Cranberry Orange Bread

Craving a moist and flavorful treat? Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful combination of zesty orange and tart cranberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This quick bread is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack with a warm cup of tea.

The vibrant cranberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor, while the orange zest infuses a fragrant citrusy aroma.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or drizzled with a light glaze, this homemade delight is bound to become a favorite.

Ingredients List

Creating Cranberry Orange Bread requires a few essential ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each component.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons orange juice

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure a smooth baking process, having the right kitchen tools is essential. Here are the tools you’ll need to make Cranberry Orange Bread effortlessly:

1. Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
2. Hand or Stand Mixer – Helps to cream butter and sugar to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
3. Whisk & Spatula – A whisk for blending dry ingredients and a spatula for folding in cranberries gently.
4. 9×5-inch Loaf Pan – The perfect size for baking a beautifully shaped bread.
5. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients for consistent results.
6. Zester & Citrus Juicer – Extracts fresh orange zest and juice for that burst of citrus flavor.
7. Wire Cooling Rack – Helps the bread cool evenly after baking.

Preparing the Batter

A well-prepared batter is key to a soft and moist Cranberry Orange Bread. Follow these steps to ensure the best results.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs & Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the orange juice, milk, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
2. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries using a spatula. This ensures an even distribution without crushing the berries.

Baking the Cranberry Orange Bread

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake your Cranberry Orange Bread to golden perfection. Follow these steps for the best results:

Baking Instructions

1. Pour the Batter: Transfer the prepared batter into the greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
3. Cooling the Bread: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Adding the Glaze (Optional)

A simple orange glaze can take this bread to the next level. It adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the citrus flavor.

How to Make the Glaze

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle Over the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.
3. Let It Set: Allow the glaze to set for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage

Now that your Cranberry Orange Bread is baked to perfection, let’s talk about how to serve and store it for maximum freshness.

Best Ways to Serve

• Fresh and Warm: Enjoy a slice fresh out of the oven or slightly warmed with a pat of butter.
• With a Hot Beverage: Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Short-Term Storage

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week—just warm it slightly before serving.

Freezing the Bread

• Whole Loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Sliced Bread: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever you want.
• To Reheat: Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for 15–20 seconds.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of Cranberry Orange Bread is simple and rewarding. With its perfect balance of citrus and berry flavors, soft texture, and optional glaze, this homemade bread is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday treat, a cozy breakfast, or a thoughtful gift, this recipe delivers every time.

Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and start baking your own Cranberry Orange Bread today!