Cranberry Orange Bread

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest. This Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with bursts of juicy cranberries and a fresh citrus flavor that brightens every bite. The bread is wonderfully moist, with a light crumb, and the tang from the cranberries paired with the citrusy orange glaze will have you coming back for more. It’s a holiday favorite, but honestly, it’s a perfect treat to make any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with the sweetness of orange makes for a flavor combination that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite!
• Moist and Tender: This bread is incredibly soft and moist, with a tender crumb that’s perfect for slicing and savoring. It’s the kind of bread that just melts in your mouth.
• Citrusy Aroma: When you bake this, the whole house smells incredible. The scent of fresh orange zest fills the air, making it feel like a cozy, special occasion every time you make it.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, this cranberry orange bread works for all occasions. It’s perfect for gifting, too!

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need for this scrumptious bread.

• Fresh Cranberries: These little jewels add the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness in the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Sugar: To sweeten up the bread and give it that perfect bakery-like taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
• Orange Zest: The key to that fresh citrus flavor—don’t skip it!
• Orange Juice: Adds even more citrus flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to round out the flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the bread tender.
• Optional: Orange Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice to drizzle over the top, taking the bread to the next level!

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s bake this delicious bread!

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to make sure the bread doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Cranberries:

If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse and dry them thoroughly. Then, coarsely chop them up so they’re more evenly distributed in the bread. You can even toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter as it bakes.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before you mix them with the wet ingredients.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and milk until smooth and well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense bread. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.

6. Pour the Batter into the Pan:

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Let It Cool:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the bread set and make it easier to slice.

8. Optional Orange Glaze:

For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together some powdered sugar and orange juice to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for an added burst of citrus flavor and a glossy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This bread is perfect just as it is, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve a slice alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s the perfect companion for a relaxing moment.
• As a Gift: Wrap a slice or a whole loaf in parchment paper and twine for a sweet, homemade gift.
• With Butter or Jam: For a little extra indulgence, spread a pat of butter or a spoonful of fruit jam on a warm slice.
• With Whipped Cream: If you want to turn it into a more decadent treat, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or even some mascarpone cheese.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: Cranberry Orange Bread actually gets better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together, so don’t hesitate to bake it a day ahead of time.
• Frozen Cranberries: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries work great too. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before using them.
• Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Freezing Tips: This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To enjoy it later, let it thaw at room temperature and enjoy as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Dried cranberries will work in a pinch, but they’re sweeter than fresh cranberries, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Q2: Can I make this bread without the glaze?
A2: Absolutely! The glaze is optional, and the bread is just as delicious without it. If you prefer a less sweet option, skip the glaze.

Q3: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A3: Yes, you can definitely add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture. Just fold them in gently when you add the cranberries.

Q4: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A4: Yes! This bread actually gets better the next day, so feel free to bake it in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

This Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re looking for something to brighten your morning or impress your guests. With its vibrant citrus flavor and burst of cranberries, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every slice!

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