Irresistible Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe to Delight You

There’s something truly magical about the combination of orange and cranberry, particularly when it comes to baking. The zesty sweetness of oranges dances with the tartness of cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite of orange cranberry bread. Picture a warm loaf emerging from the oven, its citrusy aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around for a slice.

I first baked this delightful bread during one particularly chaotic holiday season. My family was bouncing off the walls with excitement, and I thought, why not channel that energy into something delicious? This bread became an instant hit during our festive gatherings, and now it’s a staple that brings back fond memories every time I whip up a batch.

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when they took their first bite of this bread at our family brunch. Their reaction made it all worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality flour for the best texture; it provides the perfect base for your bread.

• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste if you prefer less sugary bread.

• Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for that tart burst; frozen ones will work too but may alter texture slightly.

• Fresh Oranges: Zest them for more flavor and use the juice for moisture; organic oranges are often tastier.

• Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh so your bread rises nicely; old baking powder could ruin your loaf.

• Eggs: They provide structure and richness; I recommend using large eggs for consistency.

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness better.

• Milk: Whole milk gives a nice moisture level; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if needed.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all those lovely flavors; try using pure vanilla extract for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter. This will ensure your beautiful bread slides right out after baking without any awkward wrestling matches.

Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. The mixture should look light and fluffy like a cloud on a sunny day.

Mashing Cranberries and Oranges: In another bowl, mash cranberries lightly with a fork. Add orange zest and juice to this mix—it’s like sunshine meeting tartness in perfect harmony!

Combining Wet Ingredients: In yet another bowl (yes, we’re dirtying dishes like pros), whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well blended. You want this mixture creamy but not overly frothy—no one wants bubbles in their bread!

The Grand Mixing Ceremony: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while folding gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! You want to maintain that airy texture that will make your bread rise beautifully.

Add in Cranberry-Orange Mixture: Gently fold in your cranberry-orange mixture into the batter until evenly distributed. You’ll start smelling those amazing aromas already—just wait till it bakes!

Baking Time!: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell will be absolutely irresistible by now!

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice when ready and enjoy!

This orange cranberry bread will become your new go-to recipe for any occasion—you know what they say: once you go zesty-crazy with cranberries, you never go back!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then blend wet ingredients separately before combining them, ensuring perfect texture and flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for an indulgent twist. You can also experiment with different citrus zest for varied flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store your orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.

Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet smell of citrus. She always encouraged me to bake with love, making every loaf special.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in my orange cranberry bread?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just add them straight from the freezer without thawing.

How can I make my bread less sweet?

Reduce the sugar by half and increase the orange zest for more flavor without extra sweetness.

What should I serve with my orange cranberry bread?

Cream cheese or butter pairs wonderfully, enhancing the flavors while adding creaminess to each bite.