Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with bright, zesty orange notes. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, offering a moist texture and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest evenly.
- Step 3: Beat the eggs lightly and add them to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to form a thick batter.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the bread is golden brown.
- Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter touch, add a glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice once the bread has cooled.
- Replace fresh cranberries with dried ones if fresh are unavailable, but reduce sugar slightly if preferred less sweet.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Storage
Store the cranberry orange bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave to enjoy warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. There’s no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the batter. This helps prevent the cranberries from bleeding into the batter too much.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
PrintCranberry Orange Bread Recipe
A moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Bread featuring fresh cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack. This quick bread is easy to make and bakes to a golden perfection with a tender crumb and a hint of citrus.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined evenly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs then add melted butter, buttermilk, and orange zest, stirring well to combine all the wet ingredients.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Cranberries: Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully to distribute evenly without breaking them up too much.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Fresh cranberries work best; if using frozen, do not thaw before adding to batter to prevent discoloring.
- Orange zest adds a fresh citrus aroma; you can adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- For extra moisture, try replacing buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, citrus bread, holiday bread, breakfast bread, moist bread
