Cranberry Orange Bread is a beloved recipe that brings together the tangy freshness of cranberries and the zesty aroma of oranges. Baked to perfection, this bread adds a burst of flavor that can elevate your breakfast, afternoon snack, or even your festive gatherings. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious homemade treat, this unique bread recipe is just the ticket.
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
One of the reasons this Cranberry Orange Bread is so popular lies in its wholesome ingredients and delightful balance of flavors. The tartness of the cranberries meshes beautifully with the sweet and citrusy kick of oranges, creating a harmonious combination that is both refreshing and satisfying. As you bake, your kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that makes it hard to resist sampling a slice right out of the oven.
Moreover, this recipe offers versatility. Not only is it a great standalone bread, but it can also be paired with various toppings for a more indulgent experience. Whether spread with a bit of butter, slathered with cream cheese, or drizzled with the optional orange glaze, every bite is simply divine. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
To make your own Cranberry Orange Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Zest from 2 large oranges
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, halved
For the optional orange glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
These ingredients combine to create an imaginative and flavorful bread that everyone will adore.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Making Cranberry Orange Bread is a simple process, but the results are impressive.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is a crucial step to ensure that your bread rises and bakes evenly.
Prepare the Loaf Pans: Spray two 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set them aside for later.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Stir these together well, allowing the sugar to capture the fragrant oils from the zest. Following this, mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable or canola oil, lightly beaten eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients are blended smoothly.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread.
Fold in Cranberries: Delicately fold in the halved cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 75 minutes for the regular-sized loaves or 35 to 45 minutes for mini loaves. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, feel free to cover them with aluminum foil.
Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the loaves cool for about 10 minutes. Afterward, loosen the sides and gently remove the loaves from the pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Optional Glaze: If you’re opting for the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest together in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled loaves for an extra touch of sweetness.
And just like that, you’ve created a deliciously vibrant Cranberry Orange Bread that is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread
This bread can be served in a plethora of delightful ways. For a simple treat, slice the bread and enjoy it on its own. If you love a touch of indulgence, consider spreading a pat of butter or cream cheese on each slice. The creaminess complements the tangy cranberries, creating a rich mouthful.
For a bright breakfast option, serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The combination makes for a perfect start to your day. At gatherings, cut the bread into thinner slices for an attractive addition to your brunch table or dessert platter. You can also invite friends over for a tasting session—everyone will appreciate the chance to sample this delightful creation.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Orange Bread
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Bread turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. They should be vibrant and firm. If cranberries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, though you might want to reduce the sugar slightly as dried fruit is often sweeter.
Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before using them. This will help them combine better with the other ingredients.
Do Not Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, stir just until moistened. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and tender bread.
Experiment with Flavor: If you fancy flavor experiments, consider adding chopped nuts or citrus extracts. Walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch, while a splash of almond extract can add an additional flavor layer.
Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so always check your bread towards the end of the suggested baking time. If you’re making mini loaves or adjusting for altitude, keep an eye on how long they take to bake.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread
To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay good for up to a week. Alternatively, if you want to prolong its lifespan, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. If stored correctly, they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Bread
While the classic version of Cranberry Orange Bread is incredible on its own, experimenting with flavors can yield some exciting variations. Here are a few ideas:
Nutty Addition: Incorporate 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into your batter. The added crunch will provide a delightful texture and extra flavor.
Chocolate Delight: For chocolate lovers, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the cranberries. The sweet chocolate contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Spiced Twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note that creates a cozy ambiance, especially during the fall and winter months.
Lemon Variation: For a twist, replace some of the orange juice with lemon juice and add lemon zest. This creates a refreshing lemon-berry bread that’s delicious.
Each variation will give you a new treat to enjoy and share, keeping this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.
FAQ about Cranberry Orange Bread
What makes Cranberry Orange Bread moist?
The buttermilk and vegetable oil are the key components that help keep this bread moist and tender.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
How can I enhance the orange flavor in my bread?
For an intense orange flavor, use double the amount of zest and consider adding a bit more orange juice.
Is this bread suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Cranberry Orange Bread makes an exceptional gift, especially around the holidays. Wrap it nicely in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful touch.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Zest from 2 large oranges
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cranberries halved
- 1½ cups powdered sugar for optional glaze
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice for optional glaze
- 1½ teaspoons orange zest for optional glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 9×5 loaf pans by spraying them with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and orange zest, mixing well.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the halved cranberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
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