Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible cranberry orange bread! It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the most delightful aroma while it bakes, and trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it long before it comes out of the oven. The tartness of fresh cranberries paired with the bright, zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that’s just perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. I remember the first time I made this bread for Thanksgiving, and everyone went back for seconds! It’s become a cherished tradition in my home, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
- The vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest create a mouthwatering combination.
- It’s a wonderful addition to your holiday table, sure to impress family and friends.
- One loaf yields plenty of slices, making it great for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
- Versatile enough to serve as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
- It makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes—who could resist that?
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful cranberry orange bread! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (washed and sorted for any blemishes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (you can squeeze it yourself for the freshest flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for moistness without overpowering the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help it rise perfectly)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (a little extra lift!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for that extra zing of citrus)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature for better mixing)
With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking something truly special!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this cranberry orange bread is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready in no time. Start by preheating your oven, as this is crucial for an even bake. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and gives it that lovely golden crust we all adore. While it’s heating up, you can get everything else ready!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour. You want to set a solid foundation for your bread!
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, egg, and orange zest. This fragrant mixture is where the magic happens! It brings all that vibrant flavor into your bread. Whisk it until it’s nicely combined and smooth.
Merging Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—some lumps are totally okay! This keeps your bread light and fluffy.
Adding Cranberries and Baking
Now, fold in those beautiful fresh cranberries gently. Once they’re evenly distributed, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture—frozen ones can make the bread too mushy. Next, don’t forget to check your oven’s accuracy with an oven thermometer; a few degrees can make a big difference in baking. Also, if you want a little extra sweetness, feel free to sprinkle some sugar on top before baking for a delightful crust. Lastly, let the bread cool completely before slicing—this helps it hold together and gives you those beautiful, clean slices!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this scrumptious cranberry orange bread, it’s good to know what you’re getting! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each slice contains about 180 calories, with 6 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), 3 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 8 grams of sugar and 150 milligrams of sodium per slice. It’s a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation, especially when paired with your favorite spread!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious cranberry orange bread? I’ve got answers! First off, how should you store it? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze it for up to two months—just wrap it tightly! If you don’t have fresh cranberries, feel free to use frozen ones; just don’t thaw them first. And for serving suggestions, it’s fantastic with a smear of butter or cream cheese, or you can toast it for an extra touch of warmth. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this delightful cranberry orange bread, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! It’s super versatile, so you can serve it in a variety of delicious ways. A classic option is to slather on some creamy butter or tangy cream cheese—yum! For a brunch spread, slice it up and serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. You could even toast the slices lightly for a warm, crunchy texture; it’s like a whole new experience! Trust me, whatever way you choose to serve it, it’s bound to be a hit!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread: 5 Ways to Bask in Flavor
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cranberry orange bread combines tart cranberries and sweet orange zest for a delightful flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, egg, and orange zest.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best results.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can be served with butter or cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking
