Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Mixing orange zest with cranberry creates a delightful quick bread that bursts with seasonal charm.

Fragrant citrus notes dance alongside tart berry pockets in every slice.

Baking enthusiasts adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Warmth from the oven fills your kitchen with comforting aromas.

Soft crumb and bright flavors make this recipe perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Unexpected texture and balanced sweetness will have you returning for another piece.

You can’t resist the allure of this delectable treat waiting to be savored.

Orange Cranberry Bread That Shines

Orange Cranberry Bread That Shines
  • Burst with Citrusy Flavor: Zesty orange notes and tangy cranberries create a vibrant, refreshing taste that dances on your palate, making every bite a delightful sensory experience.
  • Quick Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps allow bakers of all skill levels to craft a stunning bread without complex techniques or professional training.
  • Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this bread serves multiple occasions and delights both family and guests with its inviting aroma and delectable texture.
  • Nutrient-Packed Treat: Cranberries bring powerful antioxidants and vitamin C, transforming this bread from a mere sweet indulgence into a slightly healthier baked good that supports wellness.

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A basic foundation that provides structure and texture to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and moisture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Baking Soda: Assists with leavening and helps balance the acidity of the orange juice.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the bread.
  • Orange Juice: Provides a tangy citrus flavor and moisture to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Orange Zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and bright flavor notes.
Fruit Ingredient:
  • Cranberries: Brings a tart burst of flavor and beautiful color to the bread.

How to Bake Orange Cranberry Bread

How to Bake Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Set the oven to warm up at 350F. Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter, then dust with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re well combined and look uniform.

Step 3: Craft Liquid Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Fresh egg
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vibrant orange zest

Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, golden liquid.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Tips for Orange Cranberry Bread Success

  • Use fresh, plump cranberries for the best burst of tangy flavor and vibrant color in your bread.
  • Zest the orange before juicing to maximize the citrusy essence and ensure intense orange notes throughout the loaf.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Dust chopped cranberries with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Flavor Variations to Try with Orange Cranberry Bread

  • Lemon Cranberry Bread: Replace orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy citrus flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cranberry Bread: Use flax egg instead of regular egg, replace dairy-based oil with coconut oil, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar quantity by half and incorporate natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to create a healthier alternative.

What to Enjoy Alongside Orange Cranberry Bread

  • Zesty Breakfast Companion: Slice this bread and pair with creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a bright morning meal.
  • Festive Holiday Gift: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and share as a homemade present during winter celebrations.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve thin slices alongside Earl Grey tea, creating a perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and warm beverage comfort.
  • Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice and top with vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant after-dinner treat that elevates the bread's flavors.

Storing Orange Cranberry Bread Correctly

  • Store leftover orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
  • Refrigerate the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 5-7 days to extend its shelf life.
  • Freeze individual slices or whole loaf by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen bread by warming in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-10 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them. Just fold them into the batter directly from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and maintain their texture.

  • How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Toss the chopped cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the bread during baking.

  • Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

Print
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Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade orange cranberry bread brings zesty citrus and tart cranberry notes together in one delightful quick bread. Fragrant spices and fresh ingredients combine to create a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack you’ll savor with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
  • 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour coating.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk.
  3. Create a separate mixture by whisking together the egg, orange juice, cooking oil, and freshly grated orange zest until well incorporated.
  4. Slowly introduce the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  5. Carefully incorporate the chopped cranberries into the batter, folding them in with a light touch to distribute evenly.
  6. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the surface to ensure an even distribution.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
  8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
  9. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to maintain its texture.

Notes

  • Zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith when grating orange skin for maximum citrusy flavor.
  • Chop cranberries coarsely to distribute tartness evenly throughout the bread and prevent soggy spots.
  • Dust cranberries lightly with flour before folding to prevent sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent texture in the final bread.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 207 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 161 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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