Cranberry Orange Bread: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delight

Name: Cranberry Orange Bread: 7 Reasons You'll Love This Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 large egg

28 listopada, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried cranberry orange bread yet, you are in for a delightful treat! The moment you mix those tart, juicy cranberries with the sweet, zesty notes of fresh orange, it’s like a burst of sunshine in your kitchen. Trust me, the aroma that fills your home while it bakes is simply heavenly—it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

This cranberry orange bread is not just any quick bread; it’s the kind of recipe that instantly elevates your holiday baking game. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, the vibrant red of the cranberries peeking through the golden bread, and spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on top—such a cozy moment! Whether you’re bringing it to a festive gathering, gifting it to a friend, or simply enjoying it at home, this bread is sure to impress. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make this scrumptious cranberry orange bread! I promise, you’ll find these ingredients super easy to work with. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh cranberries (make sure they’re plump and juicy!)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if you can!
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon orange zest (this adds such a nice zing!)
1 large egg

That’s it! Just these simple ingredients come together to create magic. Remember, using fresh cranberries really makes a difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on that! Now, let’s get ready to bake some deliciousness!

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread

Okay, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the steps for making this scrumptious cranberry orange bread! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll love the process almost as much as the final loaf. Just follow along, and we’ll have this delightful bread in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that the bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. So, go ahead and get that oven working while we mix our ingredients!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This part is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents, which means a lighter and fluffier bread. It’s like giving your bread a nice little boost!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients! In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The smell of that orange zest is going to make your kitchen feel like a citrus paradise!

Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Time to combine our two mixtures! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it to be tender and fluffy. Just a few gentle strokes should do the trick!

Fold in Cranberries

Now for the best part—fold in those fresh, juicy cranberries! Gently stir them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up. Each bite of this bread will be bursting with cranberry goodness, and trust me, you don’t want to miss that!

Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grab your loaf pan and grease it up well with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will help the bread slide right out once it’s baked, and we definitely don’t want any deliciousness left behind! Make sure to coat the sides and bottom thoroughly.

Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, but don’t forget to check for doneness! Stick a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden. If it’s still wet, just give it a few more minutes and check again.

Cooling and Slicing

Once your bread is baked to perfection, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step helps it firm up a bit. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. I know the smell is tempting, but letting it cool will give you the best texture and flavor when you finally dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I begin? This cranberry orange bread is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick baking! First off, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. In just about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have your ingredients mixed and ready to go into the oven. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that doesn’t require hours of fussing around?

Now, let’s talk flavor. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a harmonious balance that’s simply delightful! Each slice is a perfect medley of sweet and tangy, making it a treat for the taste buds. Trust me, your family and friends will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

This bread is also perfect for the holiday season—its vibrant colors and festive flavor make it an ideal addition to any gathering. Whether it’s for a cozy brunch or as a lovely gift wrapped in a pretty ribbon, it’s sure to impress. You’ll be the star of the show with this one, no doubt about it!

And let’s not forget how versatile it is! You can enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even with a dollop of cream cheese. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this cranberry orange bread. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry orange bread turns out as fabulous as possible! I’ve got some pro tips that will help you nail this recipe every single time.

Fresh Cranberries are Key: Use fresh cranberries if you can! They pack a punch of flavor and tartness that dried cranberries just can’t compete with. Plus, their vibrant color makes your bread look gorgeous!
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements really matter. Make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with a dense loaf.
Room Temperature Ingredients: If you have time, let your egg and any other cold ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. This helps with even blending and can make for a fluffier texture!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, remember to mix until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough bread, and we want it tender and delicious.
Cool Completely: As tempting as it is to slice into your warm bread right away, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures the texture is just right and helps prevent that soggy bottom. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch, or even sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth. The possibilities are endless!
Storage Tips: Once your bread is cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or toss it in the fridge to keep it fresh for a bit longer. Just make sure to wrap it well to keep it moist!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most scrumptious cranberry orange bread! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of our delicious cranberry orange bread! While it’s always important to enjoy treats in moderation, I think it’s nice to have a general idea of what we’re working with. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutrition per slice:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 3g

Please keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing what’s in your food can help you enjoy it even more! So, go ahead and indulge guilt-free, because this cranberry orange bread is not just tasty, it’s also a treat you can feel good about sharing with your loved ones!

FAQ Section

Got questions about cranberry orange bread? No worries! I’ve got you covered with the most common queries I hear—let’s dive in!

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just fine. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to your batter. They might not be as vibrant, but they’ll still add that delicious tartness!

How should I store my cranberry orange bread?

Once your bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can pop it in the fridge for about a week. Just remember to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

You sure can! This cranberry orange bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day or two in advance, just store it properly, and enjoy it when you’re ready!

What can I substitute for orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you could use apple juice or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be yummy!

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that it’s a 1:1 substitute, as some blends may require additional ingredients like xanthan gum for proper texture.

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

The best way to test for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it, your bread is ready! If it’s wet, give it a little more time in the oven.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You could also add in other fruits like blueberries or raisins if you want to switch things up—get creative!

How should I serve cranberry orange bread?

This bread is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese. It’s also fabulous as part of a brunch spread or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee!

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help you make the best cranberry orange bread possible. Happy baking!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.