Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: cranberry bread! This moist and tangy quick bread is not just delicious; it’s the perfect way to brighten up any morning or afternoon snack. I remember the first time I baked this beauty—my kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of fresh cranberries and orange juice, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s such a delight when you take that first bite, the tartness of the cranberries perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar. Trust me, once you try this cranberry bread, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for any home cook, but it impresses like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. Plus, it makes a lovely gift for friends and family. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Cranberry Bread
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your bread to bake evenly and rise beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Now, let’s add the star of the show—those vibrant, chopped cranberries! Gently fold them into the dry mixture, making sure each piece is coated with flour. This helps them stay suspended in the bread while it bakes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. You want to blend these wet ingredients until they’re well mixed.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Here’s a pro tip: mix until just combined! Overmixing can lead to dense bread. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Next, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. It should look nice and thick—just how we like it!
- Slide that pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s still wet, don’t panic; just give it a few more minutes!
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This cooling step is so important to get that perfect slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy mornings!
- Moist and flavorful with a delightful tang from the cranberries.
- Versatile for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert.
- Easy to slice and serve; great for sharing or gifting.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry bread turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can easily swap them for blueberries or chopped apples for a different fruity twist. Also, adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans can bring a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor!
When mixing your batter, remember not to overdo it—just mix until the ingredients are combined and a few lumps remain. This keeps your bread light and fluffy. If you notice it browning too quickly in the oven, you can loosely cover the top with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Lastly, if you want to elevate the flavor, a teaspoon of orange zest in the wet mixture brightens everything up! Trust me, these little tips will take your cranberry bread from good to sensational!
Variations of Cranberry Bread
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with your cranberry bread! For a delightful crunch, consider adding a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you’re in the mood for a cozy twist, try sprinkling in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. You can also swap fresh cranberries for dried cranberries or even cherries for a sweeter profile. Feeling adventurous? A swirl of cream cheese filling in the center can add a rich, creamy surprise with each slice. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cranberry bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, I highly recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag—this way, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly for that warm, fresh-baked taste!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a slice of my cranberry bread: about 180 calories, 6g of fat, 2g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious treat guilt-free!
FAQ about Cranberry Bread
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. Frozen cranberries can work beautifully and save you some prep time!
How do I know when the bread is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cranberry bread is ready to be taken out of the oven!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake cranberry bread a day in advance. Just store it properly and it’ll taste just as fresh the next day. It’s perfect for prepping for brunch or holiday gatherings!
What can I serve with cranberry bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with cream cheese, butter, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat!
Is cranberry bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cranberry bread recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly since it uses simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and cranberries without any animal products besides the egg!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your cranberry bread turns out! Please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your experiences. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Bread: 5 Steps to a Scrumptious Delight
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry bread is a moist and tangy quick bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add chopped cranberries to the dry mixture.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread freezes well.
- For added flavor, consider adding nuts or orange zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry bread, quick bread, homemade bread
