There’s a special joy in transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular, and this Easy Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect example! Imagine stepping into your kitchen, the delightful aroma of oranges mixing with the tartness of fresh cranberries filling the air. It’s a smell that instantly brings warmth on chilly mornings or a burst of brightness during the dreary days of winter.
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a way to elevate my weekly baking routine. With just a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, plus those vibrant cranberries and zesty oranges, you can create a loaf that’s not just pleasing to the eye but also a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch or simply want a comforting slice alongside your afternoon tea, this bread fits the bill beautifully.
And let’s not forget the best part: it comes together in under 70 minutes! Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe seamlessly marries ease and flavor, ensuring everyone, from the novice baker to the seasoned chef, can also enjoy a slice of homemade goodness. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful treat!
Why You'll Love This Easy Cranberry Orange Bread
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- <p>This Easy Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly simple to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time to get you started.
- The delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges creates a flavorful experience that will brighten up any occasion.
- Its vibrant colors and glossy glaze make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at brunch or on any dessert table.
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, sure to satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its delicious taste and texture. </p>
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Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients
Get ready to bake up a storm with these simple yet essential ingredients!
For the Bread
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your bread that gives it structure.
• 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the loaf and balances the tartness of cranberries.
• 1.5 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda – A leavening agent that enhances the bread's lightness.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest – Adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor.
• 1.5 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen) – Provides a delightful tang that complements the orange nicely.
For the Wet Mixture
• 2 large eggs – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• 0.5 cup butter (melted) – Adds richness and depth of flavor to your bread.
• 0.75 cup buttermilk – Keeps the bread moist and tender; substitute with milk and vinegar if needed.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 0.33 cup orange juice (fresh) – Infuses the bread with fresh orange flavor, making it vibrant and refreshing.
For the Glaze
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a sweet, glossy glaze that adds the finishing touch to your loaf.
• 2 tablespoon orange juice – Helps to create a pourable glaze that brightens the bread's appearance.
• 0.5 teaspoon orange zest – A little extra zing that ties everything together beautifully.
With each of these ingredients, you’re just moments away from baking an Easy Cranberry Orange Bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help create the perfect baking environment. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest in a large bowl. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a perfectly risen bread.
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Toss in the cranberries and coat them lightly in the flour mixture. This prevents the cranberries from sinking to the bottom during baking, allowing each bite to be equally fruity and satisfying.
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Mix the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice in a separate bowl. Stir until combined, as this prevents any clumps and ensures a smooth batter.
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Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently by pouring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is mixed—don’t overdo it! A few lumps are okay.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and fragrant.
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Whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to set and create a delightful, shiny finish.
Optional: Sprinkle some extra cranberries on top for a beautiful presentation!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cranberry Orange Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone's included in this delicious treat.
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Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. It’ll still be delightful!
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and a heartier texture. The contrast with cranberries is simply wonderful!
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Chocolate Addition: Fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent variation that sweetens each bite and pairs perfectly with the citrus!
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Spice it Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm hint of spice, making it a perfect companion on a chilly day. This adds a cozy aroma too!
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Lemon Zest: Replace half of the orange zest with lemon zest for a fresh, tangy flavor twist that brightens the loaf even more. The citrus burst is refreshing!
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Dried Fruit: Use dried cranberries or cherries instead of fresh for a chewy texture and sweeter flavor, making each slice a little surprise.
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Zesty Glaze: Mix in some lemon juice with the glaze for a citrusy punch that adds a refreshing brightness to the sweet topping. You'll love the extra zing!
What to Serve with Easy Cranberry Orange Bread?
Imagine enjoying a slice of warm bread, accompanied by delightful pairings that elevate your dining experience.
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Creamy Butter: A slather of butter instantly enhances the bread's flavor, making each bite melt in your mouth. The richness complements the tartness perfectly.
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or green tea brings soothing notes, creating a cozy atmosphere to savor your bread. The herbal notes contrast beautifully with the bread's sweetness.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and citrus fruits brightens the palate and provides a refreshing balance to the sweet, tangy bread. The natural sweetness and acidity harmonize excellently.
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Cheese Platter: Pairing with tangy goat cheese or creamy Brie adds a savory note, transforming your loaf into a delightful brunch spread. Add some honey for an extra twist!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzling warm bread with a scoop of ice cream creates a luscious dessert that’s hard to resist. The creaminess cuts through the tartness beautifully.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: Refreshing bubble-infused drinks enhance the experience. The citrus notes echo those within the bread, creating a harmonious pairing that’s incredibly refreshing.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Cranberry Orange Bread preparations are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can mix the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest—up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also wash and chop the cranberries ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet ingredients (eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange juice) with the prepared dry mix, pour everything into a loaf pan, and bake as directed. This not only saves you time but ensures your bread is just as delightful and moist when you serve it!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Cranberry Orange Bread
Room Temperature: Allow the bread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist without making it soggy.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick warm-up!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. The Easy Cranberry Orange Bread will taste just as delicious as when it was freshly baked!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Easy Cranberry Orange Bread, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise; they can lose potency over time.
- Always toss your cranberries in the flour mixture thoroughly to keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread and prevent sinking.
- To achieve a tender crumb, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn't overbake, as oven temperatures can vary.
Easy Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for firm, bright cranberry fruits with a vibrant color. Avoid any berries with dark spots or wrinkling, as these can indicate that they're overripe or spoiled. Fresh cranberries should be shiny and plump, while frozen cranberries should also be free from ice crystals and clumps.
What is the best way to store leftover Easy 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 it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Remember to always put it back in its container to maintain that delightful moisture!
Can I freeze Easy Cranberry Orange Bread?
Yes! For best results, slice the bread into portions, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, just leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick, warm treat!
What should I do if my bread doesn't rise properly?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to old leavening agents. Always check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda; they should be less than 6 months old for optimal effectiveness. Another thing to consider is the mixing process. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread. Stir until combined, and remember—a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Is this recipe suitable for people with egg allergies?
While this recipe traditionally uses eggs, you can substitute them to accommodate egg allergies. I often recommend using unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes). This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping your Easy Cranberry Orange Bread moist and delicious!
Easy Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest in a large bowl.
- Toss in the cranberries and coat them lightly in the flour mixture.
- Mix the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice in a separate bowl.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently by pouring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 50–60 minutes.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth.
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