There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, and that’s why I absolutely adore this cranberry orange bread! Every holiday season, my family gathers around the kitchen, and this bread is always the star of the show. The moment it comes out of the oven, the aroma of citrus fills the air, making it impossible to resist a slice (or two!). I remember the first time I made it; I was so excited to share it with everyone, and the smiles on their faces just made my day! This bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a warm, cozy hug in loaf form. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip up this delightful loaf for every gathering, from brunches to festive dinners!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (washed and halved if large)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated from a fresh orange)
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful bread that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges. Make sure your cranberries are fresh for the best flavor and texture!
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread
Getting started on this cranberry orange bread is a breeze, and I promise it’s worth every minute! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your bread to bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is the dry mix that forms the base of your bread.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest until it’s all blended. Once your wet ingredients are ready, gently fold them into the dry mixture. It’s important not to overmix; just stir until there are no dry spots left. Now comes the fun part—fold in those vibrant cranberries! Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, but check it at the 50-minute mark with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the bread is ready. After baking, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix!
- Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, being gentle to keep the batter fluffy.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Baking Time: In just about an hour, you can have this delectable bread ready to enjoy!
- Delightful Flavor: The perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange makes every slice a burst of sunshine.
- Seasonal Appeal: It’s an ideal treat for the holidays, but you’ll crave it all year round!
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Trust me, once you bake this cranberry orange bread, you’ll be hooked! It’s a wonderful addition to any table and sure to impress your friends and family.
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry orange bread truly shine, I’ve got a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh cranberries for that vibrant flavor and texture—frozen ones can make the bread a bit mushy. When mixing, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that. Just stir until the dry ingredients are incorporated. And don’t skip the toothpick test; ovens can vary, so checking at 50 minutes is key to avoid overbaking. Lastly, let your bread cool completely before slicing—it makes a big difference in texture and makes the flavors pop! Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this cranberry orange bread! One of my favorites is to add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You can also swap in dried cranberries if you prefer a sweeter, chewier texture—just reduce the sugar a tad. For a zesty twist, try incorporating lemon or lime juice and zest instead of orange; it gives the bread a whole new flavor profile! And if you’re a chocolate lover, tossing in some chocolate chips will make it an irresistible treat. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge; it can last about a week this way. For those who love their bread warm, simply slice off a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also toast it for a delightful crispy texture that really brings out the flavors! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in a slice of this cranberry orange bread, you’re treating yourself to a delightful mix of flavors and nutrients! Here’s a typical breakdown of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed. Enjoy this tasty treat knowing just what you’re getting in every delicious slice!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for orange juice? If you don’t have orange juice on hand, feel free to use apple juice or even lemon juice for a different flavor profile. Just remember, lemon juice will add more tartness!
How should I store leftover bread? Keep any leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about a week.
What’s the best way to serve this bread? This bread is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread on top. It’s also delicious toasted!
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it well, and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Z nadrukami
Cranberry Orange Bread: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Loaf
- Całkowity Czas: 75 minutes
- Ustępować: 1 loaf 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delightful bread combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing.
Uwagi
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
- Store bread in an airtight container.
- This bread can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 60 minutes
- Kategoria: Baking
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Słowa kluczowe: cranberry orange bread
