If you are searching for a delightful treat that bursts with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries, this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in a moist, tender loaf that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread offers a comforting homemade feel with every bite and brings a splash of sunshine to your baking routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that all come together to create a moist and flavorful loaf. Each ingredient plays an important role: the orange zest and juice provide fresh, zesty notes; the cranberries add bursts of tartness; and the nuts lend a satisfying crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise, making it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to provide the perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Packs intense citrus aroma and taste, elevating the entire loaf.
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses moisture and fresh orange flavor throughout the bread.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without overpowering flavors.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements orange beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the recipe, these add bursts of tart flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor for extra depth.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, so your bread doesn’t stick and comes out in one beautiful, intact loaf.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. This step mixes all your dry elements evenly, so the bread rises uniformly and the orange flavor is consistently spread throughout every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture not only provides moisture but also infuses the bread with a luscious orange-enhanced richness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine here and will help keep your loaf tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts
Carefully fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts, if using. The cranberries will add delightful pops of tartness, while nuts provide a pleasant crunch, elevating the texture and complexity of the final bread.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread looks beautiful on its own, but you can dress it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple orange glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and drizzle over the cooled bread to add a shiny finish and an extra hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of cream cheese or ricotta spread for a creamy contrast. It also complements a warm cup of coffee or tea perfectly, making it an ideal choice for your morning or afternoon snack moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and serving it as mini sandwich bases, layering cream cheese and thinly sliced turkey for a savory twist. You can also toast slices lightly and top them with butter and a spoonful of marmalade for a magical sweet-and-citrusy breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and fresh for up to three days, making it perfect if you want to enjoy it over a few days without losing its charm.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months and thawed overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, pop slices in the toaster or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and enhances the flavors, especially if you want to enjoy it slightly warm.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can swap fresh cranberries for dried ones. Just use about 1 cup of dried cranberries and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing. This helps rehydrate them, so they won’t dry out your bread.
What nuts work best in this bread?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are classic choices for this recipe. They add a nice crunch and complement the citrus and cranberry flavors perfectly, but feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This particular Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, just be mindful that texture might slightly differ.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make a few swaps to veganize this bread: use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a regular egg and substitute vegetable oil for a plant-based oil. Double-check all other ingredients comply with your needs, and your bread can be both vegan and delicious!
How long does this bread keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread stays fresh for about three days. If you want to extend its freshness, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful baking project with delicious results. The blend of bright orange and tart cranberries wrapped in a soft, moist loaf makes it an all-time favorite for gatherings, breakfast, or a cozy snack. Once you taste it, I bet this recipe will become one you reach for again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Bursting with tangy fresh cranberries, bright orange zest, and juice, combined with a tender crumb enriched with vegetable oil and a hint of vanilla. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, making it a festive and flavorful loaf ideal for holiday mornings or any time you crave a fruity, homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended for a smooth mixture.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough bread.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts: Carefully fold in the cranberries and optional nuts to evenly distribute them without breaking the berries.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- You can use dried cranberries instead of fresh—reduce the amount to 1 cup and soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using to plump them up.
- For an extra touch, add a light orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzling over the cooled bread.
