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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- In a separate container, blend orange juice, freshly grated orange zest, melted butter, and egg until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring with minimal strokes to create a cohesive batter without overworking the mixture.
- Carefully integrate chopped cranberries and optional nuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.
- 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.
- 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