Chocolate orange cranberry bread: Stir in some dark chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, decadent twist.
Coconut orange cranberry bread: For a tropical flair, add shredded coconut to the batter for an added texture and flavor.
Glazed orange cranberry bread: Drizzle a simple orange glaze (made with powdered sugar and orange juice) over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Cranberry Bread
This bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served in various ways to elevate your experience:
For breakfast: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Spread some butter or cream cheese on top for an extra indulgence.
As a snack: Pair a slice with a handful of nuts or fruit for a satisfying midday snack.
For a holiday gathering: Slice the bread and serve it alongside other baked goods at a holiday brunch or potluck. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes orange cranberry bread so special?
Orange cranberry bread stands out because of the unique combination of tart cranberries and sweet, fragrant orange. The result is a bread that’s refreshing, moist, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I make orange cranberry bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or an egg replacer. The bread will still turn out delicious and moist.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh. Just keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter and more concentrated, so you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.
Orange Cranberry Bread
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1.5 cups fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.