Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! I’ve been making this Cranberry Orange Bread every holiday season for as long as I can remember, and let me tell you, it never fails to impress! Whether I’m whipping it up for family gatherings or gifting it to friends, this loaf is always a crowd-pleaser. You can practically see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they take their first bite of this sweet and tart delight. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your annual holiday baking rotation — it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Serve it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even as a dessert — it fits any occasion!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that you’ll crave.
- Gorgeous Presentation: Its vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it fresh or freeze it for later.
The Secret to Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread
The key to achieving the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread lies in using fresh cranberries and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the bread moist and tender. I’ve found that lightly mashing the cranberries before adding them to the batter really helps to distribute their tartness throughout the loaf. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy! I promise you, this technique is a game-changer. Plus, using a combination of both orange zest and juice adds an extra layer of that fresh, zesty flavor that makes this bread irresistible.
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“I made this Cranberry Orange Bread for my book club, and everyone raved about it! I had to share the recipe immediately!” — Sarah L.
“This is my go-to recipe for holiday gatherings. It’s always a hit, and it makes my house smell amazing!” — Jessica T.
“I’m not much of a baker, but this recipe was so easy to follow. My family loved it, and I can’t wait to make it again!” — Mark R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Bread: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Walnut Cranberry Orange Bread: Stir in chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl Cranberry Orange Bread: Add a cinnamon swirl to the batter for a warm, spicy note.
- Glazed Cranberry Orange Bread: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
Bonus: Try substituting the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different spin!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes! Frozen cranberries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
How do I store leftover bread? Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
What if my bread doesn’t rise? Ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you’re measuring accurately. Also, avoid overmixing the batter!
Storage/Serving Tips
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container.
- Serve it plain, or try it toasted with a pat of butter for a delicious treat.
Perfect Occasions for Cranberry Orange Bread
- Holiday brunches with family and friends.
- Gift-giving during the festive season.
- Potlucks and office parties.
- Cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Breakfast on Christmas morning.
- Celebrating New Year’s Day with loved ones.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for staying with me! Now, let’s get to the good part — the recipe for this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Tip: For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature and that all ingredients are measured accurately. This will ensure a perfectly risen and moist bread.
Optional Add-Ins: Consider adding 1 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a role — the flour provides structure, while the butter keeps the bread tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your bread bakes evenly from the start. While the oven heats, you can prepare your ingredients!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help your bread slide out easily once it’s baked, making for a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is important to ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping your bread rise beautifully!
Step 5: Add Eggs and Orange Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange juice and zest. This adds moisture and that delightful citrus flavor that’s signature to this Cranberry Orange Bread.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want the batter to be a little lumpy!
Step 7: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. This is where the magic happens! Their sweet-tart flavor will infuse every bite of your bread.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process ensures the bread sets perfectly and makes it easier to slice.
Nutrition Info (per slice): Approximately 180 calories, 7g fat, 26g carbs, 2g protein.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This Cranberry Orange Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition waiting to happen in your home
