Quick & Tasty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Baking this orange cranberry bread fills your kitchen with an irresistible warmth that beckons comfort and joy.

Sweet citrus notes dance alongside tart cranberry bursts, creating a symphony of flavors in every slice.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful treat that sparks memories of cozy afternoons.

Winter mornings feel magical when this bread emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Soft, moist crumbs studded with bright fruit make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to share.

Grab a cup of coffee and let’s make something delicious together!

Orange Cranberry Bread’s Unique Flavors

• Craft a One-Pan Wonder: This chicken and rice recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal without creating a mountain of dirty dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken types, add different herbs, or include vegetables to match your family's taste preferences, creating a versatile and adaptable dinner solution.
• Perfect Family Comfort Meal: Delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, providing a balanced combination of protein and grains in one comforting baking dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward steps, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients For Orange Cranberry Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and texture to the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and helps the bread rise evenly.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and adds lightness to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Orange Juice: Brings bright citrus flavor and moisture to the bread.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange aroma and concentrated citrus essence.
• Butter or Oil: Provides richness and helps keep the bread moist.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the bread.

• Fresh Cranberries, Chopped Nuts: Add texture, tartness, and extra crunch to the bread.

Baking Instructions For Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease its interior. Preheat the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Fresh orange juice
• Vibrant orange zest
• Melted butter
• Egg

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Add Fruity Crunch

• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill and Smooth

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the burst of orange and cranberry flavors!

Helpful Notes For Orange Cranberry Bread

• Prevent overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Substitute vegetable oil for butter to make the recipe dairy-free and maintain moisture.
• Chop cranberries into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the bread.
• Toast nuts before adding to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread.
• Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor in the recipe.

Variations Of Orange Cranberry Bread

• Chocolate Chip Haven: Replace cranberries with mini chocolate chips for a sweet, rich variation that kids and adults will love.
• Almond Orange Crunch: Add sliced almonds to the batter and sprinkle extra on top for a nutty, crispy texture that enhances the orange flavor.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Switch: Substitute orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest, then mix in poppy seeds for a bright, tangy bread.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Fold shredded coconut into the batter and top with a light coconut glaze for a tropical-inspired quick bread experience.

Foods To Serve With Orange Cranberry Bread

• Zesty Breakfast Companion: Slice the orange cranberry bread and serve alongside a creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey and extra orange zest for a refreshing morning meal.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut thin slices and pair with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, enhancing the citrusy notes and creating a perfect mid-day treat.
• Festive Holiday Gift: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and gift to friends and family as a homemade seasonal present that captures winter's warmth.
• Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice lightly, spread with a thin layer of cream cheese, and drizzle with orange marmalade for an elevated sweet ending to any meal.

Storage Tips For Orange Cranberry Bread

• Store the orange cranberry bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep the bread at room temperature in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 2-3 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Cut the bread into individual slices before freezing, allowing you to thaw only the amount you need, which helps preserve the bread's texture and prevents unnecessary repeated thawing.

FAQs

• What gives this bread its unique flavor?

The combination of fresh orange juice, orange zest, and tart cranberries creates a bright, tangy taste that makes this bread incredibly refreshing and flavorful.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly in the recipe without thawing. Just fold them in frozen 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 suspend them throughout the bread during baking.

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

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly to achieve the right consistency.

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty orange cranberry bread brings tangy citrus and tart berries together in a delightful quick bread. Moist crumb and bright flavors make this classic bakery-style treat perfect for morning coffee or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate container, blend orange juice, freshly grated orange zest, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring with minimal strokes to create a cohesive batter without overworking the mixture.
5. Carefully integrate chopped cranberries and optional nuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
6. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.
7. Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when bread is fully cooked.
8. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and place on a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Check cranberry freshness by ensuring they’re firm and vibrant, discarding any soft or discolored berries.
• Roughly chop cranberries to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large, tart bursts in the bread.
• Use room temperature egg and butter for smoother batter integration and better rise.
• Skip overmixing to maintain a tender, light bread texture and prevent tough, dense results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg