The Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is the perfect blend of tangy citrus and tart cranberries nestled in a moist, tender crumb that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This quick bread brings together simple pantry staples with a burst of fresh orange zest and juicy cranberries, creating a loaf that is as inviting for breakfast as it is ideal for an afternoon snack. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers big on flavor without any fuss, making it a beloved staple you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the moist texture, balanced sweetness, and vibrant flavor of this quick bread. With just a handful of simple items, you’ll be amazed at how they come together into something truly special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and body to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the bread for a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid in orange juice to give a perfect rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- â…“ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients and add richness.
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice: Provides fresh citrus flavor and moisture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs an aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Adds tartness and juicy bursts throughout.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans): Introduces crunch and a nutty depth.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
To start off right, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread will slide out smoothly once baked, keeping that beautiful loaf intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your bread, evenly distributing the leavening agents so the bread rises perfectly and has a consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and the fragrant orange zest until everything is well blended. The combination of eggs and oil gives richness, while the orange juice and zest infuse the bread with citrusy brightness that feels light and fresh.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a tender, fluffy bread, so a few lumps are perfectly okay. Overworking the batter could make the bread tough, and we definitely don’t want that.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
Finally, fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts if you’re using them. These mix-ins add bursts of tartness and delightful texture contrasts that make each slice interesting and satisfying. The cranberries also give the bread those beautiful red flecks that make it visually stunning.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watching your kitchen fill with the smell of orange and berries is one of the best parts of this recipe!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, which lets it set and prevents it from breaking apart. Then transfer it to a wire rack until completely cool before slicing. This step is crucial so you get nicely cut, perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the top for a shiny, sweet finish. Or sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar to make it feel extra special. Fresh orange slices on the side make a pretty and tasty accompaniment.
Side Dishes
This quick bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more decadent touch, spread some cream cheese or your favorite nut butter on top to complement the citrus and cranberry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a brunch or holiday party, slice it thick and arrange on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint. You can also toast individual slices lightly and top them with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of honey for a gourmet twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though honestly, it’s hard!), wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring the bread back to that fresh-baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and flavors, making it taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well; just make sure to roughly chop them before folding into the batter to avoid large chunks and uneven distribution.
Is it necessary to include nuts in the recipe?
Nuts are optional but highly recommended if you love a little crunch. Walnuts or pecans complement the flavors wonderfully, but feel free to leave them out if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free bread.
Can I substitute the orange juice with another citrus juice?
While orange juice is the hallmark flavor here, you can experiment with lemon or grapefruit juice. Just keep in mind that these will alter the final flavor profile, and you may want to adjust the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter, keep baking and check every 5 minutes.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?
Yes! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins—just reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes for muffins and 35-40 minutes for mini loaves.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe that makes it a go-to for so many occasions. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy morning or as a gift to brighten someone’s day, this bread delivers comforting flavors and a joyful experience every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just over an hour, this moist and flavorful loaf is enhanced with optional crunchy nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent bleeding into the batter.
- To enhance the orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange extract.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can add a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for extra sweetness and shine.
