Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: cranberry orange bread! This sweet and tangy loaf is like a burst of sunshine on a chilly winter day. Every year, I whip up a batch of this delightful bread, and the smell wafting through my kitchen is just heavenly. The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange is simply irresistible. I still remember the first time I made it for a holiday gathering—everyone raved about it! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a festive gift. So, let’s get started on making this wonderful cranberry orange bread together!

Ingredients List

Before we dive into baking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious cranberry orange bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (for that extra zing!)

Make sure your cranberries are fresh for that vibrant flavor! Now, let’s get ready to mix these delightful ingredients together!

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread

Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and make this delicious cranberry orange bread! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’ll love the process as much as the end result. Here’s how we do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for that lovely golden crust!
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. It’s like a dry hug for our bread!
3. In another bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended—this is where the magic starts!
4. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir it gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or we’ll lose that tender texture.
5. Time to fold in those fresh cranberries! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, and smooth out the top. Then, pop it into the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Once it’s golden and smells amazing, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!

And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell like a dream, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying this delightful bread.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed in each slice of this cranberry orange bread! Each serving, which is about one slice, contains approximately 180 calories. You’ll also get around 6 grams of fat, with just 1 gram of that being saturated fat. It’s got about 10 grams of sugar, which gives it that sweet kick, along with 3 grams of protein. Plus, you’re looking at 30 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber. It’s a delightful treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor while still being a great addition to your diet! Enjoy it guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making this delightful cranberry orange bread? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter. They’ll work just fine!

How can I tell when the bread is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown, too!

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to a week.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter or even coconut oil if you want a different flavor. It’ll still be delicious!

Is this cranberry orange bread suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs and use a plant-based oil. It’ll still be tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully sweet and tangy flavor that brightens any meal or snack time.
• Simple ingredients that come together quickly—perfect for beginner bakers!
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes—trust me, it’s a mood booster!
• It stays moist and delicious for days, making it a great make-ahead option.
• Versatile enough to be enjoyed plain, toasted, or with butter and jam.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the orange zest—it’s a game-changer for flavor, adding that zesty brightness we all love. If you want to mix things up, try using half whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and a bit more texture. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; we want it just combined for that tender crumb. And make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking—this helps the bread rise beautifully. Lastly, let it cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this cranberry orange bread! For a festive twist, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You could also swap out the cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries if you’re in the mood for something a little different. Feeling spicy? Toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a warm, cozy flavor. And if you love a citrusy kick, add some lemon zest along with the orange zest for a bright flavor combo. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked your delicious cranberry orange bread, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh! Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. If you have leftovers (or just want to save some for later), you can freeze the bread for up to three months. Just slice it first for easy access! To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast it for a warm, delightful treat. Enjoy!

For more delicious recipes, check out these cranberry sauce muffins or banana muffins!

Cranberry Orange Bread: 7 Steps to Irresistible Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cranberry orange bread is a sweet and tangy loaf that combines fresh cranberries and zesty orange for a delightful flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before slicing.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Can be frozen for up to three months.
• Substitute cranberries with raisins for a different flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking