There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty oranges in my cranberry orange bread. The moment you slice into it, you’re greeted with a burst of color and fragrance that makes you feel like you’re walking through a sunlit orchard! I remember the first time I made this bread; I was having a cozy brunch with friends, and the aroma wafted through the house, making everyone eager to dive in. Trust me, the contrast of the sweet orange juice and the slightly tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a lovely dessert, this cranberry orange bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s truly become a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to whip up your cranberry orange bread. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it structure and fluffiness.
- 1 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness, balancing the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise, giving it a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavors in the bread.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: These provide that burst of tartness—make sure to chop them roughly for even distribution!
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best! It infuses the bread with vibrant citrus flavor.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Don’t skip this! It really amps up the orange flavor.
How to Prepare cranberry orange bread
Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making that scrumptious cranberry orange bread! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. Ready? Let’s get baking!
- Preheat your oven: First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect rise on your bread.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the cranberries: Next, toss in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. I like to fold them in gently so they don’t break apart too much. You want those juicy bites throughout your bread!
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs until well combined. The orange juice will brighten up your batter, trust me!
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine; this will keep your bread nice and tender.
- Prepare the loaf pan: Grease a loaf pan with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. You could also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end; it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
- Cool: Once it’s baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This is the hardest part—waiting to taste it!
And voilà! You’ve just made a delightful cranberry orange bread that’s sure to impress everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Delightful balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange flavor.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert.
- Fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while baking.
- Great for sharing with family and friends—everyone loves it!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This keeps your bread from getting too dense.
Also, don’t skip the toothpick test! When you think it’s done baking, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Lastly, let your bread cool completely before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices. And if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them for future enjoyment!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up your cranberry orange bread while keeping that delicious base flavor intact! One of my favorites is adding nuts—toasted walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and richness. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts along with the cranberries for an extra layer of texture.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, don’t worry! You can easily substitute dried cranberries. Just chop them a bit if they’re large, and consider reducing the sugar slightly since dried fruit tends to be sweeter.
Want to spice things up? Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy, aromatic touch. You could even experiment with a bit of ginger for a little zing! Each variation brings its own charm to this already delightful bread, so get creative and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into that delicious slice of cranberry orange bread, let’s chat about the nutrition! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands, so these numbers are just a ballpark. Typically, one slice of this scrumptious bread contains around 210 calories, with 10g of sugar, 7g of fat, and 3g of protein. It’s a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed in moderation. So go ahead, indulge a little—your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked your delightful cranberry orange bread, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! This bread is perfect on its own, but I love to serve it warm with a pat of butter on top—it melts beautifully and adds that extra richness. If you’re feeling fancy, try it with a dollop of cream cheese or even some orange marmalade for a zesty twist!
For a cozy breakfast or brunch, pair it with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The bright flavors of the bread complement the warmth of your drink perfectly. And trust me, it’s also fantastic as a midday snack with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious cranberry orange bread, it’s essential to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty! Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before wrapping it up. I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then pop it in the freezer. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, there’s no need to defrost it completely. Just take out what you need and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up. It’s like enjoying a piece of freshly baked bread again! Just remember, the microwave can sometimes make it a bit chewy, so if you have the time, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes can restore that lovely texture. Happy munching!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before chopping and adding them to your batter. They’ll work just as well as fresh cranberries!
How do I know when my cranberry orange bread is done? A great way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
What’s the best way to slice cranberry orange bread? For the cleanest slices, use a serrated knife and let the bread cool completely. This helps prevent squishing and keeps your slices looking perfect!
Can I add other fruits or nuts? Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even mix in other fruits like blueberries for a fun twist on this cranberry orange bread.
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread: 7 Irresistible Flavor Tips
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious bread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cranberries and orange zest to the dry mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk orange juice, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served fresh but can be frozen.
- Can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread
