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Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

4.7 from 71 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined evenly.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Add Cranberries: Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully to distribute evenly without breaking them up too much.
  6. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
  7. 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.
  8. 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