Cranberry orange bread is a soft, moist loaf packed with sweet orange flavor and fresh tart cranberries. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday treat. You’ll enjoy the mix of citrus and fruit in every bite, topped with a sweet orange glaze that brings it all together.
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
You’ll love how easy it is to make this cranberry orange bread. There’s no need for special tools or baking skills. It comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients, and once it’s in the oven, the scent fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.
The flavor is something truly special. The orange brings a bright, sunny taste while the cranberries offer a tart contrast that balances the sweetness. When it’s finished with the homemade orange glaze, every bite becomes a little burst of joy. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a homemade gift.
This version is made with plant-based ingredients and is completely dairy-free. You also have the option to make it gluten-free or oil-free if needed. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or not, you’ll find this bread soft, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients about Cranberry Orange Bread
This cranberry orange bread uses simple ingredients that work together to give you that moist, tender texture and rich flavor. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh fruit, a few dry ingredients, and pantry basics. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Bread:
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 5 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup soy milk (or your choice of plant-based milk)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
These ingredients are easy to find, and you may already have most of them at home. The cranberries can be fresh or frozen, and you can choose your favorite plant-based milk.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Directions
Making cranberry orange bread at home is simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a loaf that’s both tasty and beautiful. You’ll start by mixing a few wet ingredients and then adding the dry ones. The cranberries go in last, and after baking, you’ll top everything with a citrusy glaze.
Start by preparing your loaf pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease the inside of your pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. This is your egg replacement, and it will thicken as it sits for a few minutes. While that thickens, move on to the next step.
In a large mixing bowl, add your sugar, soy milk, orange zest, fresh orange juice, oil, flax “eggs,” and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to combine everything well. This is your wet mixture, and it should look smooth once everything is mixed.
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Add in your flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dry ingredients are just mixed in. Don’t overmix, or your bread could become tough or rubbery.
If you’re using frozen cranberries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour first. This keeps the berries from bleeding into the batter and turning it pink. Gently fold the cranberries into the batter, trying not to crush them.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Once it’s done baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a few more drops of orange juice.
Once the bread is fully cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your homemade cranberry orange bread.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread
You can serve cranberry orange bread in many different ways depending on the occasion. For breakfast, slice a piece and enjoy it warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It makes a great alternative to muffins or toast.
For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit, plant-based yogurt, or a light salad. It brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your table that guests will appreciate. You can even toast a slice and spread a little dairy-free butter or cream cheese on top for extra richness.
As a dessert, this bread stands on its own. The sweet orange glaze makes it special enough to serve after a meal. It’s a great choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want something homemade to share.
You can also wrap slices in parchment and tie them with string to give as gifts. The bright flavors and beautiful look make this bread a thoughtful homemade treat.
Expert Tips: Cranberry Orange Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter: This is one of the most important tips. Stir just until everything is combined. Too much mixing can make your bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use fresh orange zest: Don’t skip the zest—it gives the bread a strong, natural citrus flavor that orange juice alone can’t match.
- Toss frozen cranberries in flour: This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf and keeps the batter from turning pink.
- Let it cool completely: If you try to glaze the bread while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and slide off. Wait until the bread is completely cool.
- Make it your own: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture. You can even throw in a few dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
These tips will help you get the best results every time you bake this bread. Small steps can make a big difference in how your final loaf turns out.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread
Storing your cranberry orange bread properly keeps it fresh and tasty for days. Once it has completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s better to store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to five days.
For longer storage, slice the bread and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw a slice at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave or toaster.
Variation of Cranberry Orange Bread
There are many ways to adjust this recipe and still get a delicious result. If you want something a little different, here are a few ideas:
- Nutty version: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking. They bring a great crunch and pair well with cranberries.
- Chocolate twist: Mix in 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips. The chocolate works surprisingly well with orange and cranberry for a richer, sweeter loaf.
- Citrus swap: Use lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a bright lemon cranberry version.
- Mini loaves or muffins: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for individual portions. Reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes if using smaller pans.
You can also make this bread without oil by replacing it with applesauce. This makes the bread slightly more moist and reduces the fat content. Just be aware the texture may change slightly.
FAQ about Cranberry Orange Bread
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up before adding to the batter. This keeps them from drying out your bread.
What’s the best type of orange to use?
Any fresh orange works, but navel oranges are a great choice because they are juicy and easy to zest.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon to help the bread hold together.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
It’s likely due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The glaze adds extra sweetness and citrus flavor, but the bread is still delicious on its own if you prefer something lighter.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 5 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup soy milk or other plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup canola oil or other neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice for glaze
- Zest of 1/2 orange optional
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed and water for the flax ‘eggs’ and let it thicken for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, soy milk, orange zest, orange juice, oil, flax ‘eggs,’ and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just mixed.
- If using frozen cranberries, toss them with a tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Once the bread is cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top. Let it set before slicing.